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

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.

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 ChristmasBUMP OF CHICKEN

BUMP OF CHICKEN『Merry Christmas』Full Ver.

The city adorned for Christmas shines with illuminations, overflowing with a warm and very happy atmosphere.

It’s on this day, filled with such happiness, that BUMP’s Christmas song carries a wish: that we can gently accept anything.

There are all kinds of things in our daily lives, but on this happy day, may everyone spend their time peacefully…

It would be wonderful if the wish BUMP sings could spread across the whole world.

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SAKI

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ChristmasJUDY AND MARY

JUDY AND MARY - Christmas

Even after their breakup in 2001, JUDY AND MARY are consistently named as a band fans want to see reunite.

The song “Christmas” was included as the B-side to their fourth single, “Cheese ‘PIZZA’,” released in 1994.

It’s a highly popular track as Judy and Mary’s only Christmas song.

Painted from a woman’s perspective of a happy couple’s Christmas, it’s a song that leaves you feeling happy and warm when it’s over.

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utatane

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Tie a ribbon around my affectionLittle Glee Monster

Little Glee Monster – Tie a Ribbon on Tenderness / THE FIRST TAKE

The winter campaign theme song for Coca-Cola, which becomes a hot topic as a winter song.

This track was chosen as the theme in 2019.

Its greatest charm lies in the beautiful harmonies unique to Little Glee Monster, making it a piece that truly shines with Christmas-like beauty.

As the title “Wrap Love with a Ribbon” suggests, be sure to pay attention to the heartwarming lyrics themed around expressing gratitude and affection to someone special.

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Hane Keisuke

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A Special ChristmasAKB48

[MV] Special Christmas Digest Video / AKB48 [Official]

There are lots of idol-group Christmas songs, and many of them really lift your spirits, right? AKB48, one of Japan’s most iconic national idol groups, has a Christmas song called “Totteoki Christmas” that’s perfect not only for couples spending the holiday together but also for Christmas with family and loved ones.

The song was included as a coupling track on their 29th single “Eien Pressure,” released in 2012.

It also makes great background music for a Christmas party.

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utatane

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I promiseKing&Prince

King & Prince「I promise」MV -Dance ver.- YouTube Edit

King & Prince’s winter love story is a gem that brightens the Christmas scene.

Also featured in a Seven-Eleven commercial, the song is characterized by its heartwarming melody and lyrics pledging love.

Released in December 2020, it achieved the remarkable feat of selling 567,000 copies in its first week.

The music video, which unfolds five different love stories, is another highlight.

It’s perfect for times when you want to feel a special bond with someone important or for choosing music at a Christmas party.

Why not let King & Prince’s vocals add sparkle to your winter nights?