It is once again the Christmas season, and I don’t know about you, but this is one of my favorite times of the year. 

Christmas means a lot to me.

I'm always excited for the festive atmosphere, the Christmas music that I start listening to as soon as December starts, the traditional food, DIY decorations, the smell of gingerbread latte, spending time with family, and everything related to this wonderful time of the year.

This year, unfortunately, a lot of us can’t spend the holiday time with our families.

2020 was a pretty tough period for everyone, including me, but that doesn’t mean we should be all sorrowful about it or that we shouldn’t enjoy the winter holidays.

Recently, I’ve been spending a lot of time in my tiny Japanese apartment. Therefore, since the beginning of December, I began listening to my Christmas playlist and getting in that holiday spirit.

 

I like making decorations while listening to music, and I had plenty of time to gather many songs that are perfect for this season.

We all know that Japan has a different take when it comes to the Christmas holidays, but for those of you who are willing to try out a Japanese kind of Christmas, I put together a list of some of the most iconic and a few of my personal favorites Japanese Christmas songs:

1. Back Number’s Christmas Song

Christmas Song is part of one of Back Number’s most popular albums, Chandelier, which, besides the Christmas Song above, includes many other beautiful songs, full of emotion.

Those already familiar with the Christmas tradition in Japan, you’d know that it is more associated with love, spending time with your lover, and not so much about family.

Therefore, many songs are centered on love, the same as the above one, which is a Christmas love song, with a nice melody, very sweet and sentimental.

2. Fukuyama Masaharu, Kissin’ in the Holy Night

I am a big fan of songs that give off a nostalgic feeling, and Kissin’ in the Holy Night by Fukuyama Masaharu is one of those types of songs that have this Showa kind of feeling.

It is very calming, a bit sad, yet it warms me up inside every time I hear it.

3. Misia- This Christmas

This Christmas is part of Misia’s new charity Christmas album So Special Christmas, released this year in November.

I particularly like the cover of This Christmas, but all the songs in the album are a perfect winter gift for all music lovers and fans of Christmas.

For those interested, you can purchase her album on Amazon.

Now, you can also watch Misia talk about Christmas and her childhood memories, also hear her perform on Hulu.

4. Mariya Takeuchi- Suteki na Holiday

It is impossible not to hear this song if you are in Japan during the winter holidays. This song Christmas symbol in Japan because speaking of Christmas in Japan, we have Kentucky for Christmas. This song is the KFC Christmas song, so iconic, and a must-listen if you want a Japanese themed winter and want to spend it the Japanese way, with KFC, Christmas cake, and a catchy Japanese Christmas song.

5. Matsuura Aya- Merry X’mas for You

The Christmas pop song by Matsuura Aya has this soothing melody that I love listening to. It is so smooth, so relaxing, and her voice sounds angelic.

6. Midori Karashima- Silent Eve

Silent Eve is a masterpiece. The feelings, emotions are overflowing, it feels so nostalgic, it is powerful yet healing, and it is a classic to listen to on Christmas.

7. Kat-tun- White X’mas

My last recommendation is Kat-Tun’s White X’mas.

It is probably the first Japanese Christmas Song I’ve listened to, so maybe that’s why I am a bit biased and it’s in my top Christmas songs recommendations.

I find it very nice, relaxing, and personally, it holds a special place in my heart, and I never miss a year without listening to it.

These are my top recommendations for those who want to try out a Japanese themed Christmas this year and, besides the Christmas playlist, don’t forget to order some delicious fried chicken, a strawberry cake, and enjoy the holidays in the Japanese way.

I wish you a メリークリスマス(Merii Kurisumasu)!

Merry Christmas!