Songs that go well with illuminations: A collection of masterpieces that create a magical atmosphere
In winter, beautiful illuminations sparkle all around the city, don’t they?
Especially during the Christmas season, they shine even brighter.
And to enhance the atmosphere of those gorgeous illuminations, music is essential!
So in this article, we’ll introduce a selection of songs that are perfect for illuminations all at once.
Starting with popular Christmas songs and winter tunes, we’ve gathered tracks that make the illuminations look even more beautiful, warmer, and more exciting.
Be sure to use this as a reference!
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Songs that go with illuminations: a roundup of classic tracks that create a magical atmosphere (21–30)
Christmas WishAmuro Namie
Christmas Wish portrays someone eagerly awaiting a special day spent with their crush or partner.
Released in 2016 by Namie Amuro, who captivates fans with her glamorous looks and vocals, the song unfolds with her clear, airy voice floating over gentle strings and soft synths.
The lyrics, brimming with affection for a loved one, convey a sense of excitement.
It’s a winter song that evokes a dazzling scene set in a town where white snow falls.
It’s also perfect to listen to while gazing at a Christmas tree adorned with lots of ornaments.
I BelieveEXILE
When it comes to a dance number with bell-like chimes that feel like the footsteps of winter drawing near, it has to be “I Believe.” Released in 2007 by EXILE, one of Japan’s premier dance and vocal groups, it’s marked by a gentle melody that warmly wraps the pure white, snowy season.
Their vocals ride a danceable beat that makes you want to break into light, lively steps.
It’s a winter song infused with a bittersweet yet passionate longing, capturing the impatience of waiting to see a loved one.
Give it a listen as background music for winter illuminations that perfectly match a wintry romance.
Songs that go well with illuminations: A collection of masterpieces that create a magical atmosphere (31–40)
My lover is Santa ClausMatsutōya Yumi
Singer-songwriter Yumi Matsutoya—affectionately known as “Yuming”—has continually released songs that resonate across generations.
Lover Is Santa Claus, included on her 10th album SURF & SNOW, became a major hit as an insert song in the film Take Me Out to the Snow.
There’s even an oft-told anecdote that the song helped shift Christmas in Japan from a children’s event to a romantic one—something you can still feel today.
With its poppy melody that makes holiday lights shine even brighter, it’s a Christmas song loved across the ages.
1999Hitsuji Bungaku
A song you should listen to while watching illuminations that brighten the pitch-black night streets is “1999.” It was released in 2018 by Hitsujibungaku, a rock band known for delivering story-rich songs to listeners.
The band’s sound features a dreamy guitar tone that makes full use of reverb and delay effects.
Their translucent choral work conveys feelings that are both aching and warm.
Paired with lyrics that evoke nostalgic scenery, the song gently resonates in the heart.
Let yourself sink into its bittersweet yet beautiful melody—perfect for the winter season, when loneliness and wistfulness tend to set in.
Someday Merry ChristmasB’z
B’z is a rock unit that has set countless milestones in the J-pop scene and continues to lead the rock world without compromising their style.
Itsukano Merry Christmas, included on their Christmas-themed 4th mini album FRIENDS, has become one of B’z’s signature songs despite never being released as a single.
The lyrics, which look back on memories with a lover, coupled with the chill of winter, bring on a sentimental mood.
It’s a classic Christmas song recommended for those moments when you want to lose yourself in your own world while gazing at Christmas trees and illuminations.
IlluminationSEKAI NO OWARI
A clear starry sky in the cold night, and colorful illuminations.
With the possibility of pure white snow falling—SEKAI NO OWARI’s “Illumination,” perfect as background music for the Christmas season, was released as a single in 2018.
Its beautiful melody line and lyrics that evoke a profound world blend seamlessly into the winter season.
“Illumination” was written as the theme song for the TV drama “Legal V,” starring Ryoko Yonekura.
With its uniquely warm vocals and distinctive worldview, it paints a vivid picture of the Christmas scene.
Merry Christmas Mr. LawrenceSakamoto Ryuichi
A masterpiece that brilliantly fuses Eastern and Western musical elements, this film score was created by Ryuichi Sakamoto in 1983 and won the BAFTA Award for Best Original Music.
Its graceful pentatonic melody is interwoven with the delicate timbres of synthesizer and glass harp, bringing a gentle sense of expansiveness to the heart.
Re-arranged as a solo piano album titled “Coda,” the work also received high acclaim worldwide as the soundtrack to the film “Merry Christmas, Mr.
Lawrence.” Cherished by many artists, including Hikaru Utada and Sarah Brightman, this gem continues to offer profound emotion—an ideal, soothing background for quiet nights or moments when you wish to calm your mind.