[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!
- [Winter Songs] The Best Classic and Popular Winter Tunes to Listen to in Winter
- Popular Winter Songs Ranking [2026]
- Winter Songs: Classic tracks you want to listen to in winter. Songs you long for during the winter.
- Winter songs in 90s J-pop: a roundup of popular winter tunes
- Winter songs with lyrics that really hit home. Winter tunes you’ll want to listen to closely.
- [Winter Songs] Songs that evoke the feeling of winter for Instagram Stories
- [Winter Love Songs] A curated selection of timeless classics and the latest tracks that offer both warmth and heartbreak
- Winter songs you'll want to listen to in the cold season! Recommended for the yutori generation
- [Winter Songs] Recommended for Women! A Collection of Winter Songs That Get the Crowd Going at Karaoke
- [Latest] A roundup of popular Christmas songs on TikTok [Classics]
- [For Seniors] Winter songs you'll want to hum along to. A collection of classic tunes recommended for BGM and recreational activities
- Karaoke Songs to Sing in December 2026! J-Pop Picks Perfect for Christmas and Year-End Parties
- [2026] Winter songs men will love to sing in the cold season
[Songs to Listen to in December] J-Pop and Christmas Songs That Feel Like Winter [2026] (91–100)
Winter LetterMisaka Saki
Beautifully portraying wintry scenery and budding romance, this work was released digitally in December 2023 as the final chapter of Saki Misaka’s “Love Trilogy.” It’s a piano-driven ballad whose warm melody stands in striking contrast to the cold winter landscape.
Misaka’s clear voice resonates deeply, evoking moments like the first snowfall and fateful encounters.
The lyrics, filled with the delicate feelings of love that arise as the seasons change—along with the bittersweetness and hope that love brings—celebrate the warmth of human connection amid the chill of winter.
It’s perfect for making memories with someone special or for listening alone on a quiet night.
chicken riceHamada Masatoshi / Makihara Noriyuki
Composed by Noriyuki Makihara with lyrics by Hitoshi Matsumoto, this is a classic Christmas song sung by Masatoshi Hamada and Makihara.
The lyrics, based on Matsumoto’s own childhood experiences, are filled with warmth and love, and listening to them really warms your heart.
Makihara handles the harmonies throughout, while Hamada sings the main melody.
Hamada’s vocals have a distinctive flavor that truly resonates.
Although the song was released in 2004, it remains a highly recommended track whose popularity hasn’t faded.
ChristmasJUDY AND MARY
The only Christmas song among JUDY AND MARY’s tracks is the single “Christmas,” released in 1994.
It was their fifth single, with lyrics by vocalist YUKI and composition by guitarist TAKUYA.
It was used as the Christmas campaign song for Tokai Bank, which later merged into UFJ Bank.
The Christmasy sleigh bells and chimes, along with the a cappella harmonies, really lift the mood.
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.
Meri-kuru?Task have Fun
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
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
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.