[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)
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.
Winter SongKiroro
“Fuyu no Uta” (“Winter Song”), sung by Kiroro, a female duo from Okinawa.
It’s their third single, released on November 21, 1998.
The song was also used in commercials for Meiji Seika’s Meltykiss and Porte, and it’s a classic you want to listen to when winter comes around! The lyrics gently speak to you, painting vivid winter scenes.
Their clear, tender vocals light up a city frozen by the winter chill.
How about listening to it with someone special in a warm room on Christmas Day?
[Songs to Listen to in December] J‑Pop and Christmas Songs that Feel Like Winter [2026] (81–90)
Winter Giftmosao.
“Fuyu no Present” is a love song released in 2020 by Mosawo, a singer-songwriter known for love songs from a woman’s perspective.
It became her sixth digital release, coming amid the long-running hit of her first single “Gyutto,” which was released in July of the same year.
The lyrics, which capture the irresistible urge to confess “I love you,” are truly heart-fluttering.
The sleigh bells in the intro evoke a Christmas atmosphere, making it a perfect song to listen to with your partner in December!
1999Hitsuji Bungaku
A song that portrays Christmas Eve at the end of the century, it evokes the poignancy of winter.
Released in December 2018, an English version followed in November 2021.
It’s perfect for the Christmas season.
The lyrics, steeped in Hitsujibungaku’s distinctive worldview, delicately express anxiety about change and shifts in relationships with loved ones.
The music video also seems intended to weave a story left to each viewer’s interpretation.
Through the city lights, the footsteps of children, and the start of the countdown, it depicts anticipation and hope for the new year, making it a great listen for the year-end and New Year period.
Dear…Nishino Kana
This song is filled with a heart-wrenching sense of longing and a deep love for someone special.
Its lyrics about the pain of a long-distance relationship are sure to resonate with many listeners.
Released in December 2009, it was also featured as the campaign song for NTT Docomo’s “Ganbare Jukensei ’09–’10.” Kana Nishino’s clear, translucent vocals gently embrace the feelings of thinking about a loved one.
Included on the album “to LOVE,” it has become a beloved track for many fans.
It’s perfect not only for listening while thinking of someone important, but also for soothing yourself on lonely winter nights.
Its heartwarming melody and lyrics are sure to give you courage.
Gaming Party Xmaszettakun
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.