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

Merry Christmas, My HeartNakamori Akina

Merry Christmas, My Heart

Akina Nakamori, whose one-of-a-kind voice colored the music scene of the Showa era and continues to captivate countless listeners today.

Released in December 2025, this work is a Christmas song composed by Nakamori herself.

The lyrics evoke city lights sparkling on street corners, the distant peal of bells, and a warm drink in your hands, conjuring a serene sense of joy on Christmas Eve.

It’s a sophisticated holiday song that gently accompanies a night spent with someone special or a quiet moment reflecting on the year.

HappinessAI

AI – Happiness

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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Dear Santa,JO1

Dear Santa,

Born from a 2019 audition show, JO1 has continued to thrive both in Japan and overseas.

In December 2024, marking the group’s fifth anniversary, they surprised fans with a Christmas song as a gesture of gratitude, and released it as a digital single in December 2025.

Co-written and composed by member Takumi Kawanishi, the track conveys the warmth and romantic emotion of spending a special night with someone important.

A special video was released simultaneously with its live premiere, creating major buzz among fans.

It’s a number you’ll want to listen to when you find yourself wishing to spend Christmas night with someone.

By the time of the Christmas carolsInagaki Junichi

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

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.

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White LoversKuwata Keisuke

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

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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Christmas cardAina ji Endo

AiNA THE END – Christmas Card [-Room Session- “A Room Without Hibernation” Vol.2 at Toranomon Hills “TOKYO NODE”]

Aina The End, who made her mark as a member of BiSH and has won numerous awards as an actor, released her album RUBY POP in November 2024, featuring her first Christmas song written specifically for her by Noriyuki Makihara.

The lyrics gently portray the warmth of thinking of someone special, and it’s said that Aina herself was moved to tears.

The song was selected as the image song for the Tokyo Christmas Market 2024.

Arranged by Tomi Yo, its tender tones create a heartwarming ballad that will keep you company on the holy night.

Merry × Merry Xmas★E-girls

E-girls / Merry × Merry Xmas★

A cute and pop Christmas song sung by E-girls, known for their amazing dance performances.

It’s also great for dances at events! Many Christmas songs feel a bit lonely… but this one is a bright, cheerful Christmas tune, making it perfect as BGM for parties and more.