[80s Japanese Music] Popular Christmas songs: from hit tracks to hidden gems!

Rice Ball Christmassadamasashi

Rice Ball Christmas

“Instead of cake, the salt on the rice balls you made soaked into my heart”…

This song by Masashi Sada depicts a Christmas memory that values the warmth of the heart over material luxury.

The story, woven in simple words, warms the listener’s heart, doesn’t it? Included on the 1985 album “ADVANTAGE,” the piece is filled with the uniquely gentle worldview of Masashi Sada.

It’s perfect not only for the Christmas season, but also for times when you want to look back on memories with someone special.

With lyrics and melody that resonate, it’s sure to stay close to your heart.

My ChristmasKayama Yūzō

mychristmas(bokuno christmas)

A warm song by Yuzo Kayama that celebrates the joy of Christmas and friendship.

Although released in 1966, it’s a timeless classic loved across generations.

Kayama’s signature refreshing vocals blend with the jingle of sleigh bells to create a pleasing melody that leaves a lasting impression.

You can almost picture friends enjoying Christmas together.

The lyrics, which gently reach out to children who are sad, are filled with compassion for people.

It’s perfect not only for the Christmas season but also for special days spent with loved ones.

Yellow ChristmasSugi Makoto with Pops All Stars

Yellow Christmas (Makoto Sugi with Pops All Stars)

“Yellow Christmas” is a song performed by an all-star lineup called Sugi Masamichi with Pops All Stars.

The members include Sugi, as well as Shogo Hamada, Yoshitaka Minami, Seishiro Kusunose, Pizzicato Five, Mari Iijima, Hi-Fi Set, Yasuhiro Abe, PSY•S, EPO, and others—eleven artists in total collaborating on the track.

My Very Own Merry ChristmasNagabuchi Tsuyoshi

Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi COVER: “My Very Own Merry Christmas” [LIVE ’83–’84 JUST HEAVY GAUGE TOUR Recreation]

“My Own Merry Christmas” is a song included as the eighth track on Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi’s album HEAVY GAUGE.

The lyrics were written by Goro Matsui.

Sung by Nagabuchi himself in a piano-and-vocal style, it’s a rare Christmas song for him.

Letter from the RivieraAnri

Letter from the Riviera

It’s a love ballad by Anri that portrays a wistful Christmas night.

Set on the Mediterranean Riviera, it unfolds a delicate story in which a Christmas card from a faraway lover becomes the way to say goodbye.

Anri’s clear, translucent vocals blend beautifully with the refined city-pop sound.

Included on the album “Kanashimi no Kujaku,” released in September 1981, this song remains one of the quintessential Christmas tracks of the ’80s, loved by many to this day.

It’s a heartwarming piece that offers comfort to those who have experienced heartbreak or are trying to overcome a farewell with someone dear.

Star XMAS-BERRY: A Tender StarNakamori Akina

Hoshino X’mas Berry: A Tender Star

A Christmas song released during the peak of singer Akina Nakamori’s career—she remains a legendary top idol of the 1980s and ’90s.

At the time, she was putting out singles with a sassy, mature vibe, so this gentle ballad is a bit of a rarity.

Green poinsettiaKawai Sonoko

Green Poinsettia, Sonoko Kawai.

A Christmas song by Sonoko Kawai, the original beautiful idol.

In Onyanko Club, she had an older-sister presence, and after graduating from the group she continued to release hit songs one after another.

“Midori no Poinsettia” is a rare track in that it wasn’t written by Yasushi Akimoto, who produced the Onyanko-related projects.

Its heartbreakingly poignant lyrics—overlaying the sorrow of a broken heart onto a green poinsettia—fit Sonoko Kawai perfectly.

For those who spent their youth with Onyanko, this song might hit right on target.

It’s included on her debut album “Sonoko,” so please give it a listen if you have the chance!