[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 in the ’80s] Popular Christmas Songs: From Big Hits to Hidden Gems! (31–40)
Holy Night for LoversIshikawa Yuko
This 1988 release, “Koibito-tachi no Seiya” (Holy Night of Lovers)—am I the only one who feels that the ’80s sound doesn’t feel dated and still holds up today? Yuko Ishikawa’s clear, crystalline voice delivers the lyrics in a straightforward, heartrending way, and there are plenty of songs today with similarly direct, bittersweet lyrics.
Rather than something to listen to as a couple, this feels like a song for an adult to enjoy alone, sinking into old memories and recalling past love.
It’s perfect for that kind of situation.
Highly recommended.
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOUKobayashi Akiko, Nagai Mariko, Remi, Karashima Midori
The title track included on the 1989 Christmas song compilation album “MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU.” This song is performed by four of the album’s participating artists—Akiko Kobayashi, Mariko Nagai, Remi, and Midori Karashima—singing together.
Over a gentle accompaniment, their beautiful voices blend into a splendid harmony, giving the song a sparkling, quintessentially Christmas-like beauty.
Many of you may have listened to this album frequently back then, don’t you think?
WHITE SUNDAYRebekka
This is a ballad included on Rebecca’s fifth album, TIME, released in 1986.
There are many ways to spend Christmas, but this song depicts a scene that is neither having fun with a lover or family nor spending the night alone in loneliness; instead, it portrays “time quietly flowing for two people in love.” It might be nice to spend Christmas listening to a song like this once in a while.
Someday Somewherechūrippu
It’s a bittersweet Christmas song that captures my feelings as I encourage “you,” who’ve just had your heart broken—even though it’s Christmas.
The track is by Tulip, a pioneering band in the New Music genre, and it’s included on their tenth album, released in 1979, which shares the same title as the song.
The gentle melody pairs beautifully with the clear, soaring vocals—an absolutely delightful listen.
And the guitar solo is cool and tastefully restrained! It’s a classic that I especially want the younger generation today to hear.
Pearl-White EveMatsuda Seiko
When it comes to top idols representing the 1980s, Seiko Matsuda immediately comes to mind.
This is a Christmas song from Seiko-chan.
With lyrics by Takashi Matsumoto and music by Senri Oe—both big names—Seiko-chan delivers it with a sweet, heartrending voice.
Although it was released after she got married, it perfectly matches Seiko-chan’s pure image.
[1980s Japanese Music] Popular Christmas Songs: From Hits to Hidden Gems! (41–50)
A Lonely Christmas SongSakakibara Ikue
It’s a Christmas song that soaks in with the chill and loneliness of the big city.
Ikue Sakakibara’s clear, translucent voice gently enfolds the heart on a bittersweet night spent alone.
Ami Ozaki’s lyrics weave feelings for a lover who left for the city, evoking lost promises and a nostalgic longing for a forgotten hometown.
The beautiful strings further accentuate the sense of solitude.
It’s a winter classic for adults—one that comforts those spending Christmas reminiscing about a former lover, or those weary of the city’s clamor.
Merry Xmas to youOda Kazumasa
This is a classic Christmas song that represents the 1980s, with Kazumasa Oda’s gentle voice and melody resonating in the heart! Released in December 1989 as his fourth single, it was produced as a commercial song for Dai-ichi Life.
Accompanied by striking footage of Oda running across the Brooklyn Bridge in New York, it was reportedly aired for only two days.
The lyrics, which balance poignancy and warmth, express the loneliness of not being able to be with a loved one while conveying a heartfelt Merry Xmas—capturing a complex emotional state.
In 1995, it was released with a new arrangement, with live bass and drums adding even more warmth to the track.
It’s the perfect song to listen to on Christmas Eve, filled with feelings for someone special.