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 (11–20)

Gift of the Holy NightHata Motohiro

Motohiro Hata – “A Gift on the Holy Night” Music Video

Gift of the Holy NightHata Motohiro

A heartwarming song that beautifully depicts a winter scene.

Its gentle vocals, which make you feel a deep bond with someone special on a quiet, snow-covered night, are particularly striking.

Included on the album “Ao no Shōkei,” released in December 2015, it was also used in a commercial for House’s “Hokkaido Stew.” As Motohiro Hata’s first Christmas song, it carries a touching message that brings warmth to cold winter nights.

The work expresses Hata’s kindness in viewing time spent with loved ones as the greatest gift, making it a perfect recommendation for those who want to create a special moment with someone dear on Christmas night.

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chicken riceHamada Masatoshi / Makihara Noriyuki

chicken rice

chicken riceHamada Masatoshi / Makihara Noriyuki

The collaborative single “Chicken Rice” by Masatoshi Hamada of Downtown and singer-songwriter Noriyuki Makihara is a song based on episodes from the childhood of Hamada’s partner, Hitoshi Matsumoto.

It later became beloved as a Heisei-era Christmas song and has been covered by various artists.

Its bittersweet yet heartwarming lyrics stand out among the many Christmas songs that focus on romance.

It’s a heartfelt number distinguished by its beautiful melody and ensemble.

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Hoshino Takashi

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By the time of the Christmas carolsInagaki Junichi

Junichi Inagaki, Kōmi Hirose – Around the Time of the Christmas Carol

By the time of the Christmas carolsInagaki Junichi

A classic that became Junichi Inagaki’s first major hit in a decade and marked a turning point in his career.

Released in October 1992, it was also used in commercials and as a TV drama theme song.

It delicately portrays romantic feelings leading into the Christmas season; while it isn’t strictly a Christmas song, it has a perfect atmosphere for listening in December.

It subtly expresses the nuances of love—such as the conflict that comes from knowing each other too well and the realization of support that becomes invisible because it’s so close.

Highly recommended for those struggling with relationships with loved ones or for anyone who wants to feel emotional shifts along with the changing seasons.

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A Snowy ChristmasDREAMS COME TRUE

DREAMS COME TRUE – Snowy Christmas / Lyric Video (from Miwa Yoshida Poetry Collection “LOVE”)

A Snowy ChristmasDREAMS COME TRUE

DREAMS COME TRUE have continued to shine, releasing numerous classic songs since the 1990s.

Released in November 1990, this track paints a poignant portrait of longing for a loved one, set against a winter night sky and falling snow.

Miwa Yoshida’s clear vocals resonate beautifully, as if placing you within a snowy landscape.

Frequently heard in towns, on drives, and on TV specials, it is one of the quintessential Christmas songs of the Heisei era.

Its heartwarming melody and lyrics make you want to listen on a cold winter night with someone special.

It’s a wonderful song that adds color to precious moments spent with a partner or family.

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Someday Merry ChristmasB’z

B’z Someday Merry Christmas [LIVE-GYM 2011 -C’mon-] (Photographed in Osaka 2022)

Someday Merry ChristmasB'z

This is a classic Christmas song released by B’z in December 1992.

While themed around a bittersweet farewell, its melody evokes a quiet, snowy night that resonates deeply.

Included on their 4th mini-album “FRIENDS,” it was also used as an insert song in the film “Love Has Fallen.” Despite never being released as a single, it has become a highly recognized, staple Christmas number.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to on a winter night while thinking of someone special—perfect for moments of quiet reflection or when you want to savor the Christmas mood.

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