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.

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

Noriyuki Makiharayuki ni negai o

Yukini Negaiwo

Noriyuki Makiharayuki ni negai o

This winter classic comes from the genius singer-songwriter Noriyuki Makihara, known for his gentle gaze and warm singing voice.

With a delicate, beautiful melody like fragile snowflakes, it quietly settles in the listener’s heart.

Released in November 1993, the song was tied in with TBS’s winter campaign.

Issued as a single from the album “SELF PORTRAIT,” it reached No.

12 on the Oricon charts.

It’s a heartwarming ballad you’ll want to listen to on Christmas night while thinking of someone special.

Makihara’s characteristically warm vocals and tender lyrics are sure to comfort people during the cold season.

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Together…MAX

MAX / Together...

Together...MAX

A bittersweet love story is depicted in “Issho ni…”.

This is a song released by the music group MAX in 1999.

While they are strongly associated with danceable tracks, this piece is crafted as a mid-tempo ballad.

The date scenes of the couple portrayed in the song are sure to make your heart flutter.

By the way, an arranged version titled “Issho ni… (Happiness 2020)” was also released in 2020.

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Christmas timeDEEN

DEEN “Christmas time <spur style>” from ‘SPUR’ Teaser Movie

Christmas timeDEEN

A winter ballad whose magnificent strings color the holy night and resonate in the heart.

Released on a maxi single in November 1999 as the opening of the Classics series, this piece was also used as the ending theme for the TBS program “Wonderful.” Set against the snow-covered streets of one’s hometown, it paints a romantic scene that speaks tenderly of pure love for someone special.

Shuichi Ikemori’s endlessly clear vocals blend with a beautifully orchestral sound to create a pure, pristine world.

It’s the perfect number for strolling through streets glittering with illuminations or for spending a cozy winter night at home.

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appearsHamasaki Ayumi

Ayumi Hamasaki / appears

appearsHamasaki Ayumi

A song by Ayumi Hamasaki that sent shockwaves through Japan’s music scene in the late ’90s.

Its delicate, wintery sound and lyrics that contrast the outward happiness of lovers with the truth hidden beneath leave a strong impression.

Released in November 1999 on the same day as her second album, LOVEppears, it reached No.

2 on the Oricon weekly chart and became a major hit, selling a total of 291,000 copies.

This work depicts the complexities and conflicts of love, resonating deeply with many listeners.

It expresses the subtleties of romance alongside a sense of the season—memories of Christmas, attempts to take off a ring, and more.

It’s a recommended track for those troubled by love or looking to reflect on their relationship with someone important.

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Can’t Say Anything ~WINTER VERSION~THE JAYWALK

J-WALK - Can't Say Anything - Winter Version -

Can't Say Anything ~WINTER VERSION~THE JAYWALK

Many of you probably know J-WALK’s signature hit “Nani mo Ienakute… Natsu,” released in 1991, but did you know there’s a winter version as well? This winter rendition beautifully blends regret over lost love with the harsh atmosphere of the season.

Featuring an acoustic arrangement, it’s characterized by a warm sound that draws out the feelings of winter.

The sense of helplessness in only being able to say “Merry Christmas” on Christmas night is particularly striking.

It’s recommended not only for those troubled by love, but also for anyone who wants to listen quietly to music on a winter night.

Savor this moving winter classic packed with J-WALK’s appeal.

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A Merry Christmas to the you I’d almost forgottenMatsutōya Yumi

Bye Bye My Merry Christmas / Wasurekaketa Anata Eno Merry Christmas

A Merry Christmas to the you I’d almost forgottenMatsutōya Yumi

Among Christmas songs born in the ’90s, this track by Yumi Matsutoya is known as a masterpiece that portrays a bittersweet longing for love.

Included on the album “Cowgirl Dreamin’,” released in February 1997, it centers on spending Christmas Eve alone.

The lyrics are memorable for their delicate depiction of a rain-soaked cityscape and fleeting memories of past love that resurface for just a moment.

Through the special, almost magical time of Christmas, the song gently sings of feelings for a precious person that were nearly forgotten.

It’s a moving piece for those who have experienced heartbreak or have been separated from someone important.

A song you’ll want to listen to quietly, alone, on Christmas night.

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[90s Christmas Songs] Nostalgic and Beloved Christmas Classics (21–30)

ChristmasKawamura Ryuuichi

Christmas

ChristmasKawamura Ryuuichi

A signature ballad by Ryuichi Kawamura, known for its simple, beautiful melody and heartrending lyrics themed around the emotions of winter.

Released in November 1997 during the early phase of his solo career, this work has been cherished by many listeners as a winter staple.

It’s a pop ballad that highlights Kawamura’s powerful yet emotive vocals, with restrained piano accompaniment and grand orchestration that evoke the feeling of a quiet winter night.

The romantic lyrics portray special Christmas moments, expressing the joy of time spent with a loved one.

They depict buying gifts, making plans to go to the seaside, and the excitement stirred by a weather forecast that hints at possible snow.

It’s a song you’ll want to play on Christmas night with someone special.

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