Japanese music edition: roundup of Christmas songs. New tracks and classic favorites [2026]

streetlightBE:FIRST

BE:FIRST / Streetlight - Official Audio -

A BE:FIRST track released in December 2025 that brilliantly fuses the uplifting spirit of gospel with the accessibility of pop.

Produced by Chaki Zulu with lyrics by SKY-HI, it charms by evoking both the sacred feel of worship music and the fun of a party song at the same time.

The lyrics, which spotlight the small joys found in everyday life, are also memorable.

It makes you realize that simply walking down a winter night street with someone dear is a priceless treasure in itself.

The song was selected as the tie-in for FamilyMart’s Christmas campaign commercial.

LALALA (Baby it takes two)Hirai Dai

Hirai Dai / LALALA (Baby it takes two) (Lyric Video)

Singer-songwriter Dai Hirai is loved by a wide range of generations for his warm sound rooted in surf rock and acoustic pop.

This is the title track of the EP “LALALA (Baby it takes two),” which was released on November 26, 2025, and it was chosen as the image song for Christmas markets held in five locations across Japan.

The piece features an evocative acoustic guitar tone.

It’s a winter song that sings about the preciousness of everyday life spent with someone special, delivering a message that sharing feelings as a pair brings color to our days—a sentiment that truly resonates.

A perfect track for the holiday season.

holy nightDevil ANTHEM.

holy night

In November 2025, Devil ANTHEM.

released the group’s first Christmas song.

The lyrics were written by Kaito Satoh, with composition and arrangement by dirty magiq, resulting in an upbeat track marked by dazzling synth work and a soaring, exhilarating beat.

The lyrics depict the courage and hope to change oneself sparked by Christmas night, unfolding an emotional worldview that blends winter’s wistfulness with a festive spirit.

Released as a standalone digital single separate from the October album “a story beyond,” the song arrives in the midst of the group’s 11th-anniversary tour.

This seasonal number seamlessly fuses the live-wire energy that ignites their shows with the sparkle of the season.

It’s perfect not only as party BGM, but also for those moments when you need the courage to move forward.

Merry Special daySoala

Merry Special Day

Soala, whose poignant vocals and highly relatable lyrics have garnered strong support especially among young listeners, released her long-awaited Christmas song in November 2025.

This track is like a Christmas present from her, imbued with the wish to “finally spend the holidays with the one I love this year.” While it’s sprinkled with seasonal motifs like reindeer, snow, and illuminations, it delicately portrays the feelings of a protagonist still holding onto an unfulfilled longing.

The structure, in which a quiet loneliness seeps through the festive sparkle, evokes Soala’s signature bittersweetness.

As a seasonal song crafted by a proven artist with over 100 million total streams, it feels destined to become a new classic.

It’s the perfect tune for those who dream of spending Christmas with a loved one, or anyone seeking a warm glow on a holy night.

santaAndrop

Santa

In the sparkling Christmas season, androp have delivered a song that gently nestles close to the heart.

Its theme is “unseen kindness.” Even if it goes unnoticed, someone is thinking of you—such a message is carefully woven throughout.

While painting scenes of snowy nights and holy evenings, the lyrics avoid leaning too much on festive glamour and instead gently shine a light on those who feel loneliness or anxiety.

Released in December 2025, this work arrives close to the 16th anniversary of androp’s CD debut.

True to a band that has fused a wide range of sounds from alternative rock to electronica, its warm arrangement resonates comfortably.

It’s a perfect track for spending a quiet night alone, or for reaffirming your feelings for someone dear.

When you want to step away from the Christmas bustle and slowly fill your heart, this song is highly recommended.

Afterimage of Christmasmatsumura kanau

Afterimage of Christmas – Kanau Matsumura [Official Music Video]

As the city grows more radiant in December, the quiet of nights spent alone seeps into the heart—this Christmas song by Kanau Matsumura tenderly captures that bittersweet feeling.

Released in December 2025, the piece brings to life the emotions of those carrying loneliness amid the festive season, through small everyday scenes like the chill in the weather forecast and buying a cake for one.

The dazzling illuminations and city bustle paradoxically stir up memories of the past—an aching contradiction that resonates alongside the gentle melody.

The music video features Honoka Kitahara, deepening the song’s world.

It’s a track I’d recommend to anyone facing a winter after a breakup, or to those seeking a song that embraces the complex emotions of Christmas beyond simple happiness.

Christmas☆ParadeAsaka

Asaka “Christmas☆Parade” Music Video Full ver.

Asaka, who has built her career as an anison singer, released this Christmas number in November 2025 as the second installment of her three-month consecutive digital release project celebrating her 10th debut anniversary.

She penned the lyrics herself, weaving in wintry imagery like city illuminations, powdery snow, and the sound of bells to depict special moments spent with someone dear.

Its charm lies in how a tender warmth coexists with a grand, glittering sound.

The music video also features heartwarming scenes of an energetic dog dashing around.

It’s perfect not only for couples, but also as background music for Christmas spent with friends and family—a gift-like song that blends splendor with coziness.