[Songs to Listen to in December] J-POP and Christmas Songs that Feel Like Winter [2026]

I promiseKing&Prince

King & Prince「I promise」MV -Dance ver.- YouTube Edit

A heartrending ballad about winter love.

It’s a song by King & Prince, released as a single in December 2020.

It also drew attention as the Christmas commercial song for 7-Eleven.

The lyrics portray a promise between lovers and a resolve to stay true to love, touching the heart.

It sold 567,000 copies in its first week, topping the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

It was a remarkable achievement—the first in 12 years and 10 months, and only the third act in history to do so.

Christmas, New Year’s, the time spent with someone special… it makes you wonder if there’s any happiness greater than that.

Do you have someone like that in your life? Wrapped in the voices of King & Prince, please give it a listen.

Gaming Party Xmaszettakun

Zettakun – “Gaming Party Xmas” Music Video

This is the second major digital single, released in November 2020.

Built around a sample of a classic Christmas song, it portrays the emotional stirrings of a protagonist who usually spends their time immersed in games, as they consider heading out to a party to see someone they’re interested in.

Their struggle between the loneliness of not fitting in at large gatherings and the desire to connect socially is something many today can relate to.

The sound is striking, rooted in hip-hop while incorporating pop and electronic elements.

A remix version was released in 2021 and was also included on the album “Bed in Wonderland.” It’s a Christmas song that shines with Zetttakun’s characteristically mild perspective, suggesting that spending Christmas gaming isn’t so bad after all.

Decembermilet

milet「December」MUSIC VIDEO

Singer-songwriter milet wrote “December” as a heartfelt message to her mother.

It’s a track from her album “5am,” released in August 2023.

Now that she recognizes the feelings her mother had—feelings she couldn’t understand back then—she turned her gratitude into a song.

The result is a slow-tempo ballad that fully showcases milet’s husky, resonant voice.

The first half, in particular, features only simple piano accompaniment and vocals, making it a highly recommended song for anyone who loves milet’s singing.

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Hane Keisuke

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Meri-kuru?Task have Fun

Task have Fun “Merikuru?” (MV)

This is Task have Fun’s first Christmas song, released in December 2024, from a group that has built a solid following in the indie idol scene since forming in 2016.

The bittersweet lyrics, filled with anticipation for spending Christmas with a lover, blend deep affection with a touch of insecurity, rekindling the flutter of romance.

Warm bell tones and a poppy melody sparkle like winter city illuminations.

The track was released in December 2024 and premiered at an event in Aichi Prefecture.

It’s a heart-lifting Christmas song perfect for a special night with someone you love.

Merry Christmas, Happy Christmasorange pekoe

orange pekoe “Merry Christmas, Happy Christmas” Lyric Video

The duo orange pekoe, comprised of Tomoko Nagashima and Kazuma Fujimoto, who have announced they will end their activities in 2026, have released their first original song in 11 years—and it’s their first-ever Christmas song.

Nurtured over the past few years, the track features a warm, home-recorded sound, enhanced by a magical mix from New York engineer Jay Messina.

Whether you’re with a partner or on your own, worn out from work or spending time with family, its message embraces everyone, wrapping Christmas not as a special day but as a “gentle time you can quietly celebrate.” It’s recommended for those who want to warm their hearts on a silent night or enjoy Christmas in a subtle way.

A pure white townFujimaki Ryota

Ryota Fujimaki / “Pure White City” (Music Video)

This is a winter ballad released digitally in January 2025 by Ryota Fujimaki, known for classics like “March 9th” and “Powder Snow.” The shimmering tone of a 12-string guitar leaves a strong impression, and the lyrics overlay the pain of heartbreak onto Tokyo’s snowy scenery, sketching a poignant scene where lingering feelings and gratitude for a past lover intersect.

Positioned as the lead single from the album “Ephemeral and Fragile,” released in March 2025, this first new song in about two years showcases Fujimaki’s matured expressiveness.

It’s a quiet, warming winter song you’ll want to play on a cold night when the snow begins to fall outside your window.

Year-end songs from 12/26 onward[Alexandros]

[With Lyrics] [Alexandros] Year-end Song from 12/26 Onward

This song, included on the third album Schwarzenegger released in 2012, back when [Alexandros] were still called [Champagne], has a slightly quirky title: “A Year-End Song for After 12/26.” It happens every year, but once Christmas is over, the mood of the city completely changes—the atmosphere shifts dramatically.

There’s that indescribable feeling of bustle that makes you anxious and flustered.

This is a number that gently warms the heart as you look back on the year-end—and on yourself over the past year.

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utatane

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