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

My lover is Santa ClausMatsutōya Yumi

My lover is Santa Claus

Is Santa Claus actually a lover? This dreamy, romantic lyric is the hallmark of Yumi Matsutoya’s Christmas song! Released in 1980, it’s a timeless Christmas classic loved for many years.

It has been covered by many artists, including Seiko Matsuda and FLOWER.

On Christmas, is the one bringing presents the real Santa Claus, or a lover who has become Santa? Either way, it’s a wonderful story full of romance and dreams.

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SAKI

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Someday Merry ChristmasB’z

Itsuka No Merry Christmas

A B’z Christmas song that has been featured in various tie-ins and is still loved as a classic holiday tune.

At first, it feels like a song that conjures happy, heartwarming scenes, but in reality it’s about a bittersweet farewell.

He buys a present for his lover, believing they’ll continue to share joyful times together, only to find himself spending the Christmases that follow alone.

The opening music-box motif and Koshi Inaba’s gentle vocals heighten the poignancy of this track.

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SAKI

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Merry XmasBoA

BoA / Meri Kuri

This song is one of the signature tracks by BoA, a Korea-born artist who was among the first to thrive in Japan’s music scene in the 2000s, and it remains beloved as a classic Christmas tune.

While many Christmas ballads surprisingly center on unrequited love or heartbreak, this one portrays a couple happily spending Christmas together, warming your heart as you listen.

The chorus melody is not only beautiful but also incredibly catchy, making it a highly recommended choice for anyone looking for a Christmas ballad.

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Hane Keisuke

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chicken riceHamada Masatoshi / Makihara Noriyuki

chicken rice

A dream collaboration that came true when Masatoshi Hamada of Downtown asked Noriyuki Makihara to “write a song” on HEY! HEY! HEY! Makihara handled composition, production, and backing vocals, while lyrics were written by Downtown’s Hitoshi Matsumoto.

The lyrics recount a Christmas Matsumoto actually experienced as a child.

Hamada’s unpretentious vocals bring those vivid scenes to life, making it a moving classic.

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SAKI

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Christmas songback number

back number – “Christmas Song” Music Video

With its powerful Christmas mood right from the intro, “Christmas Song” by back number is their 14th single, released in 2015.

It was also used as a TV drama theme, and in recent years it’s firmly joined the ranks of classic Christmas songs.

It’s a love song that, while slightly poking fun at the bustling holiday streets and crowds, straightforwardly conveys feelings to someone special.

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utatane

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4 SEASONSXG

XG – 4 SEASONS (Official Music Video)

A work whose gentle acoustic sound resonates in the heart, as if melting into the clear winter air.

Created by the globally active XG, this track was released digitally in December 2025 as a lead single from their first full album, “THE CORE,” set for release in January 2026.

It’s a ballad sung by CHISA, HINATA, and JURIA, with lyrics that layer unspoken emotions onto the shifting of the seasons—both bittersweet and warm.

Their delicate vocals bring a soothing comfort that spreads slowly, like warmth seeping into a chilled body.

escortYuuma

Yuma “Escort” Official Music Video

Yuma, a singer who also works as a member of the YouTube creator group Comdot and has drawn attention for his vocal ability and unpretentious choice of words.

Released in December 2025, “Escort” portrays a clumsy yet warm-hearted resolve to gently lead a loved one—just for today—amid scenes that evoke winter’s chill and plumes of white breath.

From casual conversations in a cafeteria to moments playing in the snow, it tenderly captures the cherished sense of distance between two people in everyday life.

Be sure to give this winter love song a listen.