[1980s J-Pop] Popular winter songs: from chart-toppers to hidden gems!
Thanks to eternally beloved hits and the renewed appreciation for city pop, many masterpiece songs from Japanese music of the 1980s continue to be loved by people of all ages even now, well into the 2020s.
With the resort boom and the popularity of leisure activities, a stream of glamorous winter hits was also released.
In this article, we present winter hit songs from 1980s Japanese music!
We’ll cover everything from massive hits everyone knows to hidden gems that weren’t singles but have become beloved winter staples.
If you spent your youth in the ’80s, these will feel nostalgic; if you’re not from that generation, they’ll feel fresh—so be sure to check them out.
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[1980s Japanese Music] Popular Winter Songs: From Hit Tracks to Hidden Gems! (71–80)
Osaka ShigureMiyako Harumi
This was a single by Harumi Miyako released in February 1980, which ranked 49th on that year’s Oricon annual hit chart.
It won the Best Vocal Performance at the Japan Record Awards, was performed on NHK’s New Year’s Eve Kōhaku Uta Gassen, and gained even wider recognition over the year-end and New Year period.
It went on to become a major hit, reaching 6th place on the following year’s (1981) annual hit chart.
If you’re coming alone, don’t come in winter.fuki no tō
This is Fuki no Tō’s classic winter song.
It portrays the bittersweet feelings of a protagonist facing a lonely winter, with delicate scenic imagery.
Released in November 1982, it was introduced as the lead single from the album “Sketch.” Written and composed by Yasuyo Yamaki, it features a gently flowing folk rhythm and a cold yet soul-penetrating melody.
The image of a winter night where heartbreak and chill overlap—recalling memories of a former lover in the white steam rising from a ramen stall—is especially striking.
It’s a recommended track for those who want to feel an ’80s winter night or sink into a reflective, nostalgic mood.
winter galaxyfuki no tō
This is the 16th single, released in 1980.
It has a mood that seems to seep into the clear winter scenery.
It was reportedly rushed into being released as a single because it was sung so often at weddings and graduation ceremonies.
With its relaxed tempo, it conveys a sense of romance and ease that’s rare to find today.
The harmonies are pleasant and give you a warm feeling.
It’s also included on the self-cover album “ever last,” so be sure to give that a listen as well.
North Wind StoryCHAGE and ASKA
A heartwarming song that you’ll want to listen to as the winter cold sets in.
Released as a single by CHAGE and ASKA in October 1982, it’s also well known as the CM song for Myojo Foods’ “Charumera.” A warm, ballad-like piece that blends folk and pop, it delicately portrays lost love and parting, carried by the north wind.
ASKA’s vocals and the simple acoustic sound leave a strong impression, creating a wistful atmosphere that seeps into the listener’s heart.
The wintery melody and lyrics beautifully depict the pain of heartbreak and the hope of reunion.
It’s a recommended track for those troubled by love or for moments when you want to think of someone special.
Cry On Your SmileKubota Toshinobu
With Toshinobu Kubota’s warm vocals and melody, “Cry On Your Smile” feels like it softens the cold.
Released in 1987, the song was later chosen as the theme for the 1991 film “Kami-tsukitai” (I Want to Bite You).
It’s a track overflowing with the feeling of cherishing someone deeply, even when you’re far apart.
That warmth seems capable of easing not only winter’s chill but also the heart of someone you love.
When the cold of winter leaves you feeling a bit lonely, why not let this song soothe you?
snow camelliaKobayashi Sachiko
Yukitsubaki by Sachiko Kobayashi portrays a mother who lives strongly for her family.
Released in 1987, the song became a long-running bestseller and a major hit across years.
The title “Yukitsubaki” (snow camellia) is the flower of Niigata Prefecture, where Kobayashi is from.
Lyricist Tetsurō Hoshino wrote the song based on stories about Kobayashi and her mother.
It vividly evokes a mother who, for her husband and children, always works the hardest no matter the circumstances.
Seeing the image of a strong mother like the one in this song makes you feel that, no matter how cold the winter or how tough the times, you can keep going.
A love letter written in the snowKikuchi Momoko
Beloved as a winter tradition, Momoko Kikuchi’s classic hit is a poignant love story set on a white Christmas Eve.
Her clear, translucent voice—matching her pure and delicate image—gently wraps the secret feelings spun against a snowy backdrop.
Released in December 1984 as her third single, the song became a major hit, peaking at No.
3 on the Oricon charts.
It’s a heartwarming love song you’ll want to listen to alone on a quiet winter night.
The lyrics, which empathize with those in love, beautifully convey the bittersweetness of winter romance.