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

A Snowy ChristmasDREAMS COME TRUE

DREAMS COME TRUE – Snowy Christmas -VERSION ’16- (Live from DWL 2015)

A ballad released in 1990, notable for its Christmas-like sound.

It was also used in a Subaru commercial in 2016, so many of you may find it familiar.

The song has a calm, gently falling-snow atmosphere, and Miwa Yoshida’s beautiful, soothing vocals feel wonderfully comforting.

The lyrics express a straightforward, earnest love for someone special.

The image of snow quickly piling up is layered with the growing feelings in the heart, and the portrayal of someone becoming overwhelmed with the desire to confess their love is truly moving.

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Hane Keisuke

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WISHarashi

WISH – Arashi (cover)

This song, which was the theme for the drama Hana Yori Dango starring Jun Matsumoto, is also a Christmas song, isn’t it? The chorus lyrics in particular, along with the Christmas-like sound of the accompaniment, evoke the holiday spirit, and just listening to it conveys the excitement of the season.

On top of that, the lyrics that capture the fluttery feelings before a relationship begins depict a romance that ties into the story of Hana Yori Dango, so fans of the series will probably enjoy it even more.

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Hane Keisuke

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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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The Christmas loner cancel crowd!AMPTAKxCOLORS

[MV] Kribocchi Cancel Community! / AMPTAKxCOLORS [Amputack]

We want to blow away that lonely “all by myself at Christmas” feeling! This fun Christmas song is packed with that wish.

Released in December 2024 by AMPTAKxCOLORS, a popular YouTube vocal group, it’s a pop and romantic piece that portrays a love confession.

Sung by six members whose unique personalities shine through, it paints heart‑pounding confession scenes and fantastical moments like riding a reindeer through the night sky.

With a catchy, upbeat melody and tempo, it’ll naturally lift your Christmas spirit.

It’s the perfect track to sing and dance to with friends at karaoke.

Why not channel your favorite member and give it a try?

Song of a Winter DayGReeeeN

Fuyunoaruhinouta

A heartwarming ballad by GReeeeN that gently wraps the time spent with a lover during the cold season.

Included on the limited first pressing of the single “Tobira,” released in December 2008, this track is sprinkled with Christmas motifs like bell chimes and candlelight.

Soft acoustic guitar and piano tones intertwine with the group’s signature harmonies, carefully weaving honest feelings for a loved one.

Through its unadorned lyrics, you can feel the wish to celebrate this day together every year and the irreplaceable value of the time shared by two people.

“Tobira” reached No.

2 on the Oricon charts, and the album it appears on, “Shio, Kosho,” later won the Japan Record Award for Best Album.

It’s a hidden gem that gently accompanies quiet winter nights with your partner or moments when you want to convey your feelings to someone special.

Winter MagicKARA

KARA – Winter Magic

KARA’s fifth Japanese single, released in October 2011, is a romantic mid-tempo love song that depicts the feelings of winter romance.

Written and composed by Simon Isogai, it blends a warm, ’90s J-pop-inspired melody with crystal-clear vocals.

Interweaving imagery of snow and starry skies, the song delicately conveys a poignant longing for a lover’s warmth on a cold winter night, striking an appealing balance between intimate storytelling and a sense of dynamism.

It reached No.

3 on the Oricon Weekly Chart, sold over 120,000 copies in total, and was certified Gold by the RIAJ.

It is also included on the Japanese album “Super Girl.” It’s the perfect track for a special Christmas-season night with your partner, or for quietly spending a winter evening while thinking of someone dear.

Merry Merry Thanks！！Morfonica

Merry Merry Thanks!!

A Christmas song included on Morfonica’s album “Polyphony,” released in March 2025 by the fantastical BanG Dream! band.

Its charm lies in the heart‑pounding melody and lyrics brimming with gratitude.

The sparkling city “as white breaths puff in the air” and the warm message of saying “thank you” to someone special will remind you of the bonds you share with friends and family.

The gorgeous sound enriched by violin instantly elevates the atmosphere of any Christmas party.

Sing it together, and it’s sure to become a joyful moment overflowing with smiles!