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 and classic tracks to hear in winter (21–30)

CHRISTMAS CHORUSKomuro Tetsuya

CHRISTMAS CHORUS

CHRISTMAS CHORUSKomuro Tetsuya

This song—written, composed, arranged, and produced by Tetsuya Komuro himself—features Naoto Kine’s acoustic guitar and the Suginami Children’s Choir adding a touch of warmth.

Released in December 1989 as a solo single from EPIC/Sony Records, it’s a romantic ballad that expresses sincere feelings for a lover amid fantastical imagery like a silver messenger and moonlight.

The chorus includes phrases celebrating both Christmas and the New Year, cleverly designed to be sung throughout the holiday season.

Peaking at No.

2 on the Oricon weekly chart, the track charms with its warm blend of acoustic sounds and synthesizers—perfect for those winter nights when you think of someone special.

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The★ChristmasBENNIE K

The★Christmas

The★ChristmasBENNIE K

A Christmas number included on BENNIE K’s 2005 album “Japana-rhythm.” Rather than a typical romantic love song, its appeal lies in how it portrays the true spirit of Christmas—spending time with family and friends, smiling together.

The lyrics weave English and Japanese, carrying wishes for peace and a belief in miracles, delivering a message of hope for everyone.

The rock-tinged arrangement, with crackling, energetic guitars, is striking, and YUKI’s vocals intertwine nimbly with CICO’s rap.

The album is structured around the four seasons, and this track, a signature of the winter section, brings a warm, festive feeling.

It’s the perfect song for a lively Christmas party with your loved ones!

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Winter BellBREAKERZ

BREAKERZ「Winter Bell」Music Video（full ver.）

Winter BellBREAKERZ

Although it was the B-side to the single “LOVE FIGHTER ~Koi no Battle~,” released in November 2009, this winter classic by BREAKERZ was featured as the ending theme for Yomiuri TV’s “Joho Live Miyane-ya” and as the commercial song for Huis Ten Bosch’s “City of Lights 2009.” The lyrics delicately depict the exhilaration and anxiety of winter romance: the joy of indifference to Christmas turning into a special night after meeting someone important, the warmth of holding hands in a city glittering with illuminations, and the bittersweet ache of continuing to think of someone even when apart.

With DAIGO’s soaring vocals and a fresh arrangement featuring a co-arranger, this ballad-style track is the perfect song for a holy night spent with a loved one.

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Their HOLY X’MASGLAY

Their Holy X’mas

Their HOLY X'MASGLAY

This is a winter ballad included on the 2002 album “UNITY ROOTS & FAMILY, AWAY.” Rather than a love-centered Christmas song, it is woven from the perspective of Christmas for all people, with diverse skin tones and eye colors.

The lyrics gently portray universal wishes for happiness, dreams, and the true meaning of Christmas, leaving listeners with a calm, warm feeling.

In 2023, an anthology edition was released two decades later, featuring a live arrangement version as well.

It’s a gentle song you’ll want to play quietly on a peaceful Christmas night spent with family and friends.

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Song of X’smapSMAP

SMAP Song of X’smap

Song of X'smapSMAP

A song performed at the end of 2004 by SMAP, the five-member group that thrived as a national idol and disbanded in 2016, as the theme for the drama “X’smap: Tora to Raion to Gonin no Otoko.” After initially being released exclusively via digital distribution, it was officially put on CD in January 2005 as the B-side to the single “Tomodachi e ~Say What You Will~.” With vivid imagery set on a holy night and lyrics that depict the joy of loving someone and being loved in return, it carries a message that anyone can be the star.

Composed by Yoko Kanno, its warm and emotive melody resonates in the heart—a ballad that colors the time spent with someone special on a winter night.

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GREEN CHRISTMASHirai Ken

GREEN CHRISTMAS

GREEN CHRISTMASHirai Ken

While singing about a realistic Christmas scene—one without white snow or Santa Claus—this ballad is imbued with deep prayer and love.

Released in December 2000 as the B-side to the single “even if,” it shipped 360,000 copies and was featured as the J-WAVE CHRISTMAS SONG 2000.

In the recording, they pursued an extreme laid-back feel, stripping back instruments to create space.

At Ken Hirai’s winter concept live series “Ken’s Bar,” it has long been beloved as the standard pre-show SE.

With a voice that gently envelops the heart, this is a recommended song for those who wish to offer a prayer on a Christmas night spent alone.

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SECRET LOVE STORYKishidan

Kishidan – Secret Love Story

SECRET LOVE STORYKishidan

An unconventional rock band known for their pompadours and school uniforms, Kishidan released this winter love story in October 2003.

Set in a town where no snow falls, it’s a lyrical and dramatic number depicting a secret romance under the glow of an orange moon.

The solid, string-accented sound carries a poignant yet warm narrative that lingers in the heart.

The music video features Erika Sawajiri, who was then garnering attention as a young actress, and it won “BEST STORY VIDEO” at the 2004 Space Shower Music Video Awards.

It’s the perfect BGM for a winter night spent with someone special.

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