Lovely Christmas

[J-Pop] Showa-era Christmas songs: nostalgic yet fresh Christmas classics

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.
POPS writer/editorKEI
Since discovering music during my school days, I’ve mainly listened to Japanese and Korean pop. I have experience writing articles for sites like Utaten. 2000s J-pop and 2010s K-pop were especially the soundtrack of my youth. With the mindset that “good is good,” I enjoy music across genres. Thanks to past work environments and their influence, I was exposed to lots of classic rock and kayōkyoku (Japanese popular songs), which may have broadened the scope of what I love. At RAG MUSIC, I currently focus on K-pop and J-pop. I strive to edit with a feel for the scene and an eye for hit potential.

As Christmas draws near, we hear Christmas songs everywhere—from city streets to the radio.

What kind of Christmas songs do you like?

In this article, we’re featuring Japanese Christmas songs released in the Showa era!

Focusing on hit songs, we’ve selected a variety ranging from timeless classics that have been passed down for years to tracks with a refined charm.

For those who experienced them in real time, it’s a chance to look back with fond memories.

And for anyone curious about Showa-era Christmas songs, there may be new discoveries in store.

Make them the perfect companion to a wonderful Christmas!

[Japanese Music] Showa-era Christmas Songs: Nostalgic yet Fresh Classics (1–10)

My lover is Santa ClausMatsutōya Yumi

My Baby Santa Claus / Koibito Ga Santa Claus

My lover is Santa ClausMatsutōya Yumi

A classic song that brightens the Showa-era winter takes the stage.

It’s a track from the album “SURF & SNOW,” released in December 1980, and it was also featured as an insert song in the 1987 film “Take Me Out to the Snow.” The warm lyrics portray a lover likened to Santa, and the key change in the chorus leaves a memorable impression.

It’s filled with the anticipation and bittersweet feelings of Christmas night.

Yumi Matsutoya’s clear, translucent vocals wonderfully capture the crisp winter atmosphere.

Beloved by people of all ages, this song is perfect for the Christmas season spent with family and friends.

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A love letter written in the snowKikuchi Momoko

A love letter written in the snow

A love letter written in the snowKikuchi Momoko

A bittersweet love song you’ll want to listen to at Christmas.

Released by Momoko Kikuchi in 1984, it reached No.

3 on the Oricon weekly chart.

Set against a snowy Christmas Eve backdrop, it portrays the feelings of a girl writing a love letter, pouring her heart into the snow.

Kikuchi’s pure, delicate vocals meld with tender longing to create a timeless winter classic.

When this song plays in the city, it brings a gentle warmth to your heart.

Anyone who has felt pure, innocent love will surely relate.

A heartwarming ballad perfect for spending Christmas with someone special.

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Funky ChristmasNakahara Meiko

Funky Christmas

Funky ChristmasNakahara Meiko

Singer-songwriter Meiko Nakahara, who debuted with the catchphrase “the second Yuming” and was also dubbed the “queen of school festivals.” The track “Funky Christmas,” included on her best-of album Meiko’s BEST SELECTION 10+1, drew attention for being produced by TOM TOM, renowned as a heavyweight of Chicago soul.

Its romantic lyrics overflow with the sense of anticipation for Christmas that remains unchanged even as the era has shifted from Showa to Reiwa.

With its dazzling melody and ensemble that linger in the ear, it’s a classic among Christmas songs.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Merry Christmas for youMinamino Yoko

Yoko Minamino – Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas for youMinamino Yoko

This song begins with a scene where the singer stops on the way to a party to reach out a hand to poor children.

It was included on the album SNOWFLAKES, released in December 1988, and was re-recorded for the following year’s album Dear Christmas.

With lyrics by Chinfa Kan, it shines a light on the vulnerable during the festive Christmas season and carries a strong message imbued with prayers for world peace.

The pure synthesizer and string sounds composed by Makoto Hirano and arranged by Mitsuo Hagita intertwine with Yoko Minamino’s sentimental vocals, leaving a profound afterglow that transcends the boundaries of idol pop.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to quietly on a holy night while thinking of someone dear.

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Merry Christmas Mr.LawrenceSakamoto Ryuichi

Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence

Merry Christmas Mr.LawrenceSakamoto Ryuichi

Did you know that Ryuichi Sakamoto’s famous piece was composed for the film Merry Christmas, Mr.

Lawrence? Created as the soundtrack for the 1983 film of the same name, the work uses synthesizers and samplers to craft a distinctive musical language that conveys profound themes such as war and cultural conflict.

Although Sakamoto himself said it was “pure beginner’s luck,” the piece became a pivotal turning point in his musical career.

Its unforgettable melody continues to be cherished by many people year-round, not just during the Christmas season.

The piano’s quietly nostalgic tone makes it perfect for a peaceful night spent with someone special.

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