[90s Christmas Songs] Nostalgic and Beloved Christmas Classics
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.
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[90s Christmas Songs] Nostalgic and Beloved Christmas Classics (21–30)
A Lonely ChristmasJITTERIN’JINN
JITTERIN’JINN is a rock band that began activity in the 1980s and has released numerous classic songs.
They’re strongly associated with summer thanks to the memorable hit Natsu Matsuri.
In contrast, this track—released as a single in 1992—is a Christmas song with strikingly bittersweet lyrics about spending Christmas alone this year after having spent it together until last year.
At the same time, the song itself is quintessentially JITTERIN’JINN: very poppy and light on its feet.
The Day Santa CriedKadamatsu Toshiki
Singer-songwriter Toshiki Kadomatsu, often called a “music craftsman” for his highly evocative, cinematic musicality, released his 19th single, “The Day Santa Cried,” a ballad featured in the commercial for “Torikkiri Konica” (Konica’s single-use camera).
The arrangement moves from an intro with a wistful guitar phrase into a bluesy melody, amplifying the poignancy one feels on a snowy day.
It’s a winter-themed track whose Christmas-tinged sound is pleasantly soothing.
[90s Christmas Songs] Beloved and Nostalgic Christmas Classics (31–40)
DREAMS OF CHRISTMASTM NETWORK
TM NETWORK is a music unit that has become a legend in the J-POP scene with their trademark digital sound and ever–trend-conscious musicality.
“DREAMS OF CHRISTMAS,” included as the B-side to their 23rd single “RHYTHM RED BEAT BLACK,” is a Christmas song that was featured in a commercial for NTT’s “Pocket Bell” pager.
Its delicate ensemble, highlighting Hammond organ and acoustic guitar, evokes a sense of sanctity that seems to meld with snowy scenery.
A gem of a winter song, its fantastical sound—brimming with the atmosphere of Christmas—resonates deeply in the heart.
I can’t wait until ChristmasWatanabe Misato
Packed with the atmosphere of pop music from that era, this song—one that makes you feel nostalgic as you listen—was released in 1991.
When it comes to Misato Watanabe, “My Revolution” is well-known, but she has also released Christmas songs.
The lyrics tell a story that also carries a touch of nostalgia, depicting a ski trip she takes with her boyfriend.
If you’re looking for a Christmas song that really brings back memories, this is a track I highly recommend.
THE CHRISTMAS SONGTakeuchi Mariya
An exquisite Christmas song by Mariya Takeuchi, who calls herself a “singer‑song full-time housewife.” The lyrics are entirely in English, making it a great choice for background music.
Its stylishness sets it apart from other Christmas songs, a unique atmosphere that only her voice can create.
It’s one of the tracks included on the single “Quiet Life,” released on cassette in 1992.
She has many Christmas songs and they often get buried among her other masterpieces, but this one is definitely a gem as well!
White ChristmasJUN SKY WALKER(S)
Set to a warm, laid-back melody, this Christmas song by JUN SKY WALKER(S) sings of a bittersweet holiday parting.
It was released in 1989 in a special edition format and re-released a year later in a standard format.
A popular track that reached No.
1 on the singles chart, it was also covered by 175R in 2005.
Despite the beautiful white Christmas outside, the singer’s heart is a tangled downpour after breaking up with a lover.
The contrast between the scene before their eyes and the landscape inside their heart makes the sadness all the more palpable.
Cherish ChristmasHayashibara Megumi
This song conveys the overflowing excitement of spending Christmas together for the first time.
It’s a Christmas track included on voice actress Megumi Hayashibara’s 1996 album bertemu.
The album reached No.
3 on the Oricon weekly chart—quite an achievement! I remember she had a huge fanbase back then, and her singing was of a very high caliber.