[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] (41–50)
Someday Merry ChristmasB’z
Even if you don’t have any particular plans for Christmas, many people still love the Christmas vibe—that indescribable atmosphere.
This song perfectly captures the way the city gradually gets wrapped in a Christmas mood: B’z’s “Itsuka no Merry Christmas.” Highly popular as a Christmas song, it’s a fan favorite included on the 1992 mini-album “FRIENDS.” It’s a love song that heightens the Christmas spirit and fills you with a warm sense of happiness.
[Songs to Listen to in December] J-POP and Christmas Songs That Feel Like Winter [2026] (51–60)
By the time of the Christmas carolsInagaki Junichi
A singer who made his major-label debut with the catchphrase “Super Pop Vocal” and has been captivating fans with his distinctive voice—Junichi Inagaki’s 27th single.
Chosen as the theme song for the TV drama Homework, this track is known as one of his signature numbers that brought Inagaki’s name to a wide range of listeners.
The lyrics evoke a story that spans from autumn into winter, gently coloring the season with a bittersweet sense of parting that grows stronger as the cold deepens.
It’s a nostalgic pop tune with a transparent arrangement and catchy phrases that linger in your ears.
Stars are falling.Senchimirimentaru
This is a winter ballad that sings of lingering feelings for a former lover.
Released by Centimillimental in November 2025, the song was written as the commercial theme for the Laguna Illumination “Carnival of Light and Water,” held at the Laguna Ten Bosch resort in Gamagori, Aichi Prefecture.
Grand piano-and-strings arrangements are layered with Atsushi’s delicate vocals to paint a poignant world where longing and bravado intersect.
The protagonist, torn between wishing happiness for the person they parted from and emotions that won’t fade, resonates powerfully alongside the image of lights pouring down the winter night sky.
It’s a track I especially recommend to anyone trying to face forward after a heartbreak.
Merry XmasBoA
This song, by BoA, a Korean-born singer who debuted in Japan in 2001, has long been loved as a Christmas classic.
Her lustrous, crystal-clear vocals are a perfect match for the grand orchestral accompaniment.
Although it was released in 2004, it has become one of her signature tracks, with a self-cover version included on a single released in 2015.
The lyrics, depicting two people deeply in love, make it perfect for Christmas.
I promiseKing&Prince
A heartrending ballad about winter love.
It’s a song by King & Prince, released as a single in December 2020.
It also drew attention as the Christmas commercial song for 7-Eleven.
The lyrics portray a promise between lovers and a resolve to stay true to love, touching the heart.
It sold 567,000 copies in its first week, topping the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
It was a remarkable achievement—the first in 12 years and 10 months, and only the third act in history to do so.
Christmas, New Year’s, the time spent with someone special… it makes you wonder if there’s any happiness greater than that.
Do you have someone like that in your life? Wrapped in the voices of King & Prince, please give it a listen.
PresentINI
It’s a dance-pop number that captures the sparkle of winter and the excitement of the holidays, featured on the single “THE WINTER MAGIC” released in November 2025.
Its structure layers shimmering sounds from a global team of producers with rich multi-voice harmonies, warmly enveloping the listener.
The lyrics, crafted by members Rihito Ikezaki and Hiroto Nishi, gently weave feelings for a loved one against seasonal imagery like powdery snow and glowing lights.
It’s a perfect song to savor with your partner during those special year-end moments.
Winter DiamondTHE JET BOY BANGERZ
This is a ballad featured on the EP “Let’s Dance,” released in November 2025.
The lyrics were written by Masato Kotake, a renowned LDH-affiliated songwriter, and they carefully depict winter scenes like the north wind, streetlights, and frosty breath.
The piano-centered arrangement is layered with strings and bell tones, creating a shimmer reminiscent of stars in the night sky.
The rich harmonies of the three vocalists resonate deeply, conveying a poignant desire to bridge the gap with someone precious they’re close to losing.
It’s a perfect winter love song for those who want to sing with heartfelt tenderness at Christmas or year-end gatherings.