[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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Japanese Pop of the ’80s: Popular Christmas Songs — From Big Hits to Hidden Gems (’81–’90)
Merry ChristmasItō Chieri
She sang songs, appeared in dramas, and was a regular on sketch comedy shows like “Shimura Ken no Daijoubu Da” and “Kato-chan Ken-chan Gokigen TV,” establishing herself for a time in what we’d now call a “varadol” (variety-show idol) position.
She debuted around the same time as Noriko Sakai and Risa Tachibana—so nostalgic! I think many people loved this song, “Merry Christmas.” The lyrics, which feel like “putting together Christmas songs on a cassette tape for a drive,” bring back memories of the bright Showa era.
It still sounds fresh even today.
Merry ChristmasMinamino Yoko
A lovely, idol-style Christmas song included on her sixth original album, SNOWFLAKES.
Since SNOWFLAKES is a concept album themed around Christmas, you can even play the whole record as party background music.
As an aside, the record jacket featuring Yoko Minamino in a white duffle coat is absolutely adorable.
The socially conscious lyrics—“There are so many children around the world in sad circumstances; may the blessings of Christmas reach them just the same”—really make you think.
A must-listen not only for idol fans.
Dance To ChristmasOsawa Yoshiyuki with Various Artists
When it comes to Christmas songs, we tend to imagine wistful ballads, don’t we? But there are also pop songs you can sing and dance to together.
That’s what “Dance To Christmas” is.
You can feel the fun vibe just from the title, right? This track is also known for featuring a number of stars, including Masayuki Suzuki, Kyoko, GWINKO, and the Bubblegum Brothers.
It’s arranged so that this star-studded lineup performs in chorus.
Be sure to sing along!
I want to have it ready by Christmas.Ozawa Natsuki
It’s the kind of song that makes you want to hum along as soon as you sense Christmas in the air.
Released in October 1987 as Natsuki Ozawa’s third single, this work is a classic of ’80s idol pop created by the popular lyricist Yasushi Akimoto and composer/arranger Koji Makaino.
Its catchy melody and synth-driven sound capture the Christmas atmosphere perfectly.
The lyrics convey a girl’s bittersweet wish to reunite with her lover and share her feelings by Christmas, reflecting the characteristically modest view of romance in the ’80s.
It’s a recommended track not only for idol fans but also for anyone interested in music from that era.
The Last Merry ChristmasSugi Mari
A bittersweet yet beautiful ballad about thinking of a former lover on Christmas night.
It’s striking how the phrase “Merry Christmas” is used as a farewell.
Released in November 1986 as Mari Sugi’s 13th single, it was later included on the Christmas compilation album Winter Lounge.
Written, composed, and arranged by Mari Sugi, the song is a hallmark of the “Pop’n Roll” genre, where pop and rock blend seamlessly.
Its arrangement, making skillful use of synthesizers and guitars, is especially appealing.
It’s a song that gently supports those spending the festive season alone, so why not give it a listen on a night when you can’t be with someone special?