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 (41–50)

eternal loverHamada Shogo

I sang and recorded “Eien no Koibito (Shogo Hamada)” on LIVE DAM karaoke.

eternal loverHamada Shogo

This Christmas number by Shogo Hamada is incredibly cool and classy in the way it expresses love with so few words.

It was included as the B-side to the 1992 single “Ave Maria.” He later self-covered it on his 2003 ballad album “Shoshu.” Despite the song’s length, the lyrics contain very few words, yet the bittersweet warmth of the love packed into them is simply exquisite.

Highly recommended if you’re looking for a refined, understated Christmas love song.

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Christmassaruganseki

Christmas

Christmassaruganseki

A Christmas song released in 1997 by Saruganseki, the duo that included Hiroiki Ariyoshi, who’s hugely popular on variety shows.

And believe it or not, the songwriter, composer, and producer is Ryuichi Kawamura! After this track was released as a single, Kawamura included a self-cover of the song on his album “Love.” With its warm melody and the sound of bells, it’s full of Christmas spirit.

The lyrics depict a couple spending a wonderful Christmas together.

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White Silent NightSHAZNA

SHAZNA – White Silent Night PV

White Silent NightSHAZNA

A SHAZNA number released in 1997, featuring a melody that captures the sparkling, festive feel of Christmas.

There were versions that came with a Christmas card or a special holiday-themed jacket, so not only the song but its presentation was steeped in Christmas colors.

The same goes for the music video, with the members performing in front of a Christmas tree and IZAM singing from inside a gift box.

Perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in Christmas not just through sound, but visually as well!

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A town where it snowsUNICORN

UNICORN "A Town Where Snow Falls" OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

A town where it snowsUNICORN

This is a classic song that gently captures scenes of a snowy town at year’s end.

Released by UNICORN in December 1992, it was originally planned as a Christmas song but was reworked into a year-end song.

Set to a shuffle beat with a melody line reminiscent of the mid-period Beatles, it beautifully contrasts the bustle and the quiet of late December.

The worldview woven from candid feelings about the city’s hectic pace and a nostalgia for the falling snow continues to resonate with many listeners.

Also used as the ending theme for TBS’s “Totsuzen Variety Sokuhō!! COUNT DOWN 100,” this is a track you’ll want to play when you’re seeking a bit of calm at the busy close of the year or on a quiet night thinking of someone special.

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Pink ChristmasMi-Ke

Mi-Ke:Pink Christmas

Pink ChristmasMi-Ke

A nostalgic Christmas hit composed by Michiya Haruhata, guitarist of TUBE.

Boldly incorporating an electric guitar sound with a hard rock flavor, it gained recognition as the ending theme for the variety show “Quiz Sekai wa SHOW by Shoubai!!”.

It’s a Christmas song released in November 1992 by Mi-Ke, an idol group active in the early ’90s.

Incidentally, it samples a phrase from the classic “White Christmas” in the A-melody.

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MERRY X’MASTHE YELLOW MONKEY

MERRY X’MAS (Remastered)

MERRY X'MASTHE YELLOW MONKEY

From 1988 to the present, THE YELLOW MONKEY has produced many classic songs.

Here, we introduce their Christmas song “MERRY X’MAS.” This track, included on the album “jaguar hard pain 1944-1994,” portrays a bleak and heartrending story: two lovers who lose their will to live on Christmas night.

The arrangement, which adds more layers of sound toward the latter half, seems to mirror the rising swell of emotion.

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THE GLORY DAYMISIA

THE GLORY DAY（from THE TOUR OF MISIA 2004 MARS & ROSES in TOKYO DOME Live Ver.）

THE GLORY DAYMISIA

MISIA is a female singer known in Japan for popularizing soul and R&B.

The title track of her 1998 album, THE GLORY DAY, was used as J-WAVE’s Christmas campaign song that same year.

The lyrics evoke the birth of Jesus Christ on the holy day and sing of love directed toward people around the world.

Over a rhythmic piano accompaniment, radiant, gospel-inspired choral work unfolds.

Paired with her soulful vocals, it’s a Christmas song that celebrates a truly special day.

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