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!

[J-Pop] Christmas songs from the Showa era: nostalgic yet fresh classics (11–20)

Winter WonderlandNishimura Tomomi

Tomomi Nishimura – Winter Wonderland

Winter WonderlandNishimura Tomomi

Tomomi Nishimura, born in 1970 in Yamaguchi Prefecture, has released numerous hit songs since making her debut as a singer in 1986.

From her album Winter Wonderland, released in December 1987, the title track of the same name is included.

Its electric arrangement and warm pop sound evoke the feeling of winter, while the shimmering synthesizer tones paint a romantic scene.

The tracklist also features a song by the renowned duo Takashi Matsumoto and Kyohei Tsutsumi, conveying the meticulous craftsmanship of an all-star production team.

It’s a winter song brimming with the charm of Showa-era idol pop—perfect for relaxing to on a winter night.

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Winter GardenMatsuda Seiko

Winter Garden

Winter GardenMatsuda Seiko

A gem of a Christmas song included on the 1980 album “North Wind.” Seiko Matsuda’s early-career, soaring and lustrous high notes blend with the winter air and sink into the heart.

On a street corner waiting for a date, breathing out white puffs, the flutter of excitement and the anxious feeling of waiting for him as he runs late.

The lyrics, both adorable and bittersweet, express feelings for a lover as they welcome their second winter together.

The album was her first to reach No.

1 on the Oricon charts, and its warm string and guitar arrangements beautifully color wintry scenes.

It’s a nostalgic yet refreshing winter song that, when it drifts through the city, brings back memories of a once sweet-and-sour romance.

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Pearl-White EveMatsuda Seiko

Seiko Matsuda PEARL-WHITE EVE

Pearl-White EveMatsuda Seiko

This is Seiko Matsuda’s 24th single, released in November 1987.

Wrapped in a romantic Christmas mood, the song fully showcases the charm of an idol who defined the era.

Composed by Senri Oe with lyrics by Takashi Matsumoto, it was created by a star-studded team.

The lyrics, which depict a heartwarming moment between lovers, are perfect for long winter nights, and the image of the couple spending time together just as they are is especially memorable.

It topped the Oricon weekly chart and reached No.

2 for the month, becoming a hit that colored that winter season.

It’s a track that warms the heart when listened to in the cold months—ideal for a Christmas night spent with someone special.

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My Very Own Merry ChristmasNagabuchi Tsuyoshi

My Very Own Merry Christmas

My Very Own Merry ChristmasNagabuchi Tsuyoshi

This is a song in which Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi pours his feelings for his family and loved ones.

Included on the album HEAVY GAUGE, it was released in June 1983.

Its gentle melody and delicate lyrics resonate deeply.

The lyrics, depicting the warm moments of a man and his family, are filled with the bonds of family and the joy of new encounters.

On a Christmas night as powdery snow dances, a child’s complex feelings can be glimpsed in the image of a man holding mom’s hand.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to on a Christmas night spent quietly with someone special.

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Blue ChristmasMatsuda Seiko

Seiko Matsuda Blue Christmas

Blue ChristmasMatsuda Seiko

Seiko Matsuda is a quintessential idol singer in the Japanese pop scene.

Among her many hits, the Christmas-themed song that stands out is Blue Christmas, included on the 1982 album Golden Ribbon.

It portrays a scene of spending Christmas Eve alone, feeling lonely, and sings of a bittersweet yearning while waiting for the person she loves to appear.

With bell chimes and clear, shimmering strings ringing through the sound, her vocals unfold with both strength and fragility.

A beautiful yet fleeting story that resonates as a moving Christmas song.

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