The Sound of Christmas in Japan

When December arrives, the background music in Japanese streets, shopping malls, and cafes transforms into festive Christmas tunes. From beloved global classics like Silent Night and Joy to the World to pop hits like Mariah Carey's All I Want for Christmas Is You and John Lennon's Happy Xmas (War Is Over), the season is filled with music loved around the world.

However, Japan also adds its own unique soundtrack to the season. Every year, iconic "City Pop" anthems like Tatsuro Yamashita's Christmas Eve and Yumi Matsutoya's Koibito ga Santa Claus (My Baby is Santa Claus) fill the air. If you spend December in Japan, you are guaranteed to hear these songs on repeat!

Japan’s Original Nursery Rhyme: Awatenbo no Santa Claus

While many traditional Christmas songs in Japan are simply Western classics translated into Japanese, one famous children’s song is completely original: Awatenbo no Santa Claus (The Hasty Santa Claus).

Written over 50 years ago by a Japanese songwriting duo, this song was even featured in elementary school music textbooks.

Its lyrics are wonderfully humorous and charming. The story goes that Santa Claus is so impatient that he arrives before Christmas! In his rush, he falls down the chimney, dances with the children since he's already there, and then leaves saying, "I'll be back again!"

The song creates a slightly whimsical but delightful world. I personally have fond memories of laughing while singing this song as a child.

For those learning Japanese, this song is a treasure trove of Onomatopoeia (words that imitate sounds):

• Rin-rin-rin (The sound of bells)
  
  

• Don-don-don (The sound of drums or noise)
  
  

• Cha-cha-cha (The rhythm of dancing)
  
  

• Sha-la-lan-lan (The twinkling of stars)
  
  

Listening while imagining the sounds and scenes they represent can be a fun way for learners to connect with the Japanese language.

The Joy of Giving is Universal

In Japan, Christmas is less a religious holiday and more as a seasonal celebration filled with music and illuminations. Yet the desire to spend joyful moments with loved ones is universal.

If you visit one of our Ikedaya stores in Japan, please let our staff know if your purchase is a Christmas gift by saying, "For Christmas." We offer complimentary festive wrapping to make your gift special.

Whether it’s a Japanese-made Randoseru, a leather wallet, or a shoulder bag, we would be delighted if you chose an Ikedaya item as a gift for someone special this holiday season. We wish you a wonderful Christmas season!