[Songs to Listen to in December] J-POP and Christmas Songs that Feel Like Winter [2026]
December, which wraps up the year, becomes even more beautiful with illuminations lighting up and sometimes snow falling.
There are plenty of events too, like Christmas and New Year’s countdown concerts.
Around this time every year, you hear more Christmas songs and winter tunes on TV and in the streets.
In this article, we’ll introduce winter songs perfect for December, including the latest tracks! From songs that hype up your events to Christmas-themed pieces that warm a chilly heart, enjoy a variety of Japanese winter songs!
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[Songs to Listen to in December] J-Pop and Christmas Songs That Feel Like Winter [2026] (71–80)
Merry ChiristmasBUMP OF CHICKEN
As a song that colors the winter season, BUMP OF CHICKEN’s winter love song also deserves attention.
Released in November 2009 as a double A-side with “R.I.P./Merry Christmas,” this track’s lyrics express a wish to share kindness and smiles, depicting the Christmas cityscape and the connections between people.
From late November through the Christmas period, it’s sometimes performed as an encore at their concerts.
It’s a perfect song for anyone who wants to feel gentle warmth or add a special touch to a Christmas spent with someone important.
With BUMP OF CHICKEN’s characteristically warm vocals and a melody that resonates deep in the heart, it’s sure to become a wonderful winter memory.
Snow Smile -Ringing Version-BUMP OF CHICKEN
A winter song recommendation from BUMP OF CHICKEN, a rock band that captures listeners’ hearts with emotional lyrics, is “Snow Smile.” First included on their 2004 album “Yggdrasil,” it was also used as the B-side to the single “Sharin no Uta” from the same album.
Unlike the album version, the single version adds bell sounds and a strings arrangement, giving it a more Christmas-like feel.
It’s a heartbreaking masterpiece with lyrics about walking while remembering the times you strolled snowy roads with a former lover.
Winter, againGLAY
Released in 1999, this song is overwhelmingly popular as a winter song sung by a rock band.
Written by TAKURO, who hails from Hokkaido, it carries a message of wanting to show his then-girlfriend the snowy scenery of his hometown.
The lyrics, expressing his strong and straight-from-the-heart feelings for her, are sure to move you.
Of course, the beautiful, catchy melody line woven by TERU’s clear, expansive vocals is also wonderful.
Winter songs are often love songs, and this one perfectly fits that image—an epic, heartwarming track.
[Songs to Listen to in December] J‑Pop and Christmas Songs that Feel Like Winter [2026] (81–90)
Our seasonJO1
A song by JO1, an 11-member global boy group under LAPONE Entertainment, a joint venture between Japan’s Yoshimoto Kogyo and Korea’s CJ ENM.
Released as a double lead single, it serves as the title track of their 5th single, “WANDERING,” and was selected as the main tree performance song for the Tokyo Dome City Winter Illumination.
Its dreamy intro and translucent melody evoke a vivid image of snowy scenery.
It’s a refreshing dance tune that warmly colors the winter spent with someone special.
snow jamRin Oto
A signature track by Rin-ne that stands out for its mellow rap laid over a super chill vibe.
The lyrics paint a sweet love story that’s sure to warm your heart in this season.
The writing also captures everyday scenes in familiar, down-to-earth words, making it feel very relatable.
With its overall soft atmosphere and approachable feel, it’s a highly recommended song—even for those who don’t usually listen to hip-hop—to give a listen at least once.
The Checkers’ Christmas SongChekkāzu
The song included as the B-side to The Checkers’ smash hit single “Juliet ni Heartbreak” was “The Checkers’ X’mas Song.” Released in 1984, it reached No.
1 on the Oricon Singles Chart and won the 27th Japan Record Awards’ Most Outstanding Star Award.
Guitarist Toru Takeuchi, who composed “The Checkers’ X’mas Song,” is said to have created it with John Lennon’s classic “Happy Xmas” in mind.
Its romantic lyrics make it a perfect Christmas classic, so be sure to give it a listen!
powder snowRemioromen
This is the eighth single by Remioromen, a three-piece rock band whose members have pursued individual activities since they announced a hiatus in 2012.
The song was used as an insert track for the TV drama “1 Litre of Tears,” and—alongside “March 9th,” which was also featured as an insert song—is known as one of Remioromen’s signature numbers.
True to its title, the sound that evokes snowy scenery and the heartrending lyrics beautifully color the winter season, when we long for human connection.
With a striking melody in the chorus that stirs the heart, it stands as a classic winter song.