[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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[80s J‑Pop] Popular winter songs: From chart-topping hits to hidden gems! (91–100)
Winter GardenMatsuda Seiko
A song that sweetly portrays the beginning of a winter romance is included on Seiko Matsuda’s album “North Wind,” released in December 1980, her second year after debut.
It’s characterized by delicate, romantic lyrics and melody, and Seiko’s clear, translucent voice beautifully depicts winter scenes.
It’s packed with the seasonal feel of winter and all the heart-fluttering moments of love—Christmas streetscapes, meeting a lover, and the anticipation of a first kiss.
The album “North Wind” topped the Oricon charts and became an important work that supported Seiko’s leap forward as a singer.
It’s a perfect track for those troubled by love or about to begin a new romance.
A lovely song that fills you with warmth that outlasts the winter chill.
Winter GardenMatsuda Seiko
A song included on the 1980 album “North Wind.” It was Seiko Matsuda’s first Christmas song.
Her lustrous vocals are beautiful and match the winter scenes that make you long for someone.
It’s a song about a sweet, girlish heart in the second winter since a relationship began, hoping to deepen their love from here on.
Perhaps it evokes the image of strolling through a winter cityscape.
If it played in town, it might stir a touch of nostalgia along with a more grown-up feeling.
Winter LionOkita Hiroyuki
This single, released in 1983, was used as the ending theme for the famous soccer anime Captain Tsubasa.
The lyrics let you feel the fiery spirits of boys sprinting across the field, even in the cold of winter, just like the anime’s worldview.
Blended with the voice of legendary star Hiroyuki Okita, who transitioned from idol to actor, its strength truly makes it a “lion of winter.”
Coppertone in midwinteritō ginji
This song paints a bittersweet yet warm scene of recalling summer days by the winter seaside.
It was included on Ginji Ito’s third solo album, “SUGAR BOY BLUES,” released in 1982.
With its mellow sound and lyrical lyrics, it is highly regarded as a classic of city pop.
The album, which also drew attention for collaborations with Motoharu Sano and Masao Urino, features signature tracks such as “Fool’s Paradise” and “Koi no Reason.” It’s a perfect choice for a winter drive or a quiet night, and highly recommended for anyone captivated by music from the ’80s.
Mad SnowKnight A – kishi A –
It’s a winter love song that portrays deep affection and heartrending conflict.
Released by Knight A – Kishi A – in December 2024, the track reflects feelings of love like snowflakes.
The deeper the love grows, the more it hurts—capturing the complex emotions that come with romance.
The sound arrangement vividly conjures winter scenes and leaves a strong impression.
It’s a must-listen for anyone seeking a winter love story during the Christmas season.
Merry ChristmasMinamino Yoko
A lovely, idol-style Christmas song included on her sixth original album, SNOWFLAKES.
Since SNOWFLAKES is a concept album themed around Christmas, you can even play the whole record as party background music.
As an aside, the record jacket featuring Yoko Minamino in a white duffle coat is absolutely adorable.
The socially conscious lyrics—“There are so many children around the world in sad circumstances; may the blessings of Christmas reach them just the same”—really make you think.
A must-listen not only for idol fans.
A Lonely Christmas SongOzaki Ami
When discussing Japanese Christmas songs, one cannot overlook “Hitoribocchi no Christmas Song,” released in 1983 and created by Ami Ozaki.
Handling the lyrics, composition, and arrangement herself, Ozaki crafted a piece whose deeply resonant melody and distinctive world-building captivated listeners and colored the Japanese music scene of the 1980s.
Her delicate expressiveness and moving melodies offer a comforting experience—whether you spend Christmas alone or with others—and will appeal to first-time listeners across generations.
