[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.
Playlist
| [80s Japanese Music] Popular Christmas songs: from hit tracks to hidden gems! | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| show_chart | Title | Playlist | Review |
| 1east | Christmas EveYamashita Tatsuro |  play_arrow | Christmas songs become popular—classic masterpieces. |
| 2east | Sentimental ChristmasHamada Shogo |  play_arrow | Sentimental masterpieces to listen to on Christmas night |
| 3east | Christmas Time in Blue — Whistling on the Holy NightSano Motoharu |  play_arrow | A heartwarming classic Christmas song by Motoharu Sano |
| 4east | White ChristmasJUN SKY WALKER(S) |  play_arrow | An '80s Christmas song by a band from Harajuku |
| 5east | Merry Christmas Mr.LawrenceSakamoto Ryuichi |  play_arrow | Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence theme song |
| 6east | A love letter written in the snowKikuchi Momoko |  play_arrow | Momoko Kikuchi's unrequited love Christmas song |
| 7east | My lover is Santa ClausMatsutōya Yumi |  play_arrow | Classic J-pop songs for Christmas |
| 8east | Merry Christmas for youo nyanko kurabu |  play_arrow | Onyanko Club Christmas Edition |
| 9east | CHRISTMAS CHORUSKomuro Tetsuya |  play_arrow | Tetsuya Komuro’s heartwarming masterpiece that echoes on a winter night |
| 10east | Snowbound Party -Tonight Visitors OK!-Hamada Shogo |  play_arrow | A Night of Love on a Street Corner Where Powdered Snow Dances |
| 11east | Merry Christmas for youMinamino Yoko |  play_arrow | Yoko Minamino’s Christmas Song and Prayer for Peace |
| 12east | CHRISTMAS TREEYoshida Minako |  play_arrow | Minako Yoshida’s hidden Christmas gem |
| 13east | Flying Santa ClausMurata Kazuhito |  play_arrow | Kazuhito Murata’s sophisticated Christmas song |
| 14east | Christmas Waiting at the LodgeMatsutōya Yumi |  play_arrow | A moonlit ski slope and the heartrending feelings of longing for a lover |
| 15east | Snow FantasyMatsuda Seiko |  play_arrow | A magical winter song that paints a portrait of love on a snowy night |
| 16east | Today, at last, I will change my heartMariko Nagai |  play_arrow | A poignant masterpiece about confessing one’s love at Christmas |
| 17east | Singin’ In The SnowNoda Mikiko |  play_arrow | Budding feelings of first love in a Christmas song |
| 18east | The Christmas Card That Vanished into the CityReimi |  play_arrow | A poignant song that sings of loneliness at Christmas |
| 19east | April Fools in DecemberEPO |  play_arrow | A sophisticated masterpiece that sings of heartbreak at Christmas |
| 20east | The Night When Santa and Angels LaughDREAMS COME TRUE |  play_arrow | Classic Christmas songs, heart-pounding masterpieces |
| 21east | Midnight Flight – A Lonely Christmas EveHamada Shogo |  play_arrow | The loneliness of airports and the ache of a broken heart |
| 22east | The Last Holy NightSugiyama Kiyotaka |  play_arrow | Kiyotaka Sugiyama’s 80s classic Christmas love song |
| 23east | 12th Street CarolTanimura Shinji |  play_arrow | A wistful carol to sing at Christmas |
| 24east | Christmas Once MoreŌe Senri |  play_arrow | A lover’s song wishing to reunite at Christmas |
| 25east | Love at Its WhimIijima Mari |  play_arrow | A wistful winter love song from the '80s |
| 26east | Checkers’ ChristmasChekkāzu |  play_arrow | A Christmas ballad song by The Checkers |
| 27east | Merry Christmas to youOda Kazumasa |  play_arrow | A song about the bittersweet feelings one thinks of at Christmas |
| 28east | A Dusty Christmas Treeitō ginji |  play_arrow | A classic that paved the way for Christmas songs |
| 29east | All on this nightYoshikawa Koji |  play_arrow | Kōji Kikkawa’s classic, a passionate rock number |
| 30east | Last Christmas EveYazawa Eikichi |  play_arrow | A famous hit by Yazawa known for its Christmas song |
| 31east | Christmas NightOkamura Takako |  play_arrow | Express a Christmas song with a broken-heart, bittersweet mood. |
| 32east | Christmas Dayofukōsu |  play_arrow | Timeless classics that soothe the soul at Christmas |
| 33east | Blue Christmas of SorrowZa Kingutonzu |  play_arrow | A nostalgic doo-wop song that sings of the sorrow of parting. |
| 34east | As if singing a Christmas songNakajima Miyuki |  play_arrow | A classic song that sings of a bittersweet Christmas romance |
| 35east | SonatineMatsumoto Iyo |  play_arrow | A bittersweet Christmas song by Iyo Matsumoto |
| 36east | Full of ChristmasKudō Shizuka |  play_arrow | Shizuka Kudo’s Christmas songs, early tracks |
| 37east | Third ChristmasSHOW-YA |  play_arrow | A bittersweet adult love song from the ’80s |
| 38east | Winter GardenMatsuda Seiko |  play_arrow | A winter rendezvous, the thrill of love |
| 39east | MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOUKobayashi Akiko, Nagai Mariko, Remi, Karashima Midori |  play_arrow | A beautiful harmony song from a Christmas album |
| 40east | WHITE SUNDAYRebekka |  play_arrow | A quiet Christmas time for two |
| 41east | Someday Somewherechūrippu |  play_arrow | A song to encourage you after a heartbreak at Christmas |
| 42east | A Lonely Christmas SongSakakibara Ikue |  play_arrow | Urban loneliness, the poignant longing for a lost love |
| 43east | Merry Xmas to youOda Kazumasa |  play_arrow | Kazumasa Oda’s classic song “Christmas Song” |
| 44east | Yellow ChristmasSugi Makoto with Pops All Stars |  play_arrow | Star-studded artists come together for a Christmas song |
| 45east | Merry Christmas SnowKusunose Seishiro |  play_arrow | A classic Christmas song, its warm vocals touch the heart |
| 46east | WHITE X’MASTHE BLUE HEARTS |  play_arrow | A punk arrangement of The Blue Hearts |
| 47east | Holy Night for LoversIshikawa Yuko |  play_arrow | A classic love song with 80s sounds that still captivates today |
| 48east | Kissin’ ChristmasKuwata Keisuke & His Friends |  play_arrow | A warm love song for Christmas |
| 49east | Christmas Nightsaitou yuki |  play_arrow | A bittersweet love song on Christmas night |
| 50east | Rice Ball Christmassadamasashi |  play_arrow | A heartwarming song of Christmas memories |
| 51east | Pearl-White EveMatsuda Seiko |  play_arrow | Seiko-chan’s Christmas song has a wistful ring to it. |
| 52east | My ChristmasKayama Yūzō |  play_arrow | Christmas classic: Yuzo Kayama’s heartwarming song |
| 53east | My Very Own Merry ChristmasNagabuchi Tsuyoshi |  play_arrow | Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi’s Christmas song, piano and vocals (solo performance) |
| 54east | Letter from the RivieraAnri |  play_arrow | A classic, bittersweet Christmas song |
| 55east | Star XMAS-BERRY: A Tender StarNakamori Akina |  play_arrow | A gentle song by Akina Nakamori to sing at Christmas |
| 56east | DING DONGPRINCESS PRINCESS |  play_arrow | Bright memories of Christmas songs |
| 57east | Miracle Play: The Night Angels DescendDip In The Pool |  play_arrow | Classic Christmas songs of the 80s |
| 58east | EVE to the TERMINALNakamori Akina |  play_arrow | Akina Nakamori’s poignant classic: a Christmas tale |
| 59east | Dear ChristmasMinamino Yoko |  play_arrow | Heartwarming songs in an album filled with Christmas spirit |
| 60east | Forest ChristmasOhnuki Taeko |  play_arrow | Taeko Onuki’s classic song depicting a winter forest |
| 61east | Heartbroken over JuliaChekkāzu |  play_arrow | The Checkers’ famous song “Julia ni Shoushin” (literally: “Heartbroken over Julia”) |
| 62east | I want to give you a wonderful Christmas present.Kobayashi Akiko |  play_arrow | A singer who became famous for a big hit love song. |
| 63east | CHRISTMAS CALENDARAnri |  play_arrow | Anri’s classic 1980s Christmas song |
| 64east | Blue ChristmasMatsuda Seiko |  play_arrow | Seiko Matsuda’s Christmas song “Blue Christmas” |
| 65east | Green poinsettiaKawai Sonoko |  play_arrow | Sonoko Kawai’s Christmas song, Green Poinsettia |
| 66east | LAST CHRISTMAS SONGHamada Mari |  play_arrow | Depicting adult romance in Mari Hamada’s Christmas song |
| 67east | Merry Christmas to the worldOkamura Takako |  play_arrow | Takako Okamura’s warm Christmas song |
| 68east | Lonely ChristmasMariko Nagai |  play_arrow | A classic song about the loneliness of Christmas |
| 69east | Christmas in OctoberAsaka Yui |  play_arrow | Yui Asaka “Christmas in October” – a classic song |
| 70east | Holy Night – Two People’s Silent NightTHE ALFEE |  play_arrow | THE ALFEE's passionate Christmas song |
| 71east | presentHagiwara Kenichi |  play_arrow | Kenichi Hagiwara’s bittersweet Christmas song |
| 72east | X’mas PartyHarada Shinji |  play_arrow | Shinji Harada’s Christmas song depicts scenes of the city. |
| 73east | The Second Christmaschūrippu |  play_arrow | A classic Tulip song that sings of love and warmth |
| 74east | Third ChristmasSHOW-YA |  play_arrow | SHOW-YA's sentimental Christmas song |
| 75east | Funky ChristmasNakahara Meiko |  play_arrow | The appeal of Meiko Nakahara’s classic song “Funky Christmas” |
| 76east | Full of ChristmasKudō Shizuka |  play_arrow | A heartwarming Christmas song by the multi-talented Shizuka Kudo |
| 77east | Christmas AvenueYakushimaru Hiroko |  play_arrow | Hiromi Yakushimaru’s classic Christmas song |
| 78east | Christmas in the airPSY・S |  play_arrow | A PSY-S classic that resonates in the winter sky |
| 79east | Christmas in summero nyanko kurabu |  play_arrow | A bittersweet love for Christmas, dreamed under the summer night sky |
| 80east | Sha-la-laSazan Ōrusutāzu |  play_arrow | A classic adult Christmas song by Southern All Stars |
| 81east | Merry ChristmasItō Chieri |  play_arrow | A cheerful Showa-era idol, active in comedy sketches and singing |
| 82east | Merry ChristmasMinamino Yoko |  play_arrow | Thoughts on society woven into a Christmas song |
| 83east | Dance To ChristmasOsawa Yoshiyuki with Various Artists |  play_arrow | Let's sing a Christmas pop song |
| 84east | I want to have it ready by Christmas.Ozawa Natsuki |  play_arrow | Christmas song, a classic of 80s idol pop |
| 85east | The Last Merry ChristmasSugi Mari |  play_arrow | A song of aching love on Christmas night |
| 86east | 3-D Christmas cardMatsutōya Yumi |  play_arrow | The Appeal of Yumi Matsutoya’s Christmas Songs |
| 87east | Merry Christmas in panoramaWatanabe Marina |  play_arrow | Marina Watanabe’s Christmas song is heartwarming. |
| 88east | Winter WonderlandNishimura Tomomi |  play_arrow | Nishimura Tomomi’s classic song for enjoying Christmas |
| 89east | Christmas DoorKaoru Sudo |  play_arrow | An adult song resounding on Christmas night |
| 90east | WHITE NIGHT, WHITE MOONCHAGE and ASKA |  play_arrow | The famous song “Yuki no Machi” by CHAGE and ASKA |
| 91east | Last Single X’masHarayuko |  play_arrow | Haruyuki’s Christmas ballad, the bittersweet memories of youth |
| 92east | X’ mas in the BlueYamamoto Emi |  play_arrow | A hit song from the 80s, a famous piece by Hidemi Yamamoto. |
| 93east | Christmas weddingSugi Masamichi & The Dreamers |  play_arrow | The 80s classic song “Christmas Wedding” |
| 94east | I Wish It Could Be Christmas EverydaySuzuki Saeko |  play_arrow | Charming Christmas songs of 80s synth-pop |
| 95east | Blue ChristmasIijima Mari |  play_arrow | On a winter night, the bittersweet voice of a heartbreak song resonates in the heart. |
| 96east | Santa is coming to TokyoPāru Kyōdai |  play_arrow | Pearl Brothers' Christmas Song |
| 97east | Our Jingle BellsHarada Tomoyo |  play_arrow | Tomoyo Harada’s “Bokutachi no Jingle Bell” is a classic winter song. |
| 98east | A Lonely Christmas SongOzaki Ami |  play_arrow | A Christmas song by Ami Ozaki that resonates with the heart |
| 99east | Sleeveless ChristmasTokunaga Hideaki |  play_arrow | A Christmas song by Hideaki Tokunaga brimming with a sense of the season |
| 100east | Yuu-chan’s ChristmasHayami Yū |  play_arrow | A timeless Christmas song that warms the heart |
| 101east | Rock ‘n’ Roll Santa ClausGO-BANG’S |  play_arrow | The new allure of Christmas songs: GO-BANG’S |
| 102east | Sofia in the MistTHE ALFEE |  play_arrow | The Alfee’s bittersweet love songs of the ’80s |
| 103east | Christmas in the wintry windShimachura Chiyoko / Kataoka Tsurutarou |  play_arrow | An enka-style song for a Christmas duet |
| 104east | What are you doing for Christmas?Morikawa Miho |  play_arrow | A Maiden’s Feelings Woven into a Christmas Song |
| 105east | Merry X’mas For YouKawai Sonoko, Kokushou Sayuri, Jounouchi Sanae, Watanabe Minayo, Watanabe Marina |  play_arrow | The Onyanko Club’s Christmas song |
| 106east | I wish it could be christmas every day in the U KSuzuki Saeko |  play_arrow | From drummer to singer: a Christmas song vocalist |
| 107east | A Lonely Christmashaifaisetto |  play_arrow | Christmas Song by Hi-Fi Set |