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Lovely Christmas

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

Once December arrives, you start hearing Christmas songs everywhere, don’t you? Many people may also want to play Christmas songs at parties to get into the festive mood.

That said, there are so many Christmas songs that it can be hard to choose.

So in this article, we’ll introduce a generous selection of classic Christmas songs! We’ve picked not only the latest Christmas tracks, but also many timeless favorites that have remained popular for years.

Please use this as a reference and have a wonderful Christmas filled with great music.

Compilation of Japanese Christmas songs: New releases and timeless classics [2026] (21–30)

Someday Merry ChristmasB’z

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.

SAKI
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Merry XmasBoA

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.

Hane Keisuke
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chicken riceHamada Masatoshi / Makihara Noriyuki

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.

SAKI
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Christmas songback number

back number – “Christmas Song” Music Video
Christmas songback number

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.

utatane
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HappinessAI

A number by AI that treats us to bright, gospel-like, heartwarming vocals perfect for Christmas.

It became a hot topic after being featured in a Coca-Cola commercial.

The song celebrates the happiness of meeting someone who makes you smile and feel blessed just by being together.

True to its lyrics, the melody and AI’s vocals create an irresistibly happy atmosphere throughout, making it a particularly charming track.

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By the time of the Christmas carolsInagaki Junichi

Junichi Inagaki, Kōmi Hirose – Around the Time of the Christmas Carol
By the time of the Christmas carolsInagaki Junichi

It’s a classic Christmas song that was also used as the theme for the drama Homework starring Toshiaki Karasawa! The song tells the story of a couple who’ve hit a rough patch and decide to take some distance until Christmas so they can think about their future and what truly matters.

In fact, it’s a bittersweet Christmas song.

Will the couple in the lyrics be able to start over around Christmastime, or will they end up parting ways after all? It’s a track that sparks the imagination.

SAKI
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White LoversKuwata Keisuke

Keisuke Kuwata – Shiroi Koibito-tachi (Short ver.)
White LoversKuwata Keisuke

A solo track released by Keisuke Kuwata, the vocalist of Southern All Stars.

Just as the title suggests, it perfectly suits the scene of white snow fluttering down.

The lyrics depict a bittersweet love that has ended, yet the song has long been cherished as a staple during the Christmas season, when white snow looks its most beautiful.

As we find ourselves reflecting on loves that have ended, we can’t help but think of this song when Christmas comes around.

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