[80s Japanese Music] Popular Christmas songs: from hit tracks to hidden gems!
As the Christmas season approaches, even those who aren’t particularly into the holiday find themselves unconsciously humming timeless Christmas songs.
Japan’s 1980s music scene—an era that produced countless hits and classics in the nation’s musical history—gave rise to many Christmas songs that are still sung today.
In this article, we’re spotlighting those iconic Christmas tunes born in the ’80s, presenting a diverse lineup that ranges from chart-toppers everyone has heard at least once to hidden gems.
It’s also recommended for anyone who wants to learn more about 1980s kayōkyoku, which in recent years has been drawing keen attention from younger music fans.
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[80s J-Pop] Popular Christmas Songs: From Big Hits to Hidden Gems! (91–100)
X’ mas in the BlueYamamoto Emi
When you hear the name “Hidemi Yamamoto,” did you imagine a woman? He’s actually a male singer who had hits in the ’80s.
This song, “X’mas in the Blue,” was released in 1987 as his third single.
It features that distinctly ’80s straight 8-beat, and his gentle vocals evoke the era—listening again brings back memories from those days.
It’s not just for couples; if you listen with your spouse or family, it might spark some lively conversation.
Highly recommended.
Christmas weddingSugi Masamichi & The Dreamers
Among the many Christmas songs, the 1980s produced masterpieces with a special presence.
One of the most beloved across generations of music fans is “Christmas no Wedding” (“Christmas Wedding”).
The song was released in 1989 by Masamichi Sugi and The Dreamers.
Its sweet vocals make it feel as if the tender whispers of lovers at Christmastime have been set to music.
Whether you listen alone or with someone special, it’s a track you can truly enjoy from the heart.
If you want to experience the charm of 80s Japanese pop, be sure to enjoy “Christmas no Wedding,” a song that conveys the warmth of that era!
I Wish It Could Be Christmas EverydaySuzuki Saeko
There are countless songs themed around Christmas, but Saeko Suzuki’s piece is a gem that lets you fully savor the scent of ’80s synth-pop.
Included on her debut album “I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday,” released in July 1983, the track was produced by Keiichi Suzuki of Moonriders.
It captures the magical atmosphere of Christmas with a distinctive synthesizer sound, and together with her gentle vocals, it creates a pleasing listening experience.
The lyrics weave in not only festive joy but also complex emotions like loneliness and wistfulness, making it a Christmas song that adults can truly appreciate.
Blue ChristmasIijima Mari
This song seeps into the heart with Mari Iijima’s warm vocals and a melody that captures the poignancy of a winter night.
Centered on heartbreak and loneliness, it depicts memories of a past romance and lingering attachment, beautifully conveying the solitude felt during the special Christmas season.
Released in November 1988, the piece was written and composed by Iijima herself, with arrangements by an American producer.
Its simple, melancholic arrangement and ballad-like style perfectly evoke the atmosphere of a winter evening.
It’s a track you’ll want to listen to on a quiet Christmas night while thinking of someone dear.
Santa is coming to TokyoPāru Kyōdai
The Pearl Brothers began their activities in the early 1980s and were a popular unit known for their unique sound that incorporated rock and techno.
Featured on their 1987 Christmas-themed release Pearl & Snow is this track, Santa ga Tokyo ni Yattekuru (Santa Is Coming to Tokyo).
It straightforwardly conveys the excitement everyone feels at Christmas and can be considered a hidden gem among Japanese Christmas songs.
Our Jingle BellsHarada Tomoyo
Tomoyo Harada’s Christmas song “Our Jingle Bells,” a classic from her heyday in the ’80s, showcases her gentle vocals and love of music.
Her soft singing reflects her personality as a fan of Swedish music, making it perfect for the winter season.
The bittersweet story of lovers who, after a fateful meeting and a joyful Christmas together, end up parting ways before the next Christmas tugs at the heartstrings.
Whether you want to spend a happy Christmas with your partner or have had painful experiences during the holidays, it’s a song anyone can relate to.
A Lonely Christmas SongOzaki Ami
When discussing Japanese Christmas songs, one cannot overlook “Hitoribocchi no Christmas Song,” released in 1983 and created by Ami Ozaki.
Handling the lyrics, composition, and arrangement herself, Ozaki crafted a piece whose deeply resonant melody and distinctive world-building captivated listeners and colored the Japanese music scene of the 1980s.
Her delicate expressiveness and moving melodies offer a comforting experience—whether you spend Christmas alone or with others—and will appeal to first-time listeners across generations.