[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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[80s Japanese Music] Popular Christmas Songs: From Big Hits to Hidden Gems! (51–60)
Miracle Play: The Night Angels DescendDip In The Pool
A classic, uniquely 80s Christmas song that dreamily captures the stillness and mystical mood of Christmas night.
Released by Dip In The Pool, it beautifully matches Miyako Koda’s translucent vocals with Tatsushi Kimura’s meticulously crafted synthesizer arrangements.
It came out on vinyl in December 1987 and was released on CD the following year.
The song was also featured in a Marui Christmas commercial, winning over many listeners.
Blending ambient and synth-pop, its distinctive warmth and quietude must have felt refreshingly new to music fans of the time.
It’s a perfect track for spending Christmas night with someone special—or for those who wish to enjoy a peaceful moment alone.
EVE to the TERMINALNakamori Akina
One of the tracks included in Akina Nakamori’s four-disc CD box set “AKINA,” which gathers carefully selected songs from a vast catalog.
This song, “TERMINAL made no EVE” (“Eve Until the Terminal”), originally appears on a concept album produced by Shizuka Ijūin, and once you know that, it sounds as if it captures a single scene from a larger story.
The slightly bittersweet lyrics are also noteworthy: “an unstable Christmas that hints at a breakup, yet the woman still can’t quite let go…” When sung by Nakamori, that poignancy is all the more profound.
It may be a Christmas masterpiece that isn’t widely known—at least outside her core fanbase.
Dear ChristmasMinamino Yoko
“Nanno” Yoko Minamino’s eighth studio album is titled ‘Dear Christmas.’ It’s a concept album in which every track is related to Christmas.
The first track on the album is the song ‘Dear Christmas.’ Since the song’s title was used for the album title, it must have been a particular favorite.
The lyrics continue almost like a monologue: ‘Let’s forget the busyness and the sadness—it’s Christmas,’ offering a soothing, seasonally fitting sentiment.
It’s a track where you can savor a slightly more grown-up Yoko Minamino.
Forest ChristmasOhnuki Taeko
A hidden gem by Taeko Onuki that paints a magical scene unfolding in a winter forest.
Originally produced in 1985 as a non-commercial release, the track was later included on the 1986 album “Comin’ Soon,” drawing attention from fans.
Blending ambient and pop elements, its sound evokes Onuki’s unique worldview.
The lyrics, which sing of a Christmas in a forest wrapped in stillness and serenity, call to mind a special time spent in nature, away from the clamor of the city.
With Onuki’s delicate vocals harmonizing with a warm melody, this is a song you’ll want to play on a quiet winter night—highly recommended for anyone seeking a calming moment.
[80s Japanese Music] Popular Christmas Songs: From Chart-Toppers to Hidden Gems! (61–70)
Heartbroken over JuliaChekkāzu
The Checkers were a rock band emblematic of the ’80s, and their signature song is “Julia ni Heartbreak.” It’s a track that sings of love for an ex and the sorrow of a broken heart.
Its heartrending lyrics have been cherished by people across generations.
Interestingly, there aren’t any words in the song that explicitly evoke Christmas.
However, because the B-side of the single featured “The Checkers’ X’mas Song,” this track also became established as a Christmas song.
I want to give you a wonderful Christmas present.Kobayashi Akiko
The smash hit song “Koi ni Ochite – Fall in Love -” is included on the album for the drama Friday Wives III.
With “Koi ni Ochite,” she won the 27th Japan Record Awards Composition Encouragement Prize and quickly became a popular singer-songwriter.
CHRISTMAS CALENDARAnri
A hidden Christmas gem crafted by Anri, a defining artist of 80s city pop.
Released in December 1985, the track is marked by its sophisticated sound and groove-filled melody.
It beautifully captures the wintry mood and the warm spirit of Christmas, while the poignant lyrics—looking back on a love that has passed—leave a deep impression.
Issued as the B-side to the single “TROUBLE IN PARADISE,” it never had a commercial tie-in, yet it has continued to appear on numerous compilation albums.
A song you’ll want to play on Christmas night while thinking of someone special.
It’s also perfect for a tender, heartfelt rendition at karaoke.