Lovely Christmas

[90s Christmas Songs] Nostalgic and Beloved Christmas Classics

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.
POPS writer/editorKEI
Since discovering music during my school days, I’ve mainly listened to Japanese and Korean pop. I have experience writing articles for sites like Utaten. 2000s J-pop and 2010s K-pop were especially the soundtrack of my youth. With the mindset that “good is good,” I enjoy music across genres. Thanks to past work environments and their influence, I was exposed to lots of classic rock and kayōkyoku (Japanese popular songs), which may have broadened the scope of what I love. At RAG MUSIC, I currently focus on K-pop and J-pop. I strive to edit with a feel for the scene and an eye for hit potential.

The 1990s were the golden era of J-pop, when CDs sold more than ever and million-selling hits kept coming one after another.

There were countless songs everyone could talk about, and as you walked through the city, hit after hit played everywhere—that’s what those times were like.

Naturally, many staple J-pop Christmas songs you can’t skip during the winter season were released in that era.

In this article, we’re highlighting timeless Christmas classics born in the ’90s, offering a lineup anyone can enjoy, regardless of generation!

Many of these masterpieces have been covered by later artists, so especially if you’re younger, you might discover that a song you know actually originated from a different band or artist.

[1990s Christmas Songs] Beloved and Nostalgic Christmas Classics (1–10)

A Snowy ChristmasDREAMS COME TRUE

DREAMS COME TRUE – Snowy Christmas / Lyric Video (from Miwa Yoshida Poetry Collection “LOVE”)

A Snowy ChristmasDREAMS COME TRUE

It’s a bittersweet yet warm love song that sings of overflowing feelings for someone special.

Created by the band DREAMS COME TRUE, who have continued to produce countless masterpieces beyond what can be listed here, it was released in 1990 as their eighth single.

The lyrics express a love that is disarmingly straightforward—meeting you was the happiest thing this year, I want to be with you, I want to show you this snowy landscape—and it really touches the heart.

On a cold day, when loneliness creeps in, listening to it might just save you.

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Somewhere in a distant town…Nagayama Miho

Somewhere in a Distant Town — Miho Nakayama

Somewhere in a distant town...Nagayama Miho

A song released in 1991 that was used as the theme for the drama “When I Want to See You, You’re Not There…”.

The lyrics, told from a woman’s perspective, portray a long-distance couple in a way that ties in with the drama’s storyline.

The way they think so strongly of each other despite the distance warms the heart.

And the song’s greatest charm is its incredibly catchy melody, brought to life by Miho Nakayama’s beautiful singing voice.

It’s so soothing that the more you listen, the more you feel healed!

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Tonight is a Hearty PartyTakeuchi Mariya

Konya Ha Hearty Party (Single Mix)

Tonight is a Hearty PartyTakeuchi Mariya

A classic yet fresh masterpiece by singer-songwriter Mariya Takeuchi, this smash-hit number truly lives up to its name as a party song.

Released in November 1995 as her 25th single, it’s packed with irresistible charm: its brisk rhythm and catchy pop melody are guaranteed to put listeners in a great mood.

It was also featured in Kentucky Fried Chicken’s Christmas campaign commercial, helping it become a beloved holiday staple.

The lyrics even include the phrase “Kimutaku,” and in a playful twist, Takuya Kimura himself performs the spoken line.

This track is perfect as background music for fun times with friends or for a Christmas party.

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[90s Christmas Songs] Nostalgic and Beloved Christmas Classics (11–20)

I won’t be back until Christmas.Shonentai

Shonentai – Not Coming Back Until Christmas (1990)

I won't be back until Christmas.Shonentai

A hidden gem by Shonentai, the idol group that defined an era with their multifaceted talents in singing, dance, and acting, and left a profound impact on the generations that followed.

It’s the second track on the album “Heart to Heart 5years Shonentai… and 1991,” released in December 1990.

The title suggests a Christmas Eve ballad, but in fact it’s a rock tune with a striking guitar sound, featuring Kenjirō Sakiya as composer and Hiroshi Niikawa as arranger.

Rather than a glittering celebratory mood, the lyrics portray a relationship between a man and a woman that has gone cold, and that contrast is a major part of the song’s appeal.

It’s a perfect recommendation for anyone seeking a winter song that’s bittersweet yet passionate—something a little different from the standard Christmas fare.

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Memorable ChristmasOginome Yōko

Memorable Christmas

Memorable ChristmasOginome Yōko

Yoko Oginome, who brightened the 1980s with numerous dance numbers.

Her 1992 album “NUDIST” includes a beautiful ballad that distills the bittersweetness of winter.

The song features lyrics written by Oginome herself, softly singing about memories of Christmas with a former lover.

In contrast to the bustle of the city, the lyrics carefully depict the scenes lingering in the heart, deeply resonating with listeners.

Amid the album’s rock-tinged tracks, it exudes the presence of a momentary calm, and it has long been cherished by fans as a hidden gem.

It’s the perfect number for those nights when you’d rather spend a quiet winter evening alone than attend a glittering party—be sure to check it out!

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Winter KissDual Dream

Winter Kiss

Winter KissDual Dream

Released in November 1994, this song by Dual Dream—featured in a Sapporo Beer commercial—left a deep impression on listeners.

It paints a nostalgic yet sparkling winter tale: calling each other from phone booths, sneaking off to go skiing between part-time shifts, and more.

Even in the cold, the couple’s warm affection blends with the heartwarming melody, gently enveloping the listener.

A track you’ll want to play on a winter night with someone you love.

Why not enjoy it along with memories of those days, when it seemed to be playing everywhere as you walked through the city?

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KAN’s Christmas SongKAN

Kan No Christmas Song

KAN's Christmas SongKAN

When it comes to warm Christmas songs that define the ’90s, this track by KAN is the one.

Its simple, gentle harmonies and KAN’s tender voice beautifully capture the mood of a quiet holy night.

It was used as a Kentucky Fried Chicken commercial song in December 1992 and resonated with many people.

It was also included on the album TOKYOMAN, released in February of the following year.

The lyrics convey the feelings of waiting for a loved one on Christmas night and the joy of reunion, letting you feel the wonder of spending Christmas with someone special.

Spending Christmas alone can be lovely too, but time shared with someone dear while listening to this song is truly exceptional.

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