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

If we become loversFukushima Sayaka

"If We Become Lovers" Music Video

Fukushima Sayaka’s winter song overlays city scenes as the season turns toward Christmas with the quickening of a budding love.

Released in December 2025, this piece centers on “the things I want to do once we become lovers,” carefully portraying a giving spirit—the wish to bring a smile to the other person.

It’s striking how quintessential winter imagery—streets lit by illuminations, the figure of a loved one glimpsed through a shop window—merges seamlessly with the narrator’s emotions.

Serving as the title track of a three-song release, it unfolds like a story over more than five minutes, moving from vivid scene-setting to the crystallization of a heartfelt wish.

True to her journey from PE teacher to singer-songwriter, the song carries a straightforward, warm message that resonates deeply.

It’s a piece that will gently accompany those nursing a one-sided love or hoping to share their feelings with someone special this Christmas.

Burnin’X’masT.M.Revolution

T.M.Revolution – Burnin’ X’mas | Official Music Video

When you think of Christmas songs, many people probably imagine a mid-tempo ballad with the sound of sleigh bells ringing.

But this song by T.M.Revolution is the opposite of that image.

Its sound feels like a reflection of the late-’90s music scene, and there’s a strangely pleasant charm to the melody in the chorus.

The sensual lyrics, so characteristic of Takanori Nishikawa, are also part of its appeal.

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Hane Keisuke

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Holy Lightimase

【imase】Holy Light（Official Audio）

Singer-songwriter imase, who began his music career in 2020 and made his major-label debut in 2021.

His collaboration track with Shibuya Scramble Square, “Holy Light,” was written specifically for the “SHIBUYA SCRAMBLE XMAS” fair held from November 17 to December 25, 2022.

The brisk ensemble riding on a fast-paced shuffle beat, together with his cool vocals, really elevates the Christmas spirit.

It’s an emotional pop tune with stylish arrangements that perfectly suit an urban event.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Love & Happiness (Let’s Be a Santa)Hirai Dai

Dai Hirai / Love & Happiness (Let’s Be a Santa) (Lyric Video)

A Christmas song by Dai Hirai that carries the breeze of surf music.

With the soothing sound of the ukulele, it gently sings about the importance of sharing love and happiness.

Born from a collaboration with Starbucks, the track was released digitally on November 28, 2022.

It’s a song that reminds us of the beauty of expressing gratitude amid our busy days.

It seems to have been influenced by Hirai welcoming his first child as well.

Perfect for warm moments with family and friends.

How about listening to it with a cup of coffee in hand, relaxing?

daylightChilli Beans.

Chilli Beans. – daylight (Official Music Video)

A song that brings a fresh breeze, set apart from the usual Christmas staples, has arrived from Chilli Beans.

While depicting an escape from Christmas carols, the track proposes a new kind of celebration.

It expresses a yearning for light, laughter, and freedom, with the band’s signature choral work resonating pleasantly.

Released digitally in December 2022, it was included on their 3rd EP, “mixtape.” The piece carries a message about stepping away from the holiday bustle to create a special time of one’s own, making it a great recommendation for those seeking a new way to experience Christmas.

White KissSuzuki Suzuki

White Kiss – Suzuki Suzuki [Official Music Video]

The winter love song by Suzuki Suzuki is a track that perfectly captures the Christmas mood.

Its lyrics, depicting a sweet date set against a snowy landscape, are memorable and suit a quiet winter night.

Released in November 2021, the song also gained strong popularity on TikTok, winning over many listeners.

The gentle melody and the sound of bells invite listeners into a happy Christmas atmosphere.

It’s becoming a beloved new staple that warms the heart in the chilly season.

Christmas ringAKB48

Kurisumasu Ringu

In contrast to the dazzling cityscape, this is a grown-up Christmas song suffused with a touch of wistfulness.

Performed as a unit song in the AKB48 theater show “Koko Kara da,” which opened in December 2024, it was finally released as the long-awaited studio version on the December 2025 album “Koko Kara da Performance Album (Studio Recordings Collection).” Rather than a lively party tune, this piece delicately portrays the memories and feelings of love that resurface in quiet moments against the backdrop of city neon and fir trees.

The scenes Yasushi Akimoto paints highlight the loneliness that intensifies precisely because of the festive season.

It’s a perfect listen for a silent night when you want to be alone with your thoughts, or when you wish to reflect on cherished memories.