[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] (151–160)
DEAR…againHirose Kōmi
This song, DEAR…again, is Kohmi Hirose’s eighth single, released in 1996.
Speaking of Kohmi Hirose, she’s the queen of winter songs.
She can’t see her long-distance boyfriend very often, and even though she’s doing her best, hearing Christmas songs makes her miss him so much… So she wants him to come back by Christmas… It’s a little heartbreaking, but I feel like it’s a song that looks toward the future.
Snowdomekōda mahiru
A winter love song themed around a winter drive date.
Released in 2022 by singer-songwriter Mahiru Koda—who wears many hats as a jazz pianist and fashionista—it’s a comfy track that lets you feel both the chill of winter and the warmth of the heart.
The lyrics liken the scenery reflected through the car’s windshield to a snow globe, making it perfect for creating a Christmas mood.
With drum-forward beats, rap elements, and a catchy melody that carries a hint of nostalgia, it’s the kind of song that can stylishly color a winter romance.
My Gift to YouCHEMISTRY
Kaname Kawabata of CHEMISTRY chose CHEMISTRY’s own winter song “My Gift to You.” It was their seventh single, released in 2002, and it reached No.
4 on the Oricon Singles Chart.
The song was used in an au commercial featuring Yukie Nakama and depicts meeting up on a snowy winter day.
It was written by Skoop On Somebody, and a self-cover version was released in 2003.
Snow LightClariS
ClariS is a two-member music duo that started out on video-sharing sites during their middle school days and made their major debut in 2010.
“Snow Light,” included on their 3rd mini-album WINTER TRACKS -Fuyu no Uta-, is delightfully soothing with its cute vocals and lively shuffle-beat rhythm.
The lyrics evoke scenes of spending time with someone you love amid the festive Christmas atmosphere, and if you’ve ever had an unrequited crush, they may overlap with your own memories.
With its transparent ensemble and catchy pop melody that lingers in your ears, it’s a pop tune perfect for winter listening.
Tie a ribbon around my affectionLittle Glee Monster
A Christmas song by Little Glee Monster that was also used in a Coca-Cola commercial.
While many Christmas songs are fun and exciting, this one, as its title suggests, is a truly wonderful and moving piece themed around love, happiness, and gratitude.
Of course, it’s also crafted to let you fully enjoy Little Glee Monster’s signature beautiful harmonies, and its lovely lyrics and gorgeous melody are sure to soothe your heart.
December 31NMB48
A gemlike ballad filled with year-end sentiment.
This NMB48 track is included on the album “Teppen Totande!” released in February 2013.
Its lyrics—evoking the bittersweet feelings of spending New Year’s Eve alone and the resolve for the year ahead—leave a strong impression.
It paints a picture of a lonely night, eating convenience-store oden while watching the Red and White Song Battle.
Amid the brightness typical of idols, the song carries a mature emotional depth.
Its warm tone gently embraces those who feel the loneliness of the year-end and New Year season.
Recommended for anyone who wants to hold on to hope for the coming year.
[Songs to Listen to in December] J-POP and Christmas Songs That Feel Like Winter [2026] (161–170)
Two Red Starskinmokusei
The band Kinmokusei, known for their stylish city pop sound, had their biggest hit with Futari no Akaboshi.
It was put on heavy rotation at radio stations nationwide and reached No.
10 on the Oricon singles chart.
The lyrics are literary in tone, and the imagery evoking a breakup is incredibly heartrending.
The music video features a lone female customer visiting a ramen street stall in winter.
This is because the single’s cover art is modeled after Myojo Charumera instant ramen.