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 masterpieces of winter songs (41–50)
marine snowjero
Those who listened back then will surely feel nostalgic—Jero’s “Umiyuki.” It’s the debut single by Jero, who became the first Black enka singer and drew attention for his enka spirit passed down from his Japanese grandmother.
Released in 2008, the lyrics were written by Yasushi Akimoto and the music composed by Ryudo Uzaki.
The chorus melody is very familiar and easy to listen to, and the guitar is so cool! Sung from a woman’s perspective, the unrequited love is heartbreakingly poignant.
There’s also the anecdote that, not having seen the Sea of Japan off Izumozaki in Niigata—the song’s setting—he imagined the California coast while singing.
Jero’s vocals are truly wonderful, and this masterpiece pairs perfectly with the cold air of winter.
KISS ~Falling in Love in Winter~MAY’S
MAY’S is a music duo formed by Maiko Katagiri, who handles vocals and lyrics, and Junichi Kawai, who is in charge of composition.
Their third single, “KISS ~Koi ni Ochite Fuyu~,” became a major winter hit on radio and as a ringtone download.
Its uplifting lyrics—about how falling in love now can make you stronger than you were before—warm the heart.
The song also features a catchy chorus and a melody so easy to remember that it makes you want to sing it at karaoke.
WISHarashi
Arashi’s “WISH,” a song that’s also widely loved as a Christmas tune, was released in 2005 and served as the theme song for the drama “Hana Yori Dango,” starring member Jun Matsumoto.
It’s a nostalgic piece for those who listened to it in real time back then.
With its pop melody and the five members’ harmonies, it’s a bright winter song that warms you up.
Even if you didn’t hear it when it first came out, it’s instantly catchy and turns the cold season into something exciting—so take this opportunity to give it a listen!
Merry ChristmasBUMP OF CHICKEN
This BUMP OF CHICKEN song, which heralds the arrival of winter, is a masterpiece with a heartwarming resonance.
The lyrics woven by Motoo Fujiwara carry the joy of Christmas and deep sentiment, gently embracing the listener’s heart.
The exquisitely balanced interplay of instruments creates a warmth that makes you forget the cold.
Released in November 2009, it was a milestone for the band as their first work to have an official music video on YouTube.
It’s perfect as background music for precious time with family and friends, and it also offers a soothing moment for quiet, solitary nights.
My Gift to YouCHEMISTRY
CHEMISTRY’s quintessential winter ballad “My Gift to You” is perfect when you want a mature winter song.
Released in 2002 as a limited-edition single of 100,000 copies ahead of their second album “Second to None,” which sold over two million copies, it features a gently shimmering sound and emotive vocals that pair beautifully with the winter air.
It wraps you in an atmosphere that evokes childhood innocence and human warmth.
I still catch them performing it on music shows from time to time, and it never fails to move me.
Dochin and Kawabata’s harmonies are exquisite—an unfading winter classic.
*~asterisk~ORANGE RANGE
A rock tune that was used as the opening theme for the anime BLEACH and marked the highest first-week sales of any ORANGE RANGE single.
Released in 2005, it’s a track that may bring back scenes from the anime and memories from that time.
The rapid-fire delivery centered on rap, with its dynamic ebb and flow, and a chorus that truly shoots by like a meteor will lift your spirits.
The vocalists are cool, too, giving you a real sense of strength.
It’s a romance-filled winter song you’ll want to listen to while gazing at the winter stars.
Song of a Winter DayGReeeeN
When it comes to winter songs from GReeeeN, this is the one! Its charm lies in lyrics that paint warm, wintery scenes full of seasonal atmosphere.
It was released as the bonus single included with the first-press limited edition of the December 2008 single “Tobira.” Set against the Christmas season, it portrays a special day for lovers.
The preciousness of time spent together and the love they share are expressed with delicate nuance.
From wishing for presents from Santa Claus to decorating the room together, it captures the small joys of a winter day.
The gently warming melody and heartfelt lyrics are distinctive.
The piano-and-strings intro evokes a quiet, snowy night and soothes the soul.
It carries both the wistfulness and warmth fitting for winter, making it a gem packed with GReeeeN’s appeal.