Santa ni Kiss wo Shite
| "Santa ni Kiss wo Shite" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Single by Ai Otsuka | ||||
| from the album Love Pop | ||||
| Language | Japanese | |||
| Released | November 17, 2021 | |||
| Genre | J-pop, Christmas music | |||
| Length | 4:14 | |||
| Label | Avex Trax | |||
| Songwriter(s) | Aio | |||
| Ai Otsuka singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Music video | ||||
| "Santa ni Kiss wo Shite" on YouTube | ||||
"Santa ni Kiss wo Shite" (サンタにkissをして, lit. 'Kissing Santa') is a song by Japanese singer-songwriter Ai Otsuka. The song was released as a digital single on November 17, 2021, through Avex Trax.[1]
Background and release
[edit]"Santa ni Kiss o Shite" is Otsuka's first Christmas song, officially described as "a nostalgic song that will allow you to enjoy Christmas with your loved ones (...) no matter where you are."[2] Otsuka revealed that the song was originally written seven or eight years prior to its release, but declared the song initially did not have a proper shape. She decided to perfect it during the creation of the Love Pop album, making it one of the cornerstones of that project.[3]
The digital single's cover artwork, painted by Otsuka herself in oil,[2] features a distinctive reindeer antler motif, blending artistic flair with festive charm. The design has been praised for its unique and eye-catching aesthetic, complementing the song's nostalgic and celebratory tone.
Music video
[edit]The music video for "Santa ni Kiss o Shite" was filmed in April 2021 in the mountains of Niigata Prefecture,[4] fulfilling Otsuka's desire to shoot in a wintery setting (despite opposition from her staff due to extreme conditions).[3] Otsuka insisted on creative control, stating that the song's long development deserved a freely crafted video. Scenes of Otsuka painting this artwork are also featured in the music video, highlighting her multifaceted talents.[4]
Promotion
[edit]To celebrate the release of "Santa ni Kiss o Shite," a Line Music-exclusive campaign titled "Christmas Present from Ai Otsuka" (大塚 愛からのクリスマスプレゼント) was launched.[5] Fans could participate for a chance to win special prizes chosen by Otsuka herself, with further details provided on her official website.[6]
Track listing
[edit]| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Santa ni Kiss wo Shite" | Aio | 4:14 |
References
[edit]- ^ "Ai Otsuka - Santa ni Kiss wo Shite". Avex Portal (in Japanese). Avex Entertainment. Retrieved May 3, 2025.
- ^ a b "大塚 愛、新AL『LOVE POP』から「サンタにkissをして」先行配信決定". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). November 13, 2021. Retrieved May 3, 2025.
- ^ a b Mori, Tomoyuki (December 8, 2021). "大塚 愛「LOVE POP」特集｜大塚 愛ラバーの長屋晴子（緑黄色社会）と語る"ラブとポップ"". Natalie.mu (in Japanese). Retrieved April 16, 2025.
- ^ "大塚 愛、ニューアルバムよりクリスマスソング「サンタにkissをして」先行配信". Barks (in Japanese). November 12, 2021. Retrieved May 3, 2025.
- ^ "【LINE MUSIC会員限定！】「サンタにKissをして」リリース記念！「大塚 愛からのクリスマスプレゼント」が当たるプレゼントキャンペーン！". Ai Otsuka Official Website (in Japanese). Avex. November 12, 2021. Retrieved May 3, 2025.