[2026] A roundup of Reiwa-era Christmas songs: New classics to brighten the holy night
When it comes to Christmas songs, countless masterpieces that have gone down in J-pop history have been released over many years.
Many of them are still beloved as staples today, and I think there are plenty of younger listeners who are very familiar with Christmas songs that were released even before they were born.
In this article, we’re focusing on songs among those many classics that are likely to become the new standards for the coming era.
We’ll be introducing Christmas songs released in the Reiwa era all at once, so try finding your new favorite!
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[2026] A roundup of Reiwa-era Christmas songs: New standard tracks to color the holy night (21–30)
First Christmas feat. JUNON (BE:FIRST)Reiko
This is a winter pop song that captures the feeling of spending a special winter day for the first time with someone dear, written with honest emotion.
Penned by singer-songwriter Shota Shimizu, the number sweetens the romantic season with lyrics brimming with excitement and a gentle, ear-pleasing melody.
The harmony woven by REIKO’s smooth vocals and BE:FIRST’s JUNON’s transparent voice conveys just how close the two feel to each other.
It was released digitally in November 2024 and was included on the album “Debut” the following month.
It’s a warm Christmas song, perfect for a holy-night date scene spent watching holiday illuminations with your loved one.
Christmas ringAKB48
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.
silentSEKAI NO OWARI
This Christmas song could be called a masterpiece packed with the charm of SEKAI NO OWARI’s music.
Many listeners will likely relate to the lyrics, which tell a poignant story of thinking about a loved one in the stillness.
At the same time, in contrast to those lyrics, the music retains the unique, fantastical beauty characteristic of SEKAI NO OWARI.
That contrast between words and sound heightens the sense of sorrow, making it a tear-jerking ballad.
Released in December 2020, the song was also used as the theme for the drama “Koi wa Tsuzuku yo Doko Made mo” (We Will Warm Your Heart).
It’s a perfect track for anyone feeling the loneliness of being apart from someone important, or for those who want to soothe their hearts on a quiet winter night.
Christmas wishesSnow Man
A song from Snow Man—the group leading the idol scene since the 2020s—that colors the lively scenery of Christmas.
It gently depicts winter romance, and its warm melody falls over listeners like soft snow.
The solo parts and harmonies woven by each member feel like Christmas magic.
The soft vocals and sparkling arrangement make special moments even more radiant.
Included on their fifth single, “Secret Touch,” released on December 1, 2021, this track is perfect for any Christmas party.
Merry Christmas, My HeartNakamori Akina
Akina Nakamori, whose one-of-a-kind voice colored the music scene of the Showa era and continues to captivate countless listeners today.
Released in December 2025, this work is a Christmas song composed by Nakamori herself.
The lyrics evoke city lights sparkling on street corners, the distant peal of bells, and a warm drink in your hands, conjuring a serene sense of joy on Christmas Eve.
It’s a sophisticated holiday song that gently accompanies a night spent with someone special or a quiet moment reflecting on the year.
Dear Santa,JO1
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.
Blue MoonNiziU
A Christmas song from the 2020s that I highly recommend is NiziU’s “Blue Moon.” Released in December 2022, this track is NiziU’s first winter ballad.
The lyrics, centered on love and bonds, depict the strength to overcome distance between two people, with the blue moon sung as a symbol that connects them.
It’s also lovely how the warmth of winter and the layering of warm memories are expressed as elements supporting their bond.
Coupled with NiziU’s signature catchy melody, the song stirs a gentle warmth in the listener’s heart.
How about giving it a listen on Christmas night with your family or someone special?