[2026] A roundup of Reiwa-era Christmas songs: New classics to brighten the holy night

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.

1999Hitsuji Bungaku

Hitsujibungaku “1999” (Official Music Video)

The song by Hitsujibungaku that depicts Christmas Eve at the end of the century really resonates.

Set on a night in 1999, it expresses the protagonist’s inner conflicts and changes through childhood memories and their relationship with a loved one.

It was included as the title track of the single released on December 4, 2019, and is regarded as one of the band’s emblematic songs.

An English version was also released digitally in November 2021, re-recorded to align with the Christmas season.

It’s a recommended track for those who want to feel the complex mix of anticipation and hope for the new year, along with the anxiety that comes with change.

holy nightDevil ANTHEM.

holy night

With the tagline “Make Some Noise,” Devil ANTHEM.

is an idol group that has won support through live performances that set the floor on fire.

Released in November 2025, this track was created as the group’s first Christmas song.

Its danceable sound—woven from dazzling synth work and an exhilarating beat—showcases them at their very best.

The lyrics carry courage and hope for transforming yourself on Christmas night, unfolding from seasonal imagery to introspection, and finally to the resolve to take a step forward—an arc that truly resonates.

Dropped during their nationwide tour celebrating their 11th anniversary—and coinciding with the buzz of their victory in the TIF × FNS Music Festival collaboration project—the song arrived at a moment of peak attention.

This uptempo tune, blending the sparkle and bittersweetness of a winter night, is the perfect track for anyone ready to step into a new self.

The wishTwice

TWICE「The wish」Making Movie

Released in December 2024, this work by TWICE—a multinational girl group captivating the world with their adorable visuals and powerful performances—is a warm holiday song perfect for the winter season.

With motifs like candlelight, snow, and bells, the lyrics beautifully convey the importance of the present moment.

The message of “let’s stay together for the next ten years” stirs a desire to reaffirm bonds with those we cherish.

The gentle melody and the group’s vocals weave a sound that was also featured as the song for FamilyMart’s Christmas campaign commercial.

It’s a heartwarming ballad, perfect for spending a holy night with someone special.

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 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.

Christmas ringAKB48

Kurisumasu Ringu

In contrast to the dazzling cityscape, this is a grown-up Christmas song suffused with a touch of wistfulness.

Performed as a unit song in the AKB48 theater show “Koko Kara da,” which opened in December 2024, it was finally released as the long-awaited studio version on the December 2025 album “Koko Kara da Performance Album (Studio Recordings Collection).” Rather than a lively party tune, this piece delicately portrays the memories and feelings of love that resurface in quiet moments against the backdrop of city neon and fir trees.

The scenes Yasushi Akimoto paints highlight the loneliness that intensifies precisely because of the festive season.

It’s a perfect listen for a silent night when you want to be alone with your thoughts, or when you wish to reflect on cherished memories.