[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 with a Wintry Feel & Christmas Songs [2026] (141–150)
white breathCHEMISTRY
Shiro no Toiki is CHEMISTRY’s 13th single, released in 2004.
Fitting for a winter-themed song, it came out in December.
It was used as the commercial song for Suntory Whisky “Kakubin” and reached No.
8 on the Oricon Singles Chart.
It’s an R&B-style love ballad, very characteristic of CHEMISTRY, about spending the first winter with a loved one.
With the sweet vocals of Kaname Kawabata and Yoshikuni Dōchin, it’s a romantic track you’ll definitely want to listen to at Christmas.
A morning hastened by snow arrives.Ofisharu Higedan Dism
The winter song included on Official HIGE DANDism’s indie debut mini-album “Love and Peace Is Within You” is “Yuki Seku Asa ga Kuru.” Released in 2015, it was the band’s first nationwide distribution.
It’s an up-tempo, straightforward rock ’n’ roll-style track, and you can hear a fresh, slightly different-sounding Official HIGE DANDism compared to today.
The title, which means “Snow hurries the morning along as it arrives,” feels kind of romantic, making it a song I really want you to listen to in winter!
White LoveSPEED
This is a song by SPEED released in October 1997.
It was their biggest hit, achieving the remarkable milestone of 2 million copies sold.
Many people have probably heard it at least once.
The lyrics, which express love for a sweetheart, resonated with many women.
Burnin’ X’masT.M.Revolution
There are a few winter songs by T.M.Revolution, but as a track to listen to in December, let me start with this one! It’s an upbeat song crafted into an intense rock style that incorporates his signature electric sound.
Takanori Nishikawa’s supple, soaring vocals match it perfectly, don’t they? The lyrics depict a forbidden romance set at Christmas, portraying the inner conflict of the male protagonist.
Be sure to give this unusual winter song a listen—its passionately fiery lyrics are truly captivating.
WINTER WITHOUT YOUXG
A heartwarming number perfect for the cold winter.
XG, the globally active girl group, released this winter-appropriate “Winter R&B” track in December 2023.
As the city lights up with illuminations, you find yourself thinking of someone special and feeling a bittersweet ache—those winter scenes vividly rise from the lyrics.
The soft tones of the electric piano and the sweet harmonies feel like they’re wrapping around your heart.
The longing to reunite with a loved one comes through so poignantly that you might find yourself on the verge of tears.
It’s a song you’ll want to listen to on a quiet winter night while thinking of someone dear.
December Rainchay
The song used as the theme for the 2016 Nippon TV drama “Pretty Proofreader” starring Satomi Ishihara was “December’s Rain,” sung by chay.
The original is a song by Yumi Arai, included on her 1974 album “MISSLIM.” The lyrics recall a lover parted from on a December morning, yet the melody is bright, which paradoxically makes it feel all the more poignant.
It eventually turns into hopeful lyrics, so give it a listen on a wistful winter’s day to lift your spirits!
Powder Snow ~A Winter That Never Ends~Sandaime Jē Sōru Burazāzu fromu Eguzairu Toraibu
“Powder Snow ~The Winter That Never Ends~” is the eighth single by Sandaime J Soul Brothers, released in 2012.
It is also included on the album “MIRACLE,” which came out the following year.
The song was used as the ending theme for TV Asahi’s variety show “Onegai! Ranking” in November 2012 and reached No.
3 on the Oricon singles chart.
It’s a ballad with a beautiful piano intro, and the lyrics about unreturned feelings are quite heartrending.
Highly recommended if you want to get sentimental in the cold winter!