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

Wonderful HolidayTakeuchi Mariya

Lovely Holiday / Mariya Takeuchi [Cover]

A classic with a warm melody that evokes the arrival of winter and resonates in the heart.

It’s well-known from the Kentucky Fried Chicken commercials, too.

The gentle vocals, wrapping you in feelings of family bonds and childhood memories, draw you right in.

Released in November 2001 as the B-side to the single “Nostalgia,” it was later included on the album “Bon Appetit!” It’s the kind of song that, if you happen to hear it while walking through town, you’ll find yourself humming along.

A track that makes time spent at Christmas with someone special even more meaningful.

Perfect for warming the heart during the cold season.

LAST CHRISTMASEXILE

EXILE / LAST CHRISTMAS（EXILE LIVE TOUR 2022 “POWER OF WISH” ～Christmas Special～）

A Christmas song that poignantly sings of heartbreak.

Released in November 2008, it’s notable for the harmonies of ATSUSHI and TAKAHIRO.

It’s a cover of the classic hit made famous by Wham!, drawing out new charm with Japanese lyrics while preserving the original’s atmosphere.

The melody evokes the joys and nostalgia of winter, making it a perfect fit for Christmas scenes.

The song was performed at EXILE’s 2022 Christmas live concert, giving fans a special sense of wonder.

It’s a recommended track for those holding onto bittersweet feelings of love or when you want to look back on memories with someone special.

SNOW SMILEShimizu Shota

Shota Shimizu “SNOW SMILE” Music Video (Full Size)

A winter love song that delicately portrays a snowy, accumulating winter scene.

Released in November 2014, it’s themed around a long-distance relationship based on Shota Shimizu’s real-life experience.

Blending R&B elements into pop, its gentle vocals and catchy melody resonate deeply.

The music video features Nana Komatsu and Kentaro, depicting lovers who reunite after a long time apart.

The lyrics give special meaning to everyday words like “I’m home” and “Welcome back,” making it perfect for moments when you’re thinking of someone dear who feels close even when you’re far apart.

On winter nights, it will gently color the time you spend waiting for someone.

Silent EveKarashima Midori

Silent Eve / Midori Karashima

Midori Karashima has continued to release timeless songs that resonate deeply with people’s hearts.

This work is a classic Christmas song released in 1990.

Its lyrics delicately portray the heartache and loneliness of a woman spending a quiet Christmas Eve, striking a chord with many listeners.

It was also tied to a drama titled “Christmas Eve,” making it perfectly suited to the season.

Even amid the glamour of the bubble era, it expresses the quiet feelings of those spending the holidays modestly.

Among Karashima’s discography, known for its rich musicality, this piece stands out as especially memorable.

Set against winter scenes—softly falling snow, the flicker of candlelight—it depicts the emotions of heartbreak and self-rediscovery.

With lyrics that touch the heart and a warm melody, it’s a perfect recommendation for a peaceful Christmas night.

White LightAmuro Namie

White Light / (Lyric Video)

This is Namie Amuro’s first Christmas song.

It appeared in 2005 as one of the tracks on her 30th single.

It’s a ballad distinguished by a wintry, whispery vocal, produced entirely by Nao’ymt.

The song gives the impression of gently wrapping even the cold winter air, capturing listeners’ hearts.

The lyrics express the joy of spending Christmas with a loved one and the hope for a new beginning, and the heartwarming melody line is especially memorable.

Released simultaneously in Japan and Korea as a double A-side single, it has continued to be cherished by many fans as one of Namie Amuro’s classic songs.