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 (11–20)
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.
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.
CAROLSHamasaki Ayumi
Ayumi Hamasaki is a singer known for hit songs like “A Song for ××,” “SEASONS,” and “Voyage.” Her track “CAROLS” features soothing, expansive vocals and bittersweet lyrics, making it a classic winter song.
Beyond that, she has many other winter masterpieces such as “appears” and “No way to say.” The music videos for each are also very compelling, so be sure to check them out along with the songs!
Only Holy StorySteady&Co.
You might think it’s a sparkling winter love song, but this piece is actually a bittersweet winter ballad.
It gently paints the scene of wandering alone beneath cold, powdery snow.
On a quiet snowy night, looking back on memories of a lover, you can feel that tight ache in your chest.
Featured on the album “CHAMBERS,” it was released in November 2001.
It’s the kind of song you’ll want to listen to slowly on a winter night while gazing at a snowy landscape.
Whether you’re with the one you love or far apart, its beautiful melody lingers in the heart.
When the cold season makes you want to revisit warm memories, be sure to put this on.
chicken riceHamada Masatoshi / Makihara Noriyuki
Chicken Rice is a song that reflects on one’s own life—which still can’t be called affluent—while looking at Christmas townscapes.
Released jointly by Masatoshi Hamada and Noriyuki Makihara, the song became a major hit, even earning a Gold Disc from the Recording Industry Association of Japan.
Why not listen to it while picturing the bittersweet feelings of the protagonist spending Christmas reminiscing about childhood days, when all they could order at a restaurant—watching their parents’ faces for approval—was chicken rice?
Wonderful HolidayTakeuchi Mariya
It’s a warm song that makes you feel winter’s arrival! The lyrics, depicting the joy of Christmas and the bonds of family, gently embrace the listener’s heart.
The catchy chorus melody and Mariya Takeuchi’s clear, transparent vocals further enhance the song’s appeal.
Released in November 2001, it’s also included on the album “Bon Appetit!” and is known for its tie-in with KFC Japan’s Christmas commercials.
It’s a track you can enjoy in a variety of settings, from Christmas parties to winter drives.
Highly recommended for anyone who wants to spend a heartwarming moment, as if touched by winter’s magic.
Winter songs that were hits in the 2000s. Timeless classic winter songs (21–30)
snowTHC!!
Released independently in 2003 and re-released on a major label in 2005, this track by the Shonan-born crossover band THC!! is a classic that conjures warm memories in wintertime.
KANAMI’s translucent vocals intertwine exquisitely with Ritz’s groovy rap, while the hardcore-rooted, powerful band sound delivers a heat that won’t yield to the cold.
Set against a landscape of softly falling white, the lyrics—like holding onto feelings that won’t fade—are bittersweet yet forward-looking, conveying the protagonist’s determination to etch irreplaceable memories into their heart.
Chosen as the ending theme for TBS’s CDTV, it’s a song you’ll want to revisit every winter—perfect for nights spent with someone special or quiet moments of solitary reflection.