[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! (21–30)
The Last Holy NightSugiyama Kiyotaka
This is Kiyotaka Sugiyama’s “Saigo no HOLY NIGHT,” released in 1986.
From the intro, you can strongly feel that quintessential ’80s vibe.
Back then, it was used in many commercials.
With its refreshing, soaring vocals, it’s a song that slips right in.
It’s a slightly mature and wistful love song—a Christmas song.
12th Street CarolTanimura Shinji
The word “carol” might not be very familiar in Japan, but it refers to hymns sung on Christmas Eve.
Shinji Tanimura’s “12th Avenue Carol,” released in 1985, is also one of the popular Christmas songs from the 1980s.
Its poignant lyrics about parting and its melancholy melody make it a perfect song for spending Christmas alone.
Christmas Once MoreŌe Senri
Senri Oe, who made his debut as a singer while in college and was hugely popular in the 1980s as a singer-songwriter.
The Christmas song included on his third album, “Miseinen,” released in 1985, is “Mou Ichido X’mas” (One More Christmas).
Set to an up-tempo, rock-style melody, it portrays a couple bound by deep love, even if they sometimes quarrel.
Blue Christmas of SorrowZa Kingutonzu
Last year you were here, but this year you’re gone… It’s a Christmas song that sings of that bittersweet feeling.
It’s by The King Tones, the music group known for hits like “Good Night Baby,” and it was included as the B-side to their 18th single released in 1980, “Namida no Chapel” (Tears of the Chapel).
It has a doo-wop finish in terms of genre, with a very relaxed rhythm that leaves a strong impression.
It feels as if the protagonist’s emotions spill out from each and every word of the lyrics.
Please savor with your ears the nostalgic yet classic sound and the beautiful choral work.
Checkers’ ChristmasChekkāzu
This is a Christmas song by The Checkers, a rock band from Fukuoka Prefecture.
The sound of sleigh bells ringing throughout evokes an image of snow falling over the town.
It has been said that the song was composed with John Lennon’s “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” in mind, and its similarly relaxed atmosphere conveys a sense of warmth.
Though it’s a gentle ballad, it carries a happy vibe that brings to mind someone smiling as they wish for their loved one’s happiness.
Merry Christmas to youOda Kazumasa
This is Kazumasa Oda’s fourth single, released in 1989.
At the time, it was used as the theme song for Dai-ichi Life’s “Passport 21” commercial, in which Oda himself appeared, and it aired only for two days over Christmas.
The sound has a mood that evokes scenes of relaxing in a room with a fireplace.
It captures a poignant feeling: frustration with not being able to be honest, yet wishing your feelings would reach the other person.
It’s the kind of song you find yourself wanting to listen to in those moments when you think of someone special on that once-a-year special day.
Christmas NightOkamura Takako
Released in December 1988, this was Takako Okamura’s first Christmas song.
While centered on heartbreak, it beautifully captures the bittersweet atmosphere of the season.
The lyrics vividly conjure images of walking alone through a snowy town and looking up at the sky.
Okamura’s clear, translucent voice brings a touch of warmth to a cold winter night.
As a single cut from the album “SOLEIL,” it may be familiar to longtime fans.
It’s a song I recommend to those spending Christmas alone or thinking of someone special.