[Songs to Listen to in December] J-POP and Christmas Songs that Feel Like Winter [2026]

PresentINI

INI | ’Present’ Official MV

The title track of INI’s winter single “THE WINTER MAGIC,” released in November 2025, is a glamorous dance-pop number perfect for the holiday season.

Members Rihito Ikezaki and Hiroto Nishi penned the lyrics, delivering a warm message that resonates straight from the heart to someone special.

The sound of bells and shimmering synths paint a wintry scene, and the chorus—layered with the diverse harmonies of all 11 members—brings an irresistible, uplifting excitement.

The single also includes “Kimi ga Ita Kara,” the theme song for the group’s first documentary film, INI THE MOVIE “I Need I.” It’s an ideal pick for strolling through streets lit with illuminations or as background music for a Christmas party.

loveUru

[Official] Uru “Ai”

This is a ballad by Uru that gently depicts a wavering heart’s anxiety and loneliness, and the warm feelings that lie beyond.

Even while fearing pain, the heart’s path of continuing to care for someone is spun with straightforward words and melody, resulting in a simple yet emotionally resonant piece that slowly spreads warmth deep in the chest.

Arranged by Shingo Sekiguchi—known both as a guitarist and a producer—the delicate sound that highlights Uru’s soft vocals leaves a strong impression.

It’s included as the coupling track on her 16th single, “Platform,” released in November 2025.

In contrast to the title track, which serves as the opening theme for the TV anime “Eikyū no Yūgure,” this song unfolds a more introspective and personal worldview.

It’s a piece that gently keeps you company on a quiet winter night alone.

When you’re carrying loneliness in your heart or thinking of someone dear, listening to it lets a gentle warmth slowly seep through.

That is a fairy.Boku ga mitakatta aozora

The Blue Sky I Wanted to See / “That’s a Fairy” Music Video [4K]

A winter coming-of-age song released as the 7th single in December 2025.

It tells the story of a boy who, captivated by a girl he glimpsed by chance on a station platform, boards a packed train every morning to look for her, only for the days to pass without a reunion.

It portrays a first love that keeps a fleeting encounter engraved in the heart.

It captures a delicate longing for someone elusive, almost like a fairy.

I hope you can relate to the fragility of winter romance.

Christmas eveningLittle Glee Monster

Christmas evening

As a Christmas song that will color the winter of 2025, Little Glee Monster has released a heartwarming track.

With lyrics by Sarari Matsubara and composition/arrangement by Kengo Minamida, the song opens with a chorus brimming with festive sparkle, evoking illuminated cityscapes and the exhilaration of holiday parties.

Their signature beautiful harmonies and powerful vocals deliver the joy of Christmas straight to the listener.

Released in November 2025, it’s included as the first track on the December EP “Your Winters,” a collection of winter songs.

The EP also features newly recorded versions of “Aishisa ni Ribbon wo Kakete” and “Magic Snow,” making for a set you can enjoy alongside beloved winter classics.

It’s the perfect track for Christmas spent with partners, friends, or family.

Play it together and share the warmth!

promiseSHO

[PLANJ] ORIGINAL: 'Promise' – SHO

JO1 was formed through the 2019 audition program PRODUCE 101 JAPAN.

SHO, the group’s leader, released his solo track in November 2025.

This song fulfills a pledge he made during the audition period—“When I debut, I’ll create my own song and perform it”—coming to fruition about six years later.

The lyrics were written by SHO himself and trace his journey from the days he pursued a singing career in Tokyo to becoming a member of JO1, and the feelings that followed.

Beginning with the stifling chill of the cold season and unfolding into a will to change and a resolve to keep singing, the words capture the intensity of the moment he keeps his promise to his past self.

The song was first performed at his solo stage in January 2025 and was also released through the YouTube project PLANJ.

Give it a listen when you want to face yourself in the crisp winter air or when you need the courage to take a step toward your dreams.

Halves Christmas≠ME

Halves Christmas

The season has arrived when you can’t help but picture that blissful moment of strolling through a Christmas-lit town with your sweetheart.

≠ME, the idol group produced by Rino Sashihara, released their first-ever Christmas song in December 2025 as a B-side to their 11th single, “Exclusive Fighter.” The song delicately paints wintry scenes—crisp air, a white knit sweater, two people leaning close—warming your heart just by listening.

Centered on the simple motif of sharing a cake, it honestly conveys feelings for someone special.

Rather than a flashy festive mood, it captures the gentle happiness of a Christmas embedded in everyday life.

It’s a heartwarming winter song recommended not only for those looking forward to spending Christmas with a partner, but for anyone who wishes to share happiness with someone else.

Afterimage of Christmasmatsumura kanau

Afterimage of Christmas – Kanau Matsumura [Official Music Video]

Singer-songwriter Kanau Matsumura, whose clear vocals and relatable lyrics have won the support of young listeners.

Released in December 2025, this track is a bittersweet winter song that contrasts the bustle of December streets with the quiet of spending Christmas alone.

Concrete motifs—like the cold in the weather forecast, a cake bought for one, and gifts from the past—vividly bring back memories of a lost love.

The way the glamorous Christmas scenes transform directly into the ache of loneliness is truly moving.

The music video was released the same day, featuring Honoka Kitahara.

It’s also slated for release on Karaoke DAM in December 2025, reflecting an ambition to become a perennial winter favorite.

It’s a song that gently stays by your side when you can’t spend Christmas with a lover.