[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)
Full of ChristmasKudō Shizuka
After her group activities with Onyanko Club and Ushirogami Hikaretai, Shizuka Kudo made her solo debut with this Christmas song.
It’s a track where her singing still retains an innocent quality before her signature “Shizuka-bushi” style became prominent, and she went on to release many hit songs afterward.
She later married Kimutaku (Takuya Kimura), held solo art exhibitions, and has been active across a wide range of fields.
Third ChristmasSHOW-YA
Included on the 1987 album “IMMIGRATION.” With lyrics by Yasushi Akimoto and music by Kyohei Tsutsumi, it’s a lavishly crafted number.
It showcases a different side of SHOW-YA, who were pioneers of the ’80s band boom and female rock bands.
The intro, reminiscent of “Last Christmas,” conjures a world of gently falling snow.
It depicts a bittersweet, adult love, and Terada’s powerful, soaring vocals draw you even deeper into the emotion.
And yet, there’s something romantic and warm about it.
Winter GardenMatsuda Seiko
It sings about the bittersweet feeling of waiting to meet your sweetheart on a winter’s day.
It’s a Christmas song by the eternal idol, Seiko Matsuda, included on her second album, “North Wind,” released in 1980.
As she waits for her tardy boyfriend, her heart swirls with excitement and anxiety—those girlish feelings come through in the lyrics and make your heart flutter.
For those of that generation, it might bring back memories of past romances—a winter love song.
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.
[1980s Japanese Music] Popular Christmas Songs: From Hits to Hidden Gems! (41–50)
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.
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.