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!
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Winter songs that were hits in the 2000s. Timeless winter song classics (1–10)
Merry XmasBoA
Meri Kuri, sung by BoA, is the quintessential Christmas song of the 2000s.
Ever since its 2004 release, it’s a track you want to revisit every holiday season.
This love ballad lets you feel the warmth of a partner that seems even more precious in the cold.
The beautiful melody alone is enough to make you swoon.
The powerful chorus, where BoA’s vocals resonate with the strings in perfect harmony, is truly moving.
It’s a classic that turns the winter season into something special.
Memorial SnowTRF
A wistful winter ballad included on TRF’s 2009 single.
Drawing attention as an answer song that carries on the world of their earlier signature track “Samui Yoru Dakara…,” it’s a poignant work that speaks to feelings for someone lost, set against the scene of powdery snow falling.
The song was also used in a Takasu Clinic commercial and as the theme for the 60th Sapporo Snow Festival.
It’s a winter tune that accompanies those who want to spend a winter night reflecting on past love, or who have experienced parting with someone dear.
A Lump of LoveKinKi Kids
When it comes to iconic winter songs from the 2000s, this track by KinKi Kids surely stands out.
Released in November 2001 as the B-side to the single “Hey! Minna Genki Kai?”, this gem was born from the duo’s deep bond and is a heartfelt ballad filled with gratitude and love for their fans.
Tsuyoshi Domoto’s delicate lyrics and Koichi Domoto’s beautiful melody blend seamlessly, leaving a lingering resonance in the heart.
The song richly captures the essence of winter—one you’ll want to listen to while snuggling up with a loved one on a cold night.
It’s perfect for reminiscing about cherished memories with someone special or for spending a calm, unhurried moment.
Winter songs that were hits in the 2000s. Timeless winter song classics (11–20)
SNOW SONGMISIA
A winter lyric poem delivered by MISIA in the winter of 2003.
Included on a double A-side single cut from the album “MARS & ROSES,” it was chosen as the campaign song for J-WAVE’s Christmas season.
The lyrics are said to have originated the morning after she finished a New Year’s Eve concert in Hokkaido, when she saw a pure white snowy landscape through a frozen window.
A romantic ballad brimming with the sentiment of winter nights—like the kind of moment that makes you instinctively look up at the night sky when your heart is moved.
It’s a song that gently stays with you on winter nights when you want to be quiet, or when you’re thinking of someone far away.
Just… I want to see youEXILE
As a winter ballad that captures the ache of a bittersweet love, this song resonates deeply.
Its regret over a lost love and the earnest wish to meet once more are truly moving.
It was also used as the CM song for KDDI “au × EXILE,” and upon its release in December 2005, it became a major hit, ranking 6th on Oricon’s 2006 year-end chart.
It’s perfect for listening while gazing at city illuminations as the winter cold grows harsher.
This track stays close to the hearts of those struggling with love, giving voice to their earnest feelings.
EXILE’s powerful yet delicate vocals deepen the emotion even more.
No way to sayHamasaki Ayumi
A masterpiece that sings of the feelings of lovers huddling together against the winter cold.
Released in November 2003, the song topped the Oricon charts and generated a major response, winning the Grand Prize at the 45th Japan Record Awards.
It explores the theme of the frustration of being unable to put into words the emotions you carry or the feelings you want to convey.
Ayumi Hamasaki’s delicate vocals beautifully capture the complex emotions deep within the heart, resonating with many listeners.
It’s a winter song we’d especially recommend to those troubled by love or unable to express their feelings to someone important.
youKōda Kumi
A love ballad that seeps into the cold winter, Kumi Koda’s “you.” Released in 2005, it also made waves as the first installment in an unprecedented project in the Japanese music scene: releasing singles for 12 consecutive weeks.
It was Kumi Koda’s first song to top the Oricon chart.
Its gentle melody and heartrending worldview bring back memories of an unforgettable love.
It feels as if time has stopped, as though I’ve lost all sensation.
My chest tightens at the thought of changing hearts and the loneliness of no longer having the person I loved by my side.
