Lovely Christmas

Heisei-era Christmas songs and classic tracks you want to listen to in winter

DancerFukkun:)Tatsuki Fukuda
Primarily active in Tokyo, I have experience as a backup dancer for artists, a music video dancer, and a commercial dancer. I continue to work as a dancer while also engaging in article production. After discovering Michael Jackson in junior high school, I began dancing in my second year of high school. Since starting dance, in addition to the J-Pop and Japanese rock I had been listening to, I began exploring Western R&B, rap, alternative music, and other tracks commonly used for dance. In elementary school, I spent three years in a choir, and because I love singing, I often go to karaoke for fun. These days, I enjoy a wide range of music, from Japanese rock and rap to K-pop.
POPS writer/editorKEI
Since discovering music during my school days, I’ve mainly listened to Japanese and Korean pop. I have experience writing articles for sites like Utaten. 2000s J-pop and 2010s K-pop were especially the soundtrack of my youth. With the mindset that “good is good,” I enjoy music across genres. Thanks to past work environments and their influence, I was exposed to lots of classic rock and kayōkyoku (Japanese popular songs), which may have broadened the scope of what I love. At RAG MUSIC, I currently focus on K-pop and J-pop. I strive to edit with a feel for the scene and an eye for hit potential.

Every winter, Christmas songs begin to flow through the city.

Many tracks born in the Heisei era remain etched in our hearts as timeless favorites that are still just as popular today.

Those nostalgic melodies we can’t help but hum bring back lyrics filled with memories of lovers, warm times spent with family, and unforgettable scenes from TV dramas.

This Christmas season, experience the charm of these songs that continue to be loved even after the Heisei era ended.

Here are Christmas songs from the Heisei generation where nostalgia and freshness intersect.

Heisei-Era Christmas Songs: Classic Tracks to Hear in Winter (1–10)

Snow Magic FantasySEKAI NO OWARI

SEKAI NO OWARI “Snow Magic Fantasy”

Snow Magic FantasySEKAI NO OWARI

A winter song that lets you feel a heart-lifting exhilaration with its fantastical snowy scenery and lively, marching band–style sound.

It overflows with SEKAI NO OWARI’s signature sense of fantasy, depicting a love story like a tale.

Released in January 2014, the track was written specifically for JR East’s JR SKISKI commercial, and its striking finish comes from layering a majestic arrangement over a refreshing melody.

It’s perfect for the trip to the slopes or for enjoying a winter date while gazing at illuminations.

A song that captures the excitement and butterflies of a White Christmas, it’s sure to liven up karaoke during the holiday season.

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HappinessAI

AI – Happiness

HappinessAI

A well-known song by AI, familiar as a Coca-Cola commercial tune.

It began distribution as a ringtone in November 2011 and was released in December as her first single after moving to EMI Music Japan.

With its positive message and moving lyrics, it has the power to encourage listeners.

It became a major hit, ranking fifth on the Billboard Japan Hot 100 year-end chart for 2012, and was used for Coca-Cola’s Christmas campaign for five consecutive years through 2015.

It’s also a crowd-pleaser at karaoke and loved by people of all ages.

It’s a song that makes you want to spread smiles and happiness.

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Christmas songback number

back number – Christmas Song (full)

Christmas songback number

A back number ballad that flows through the city with the footsteps of winter.

Released in November 2015, it was chosen as the theme song for Fuji TV’s Monday 9 p.m.

drama “5→9: From Five to Nine.” The lyrics, which portray the wavering emotions of winter romance, struck a chord and have continued to spread even into the Reiwa era, earning support from many people.

Its blend of poignancy and warmth makes it perfect for the lonely, love-seeking season of winter.

It’s a song you often hear around town every Christmas season.

You’ll want to listen to it on a special night with your partner or in moments when you’re thinking of someone important.

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Somewhere in a distant town…Nagayama Miho

“Somewhere in a Distant Town” Miho Nakayama — Band Cover

Somewhere in a distant town...Nagayama Miho

A heartwarming classic that colors winter streets.

Miho Nakayama’s clear, translucent voice resounds on Christmas night.

The melody gently embraces the aching feelings for a lover far away, sinking deeply into the heart.

Released in November 1991, this work has been included in many compilation albums and has been cherished for years.

It’s perfect not only for the Christmas season but also for moments when you’re thinking of someone dear.

Please listen to this gem of a ballad that stays close to those in love and offers a warm sense of hope.

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White LoversKuwata Keisuke

Keisuke Kuwata – Shiroi Koibitotachi (Full ver.)

White LoversKuwata Keisuke

It’s a celebrated ballad that portrays the bittersweet feelings of winter love.

On a cold night as the snow piles up, the protagonist vividly recalls a love that has passed.

Keisuke Kuwata’s delicate vocals beautifully capture both the beauty and the heartache of lost love.

Released in October 2001, it topped the Oricon charts and became a massive hit, selling over 1.23 million copies.

While there are no explicit Christmas scenes, the soundscape and phrasing evoke a sense of the holy night and bring Christmas to mind.

It’s lovely to listen to quietly in a warm room, of course, as well as outside.

Recommended for moments when you want to look back on a past romance or savor memories with someone special.

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