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)

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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Mr.SnowmanE-girls

e-girls / Mr.Snowman

Mr.SnowmanE-girls

This pop tune depicts a love that boldly tries to reach someone who stands before you, cold and towering like snow.

Its catchy melody and fast-paced electro sound express both the heartache of being unable to take that first step toward him and the determined, positive feelings of not giving up.

Released in November 2014 as E-girls’ 12th single, it was featured in commercials for UHA Mikakuto’s e-ma throat lozenges and Prince Hotels’ snow resorts, and peaked at No.

2 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.

The music video, evoking a shimmering white world, is dreamlike and perfectly heightens the mood of winter romance.

It’s a winter song that’s perfect for those moments when you need a push in love or want to get hyped with friends at karaoke.

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Song of a Winter DayGReeeeN

Fuyunoaruhinouta

Song of a Winter DayGReeeeN

A heartwarming ballad by GReeeeN that gently wraps the time spent with a lover during the cold season.

Included on the limited first pressing of the single “Tobira,” released in December 2008, this track is sprinkled with Christmas motifs like bell chimes and candlelight.

Soft acoustic guitar and piano tones intertwine with the group’s signature harmonies, carefully weaving honest feelings for a loved one.

Through its unadorned lyrics, you can feel the wish to celebrate this day together every year and the irreplaceable value of the time shared by two people.

“Tobira” reached No.

2 on the Oricon charts, and the album it appears on, “Shio, Kosho,” later won the Japan Record Award for Best Album.

It’s a hidden gem that gently accompanies quiet winter nights with your partner or moments when you want to convey your feelings to someone special.

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