Winter songs that were hits in the 2000s. Classic winter anthems that never lose their shine.
In the 2000s, many timeless hits were born—songs like Remioromen’s “Konayuki” and Mika Nakashima’s “Yuki no Hana,” which are still loved by people of all ages today.
For those who remember when these songs were topping the charts, they likely feel especially familiar.
In this article, we’ve gathered winter songs from the 2000s—from dazzling tracks that make you hum along to exquisite ballads with beautiful melodies.
Please use this playlist as background music to reminisce about winter memories or to relax and enjoy this year’s winter at your own pace!
Winter songs that were hits in the 2000s. Timeless winter song classics (1–10)
White LoversKuwata Keisuke
When people think of iconic songs that colored the winters of the 2000s, many probably picture Keisuke Kuwata’s “Shiroi Koibitotachi.” It was released in 2001 as his seventh solo single.
Many love songs from the 2000s straightforwardly express the scenes before our eyes and the emotions felt in the moment.
In particular, this song reflects the bittersweetness of winter romance directly onto a snowy landscape, making it resonate even more deeply.
Its wistful melody also envelops you in a nostalgic mood.
Let this classic warm the memories of past loves.
Snow BlossomNakajima Mika
Whenever the first snow begins to fall, I invariably feel like listening to Mika Nakashima’s “Yuki no Hana.” Since its 2003 release, it has remained an enduringly popular, sublime winter song.
It’s a piece that keeps you company during the season when we long for connection and tend to sink into a sentimental mood, and her gentle voice brings snowy scenes to mind.
It’s a heartrending love ballad that layers the fleeting nature of snow with the fragility of love—never knowing when it might disappear.
Precisely because love is so precious, it makes you want to cherish it all the more.
Love Song in DecemberGACKT
When it comes to December love songs, GACKT’s track inevitably comes to mind.
It’s a hugely popular song first released as a single in 2001.
It’s a warm piece that fits perfectly with the time of year when the end of the year approaches and the bustle of daily life overlaps with a sense of nostalgia.
The gentle, whisper-like vocals swell into a powerful chorus that really hits you in the chest.
It’s a lovely winter ballad that makes you cherish those small, deeply personal moments of happiness all over again.
Lovers AgainEXILE
EXILE’s “Lovers Again” is a song that expresses the unbearable grief and lingering attachment of losing a lover.
It was released in 2007 as the second installment of their then-ongoing three-month consecutive release project.
From the intro—brimming with a painful poignancy—it leads listeners into a reflective, sentimental mood.
Layered with the chill of winter, it evokes that indescribable loneliness unique to the season.
On a cold night, let this song take you back to those memories of days gone by.
powder snowRemioromen
For anyone who feels attached to this song, just hearing the intro is enough to make the tears well up.
That’s how deeply Remioromen’s “Konayuki” has moved so many hearts.
Released in 2005, it was also featured as an insert song in the drama “1 Litre of Tears” that aired the same year.
Combined with the drama’s story, it became a beloved staple winter tearjerker from back then.
It’s a love song that overlays powdery snow with the fragility of love; not only the lyrics, but the melody line is achingly poignant.
No matter when you listen, it paints your heart in winter hues.
Winter IllusionAcid Black Cherry
“Fuyu no Maboroshi” (Winter Illusion) is a poignant ballad by Acid Black Cherry, the rock band formed around yasu, formerly of Janne Da Arc.
The chorus, delivered by yasu with his signature clear, airy vocals, is sure to stir your heart.
Although it’s a ballad, the intense guitar sound comes through strongly, making it a great pick for rock fans as well.
By the way, the music video has a uniquely comedic touch—be sure to check it out along with the song!
A town where it snowsFUNKY MONKEY BABYS
A poignant winter song released as a DVD single in January 2009.
Also included on the album “FUNKY MONKEY BABYS 3,” this track depicts emotions where swirling, snowy cityscapes intersect with lingering feelings for a love that has ended.
The sound, reminiscent of sparkling snow, heightens the sense of longing, and the dramatic progression—from a quiet intro to a gradual build—really tugs at the heart.
The music video features Aya Sugimoto and was filmed on location in Nagano Prefecture.
It’s a gentle ballad that stays by your side when you want to stroll through a winter city, reminiscing about a past romance or reflecting on a season to which you can never return.