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)
JEWELHamasaki Ayumi
This piece, included on the November 2006 album “Secret,” was featured in a commercial for Panasonic’s LUMIX FX07 digital camera and is also remembered for its unusual showcase as an album track at the 57th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
Feelings for a precious person met under gray skies, and gratitude toward the one who transformed the deep-seated scars in the heart into kindness, resonate poignantly alongside the piano’s melody.
Its introspective, lyrical worldview will gently accompany you on quiet, solitary winter days or when you wish to reaffirm the value of time spent with someone irreplaceable.
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!
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?
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.
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.