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

Gaming Party Xmaszettakun

Zettakun – “Gaming Party Xmas” Music Video

This is the second major digital single, released in November 2020.

Built around a sample of a classic Christmas song, it portrays the emotional stirrings of a protagonist who usually spends their time immersed in games, as they consider heading out to a party to see someone they’re interested in.

Their struggle between the loneliness of not fitting in at large gatherings and the desire to connect socially is something many today can relate to.

The sound is striking, rooted in hip-hop while incorporating pop and electronic elements.

A remix version was released in 2021 and was also included on the album “Bed in Wonderland.” It’s a Christmas song that shines with Zetttakun’s characteristically mild perspective, suggesting that spending Christmas gaming isn’t so bad after all.

Mont BlancIkuta Erika

Erika Ikuta “Mont Blanc” Lyric Video

Since graduating from Nogizaka46, Erika Ikuta has been forging her path as a solo artist.

Released in November 2024, this track is her first song themed around winter.

On a Christmas night when lovers gather, it delicately portrays the feelings of a protagonist spending the evening alone, layering the sweetness of a cake they ordered with the aching sadness of an unattainable love.

The lyrics, where the dream of a pure love like a white shortcake intersects with the bittersweetness of reality, will resonate in the stillness of a winter night.

A gentle arrangement anchored by piano highlights her clear, translucent voice, evoking a nostalgic mood.

It’s a Reiwa-era Christmas ballad that quietly stays by your side on a holy night spent alone.

PresentAwich

Present

The hip-hop artist Awich from Okinawa released a song in December 2020 that was created as an insert track for the film “Silent Tokyo.” The title carries a double meaning—“gift” and “the present”—and, in her own words, conveys the message that “each of our existences is the greatest present.” It’s an R&B-infused number built on gentle piano and a subdued beat, with lyrics interweaving English and Japanese that are sure to resonate.

Centered on appreciating a loved one’s very existence, it’s a warm track perfect for those spending Christmas with someone special.

On Christmas nightYUTORI-SEDAI

YUTORI-SEDAI – On Christmas Night - [Official Music Video]

This release by YUTORI-SEDAI, a three-piece band from West Tokyo, dropped digitally in November 2021 and is a ballad that straightforwardly captures the feeling of wanting to see someone special on Christmas night.

While the narrator blames their trembling legs on the cold, in truth they’re wrapped in the nervous tension of love—a delicate inner state expressed with great care.

Ryouki Kanehara’s tender, heartrending vocals resonate over the band’s unhurried performance, taking nearly six minutes to carefully convey the nuances of emotion.

It’s a winter night love song that expands on YUTORI-SEDAI’s signature world—lyrics about love that invite empathy.

A perfect track for anyone spending that moment when you wish to confess your feelings to someone you like.

It doesn’t have to be on Christmas Day.Yuika

It doesn’t have to be on Christmas Day / “Yuika” [MV]

Released in December 2024 by singer-songwriter Yuika, born in 2005, this work is a mid-tempo number that captures the aching desire to meet someone—without insisting on Christmas Day itself.

Interweaving nighttime scenes glittering with illuminations and everyday details like slipping a pocket warmer into her coat for cold hands, it tenderly portrays a heroine’s earnest feelings as she longs to close the distance yet can’t take that final step.

The string arrangement by Takahiro Onagawa blends with Yuika’s crystal-clear vocals, gently enveloping the bittersweetness of a winter night.

It’s a Reiwa-era Christmas song perfect for those who relate to spending the holy night alone, or who want to pass a quiet moment thinking of an unrequited love.

The 5th＝LOVE

=LOVE (Equal Love) / 10th Single “The 5th” [MV full]

=LOVE is a female idol group produced by Rino Sashihara.

The title track of their 10th single, released in December 2021, is an after-story told five years after the group’s second Christmas song, “Bokura no Seifuku Christmas,” which came out in 2017.

Through imagery like a ring on the ring finger and lovers nestled together in snowy landscapes, it portrays a special moment shared by two people who have grown up.

In the music video, where white costumes and illuminations look stunning, the members’ individual Christmas stories intertwine with dance scenes, and the choreography—polished down to the fingertips—leaves a strong impression.

With its dreamy sound that colors winter romance, it’s a romantic Christmas number.

Christmas Morguehachi

Hachi MV 'Christmas Morgue' HACHI

A song from Kenshi Yonezu, who is active as a singer-songwriter, from the time when he worked as a Vocaloid producer under the name Hachi.

Many fans were probably moved by the story-like lyrics that are so characteristic of him.

Its cute, relaxed, Christmas-like tone is striking and makes you want to listen to it over and over again.

It’s a hidden gem that’s popular among fans.

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Hane Keisuke

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