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

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.

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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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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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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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?

With you ～Luv merry X’mas～EXILE ATSUSHI

EXILE ATSUSHI / With you ～Luv merry X’mas～

A gem of a love ballad that paints a warm, tender time spent with someone special on a holy night.

EXILE ATSUSHI’s sweet, richly textured vocals meld with the smooth, R&B-tinged melody, resulting in a track you can savor slowly.

Originally a song by the vocal group LUVandSOUL, it’s also known for being covered in December 2008 by COLOR, a group produced by ATSUSHI.

It’s the perfect song for strolling through streets aglow with illuminations or spending a cozy Christmas night indoors—one that will leave you enchanted by its beautiful harmonies.