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[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.

[80s Japanese Pop] Popular Winter Songs: From Hit Tracks to Hidden Gems! (101–110)

As if singing a Christmas songNakajima Miyuki

Like singing a Christmas song - Miyuki Nakajima [cover]
As if singing a Christmas songNakajima Miyuki

This is a Christmas song by Miyuki Nakajima, included on the album “Utadokoro (Uta-goyomi)” released in 1987.

It portrays Christmas as a very special day, and many people may find it relatable.

Hane Keisuke
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The Checkers’ Christmas SongChekkāzu

A dreamy Christmas song that colors winter nights.

Included as the B-side to The Checkers’ 1984 single “Julia ni Heartbreak,” this track is marked by its romantic lyrics and warm melody.

With lyrics by Fumiya Fujii and music by Toru Takeuchi, it beautifully depicts a scene celebrating a special night for two, and it remains beloved among fans.

Though a slow-tempo ballad, it retains The Checkers’ signature feel, influenced by rock ’n’ roll and doo-wop.

It unfolds a fantastical world—vows of eternal love beneath a shimmering tree, wishes to Santa Claus, and more.

It’s a heartwarming song that pairs perfectly with winter evenings spent with someone special—why not give it a listen?

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Christmas NightOkamura Takako

Takako Okamura Encore II Christmas Night
Christmas NightOkamura Takako

“Christmas Night,” by Takako Okamura, portrays a sorrowful parting at Christmas.

Released in 1988 as a double A-side single together with “Refrain,” the song was cut as a single from the album “SOLEIL,” which had come out five months earlier.

Okamura has said that she had actually wanted it to be a fun Christmas song rather than a heartbreak song.

But even romantic snow and city lights become nothing more than a bittersweet scene in the face of the sad reality of a breakup.

It’s painfully moving to think of choosing to part ways—wishing each other happiness—despite still having lingering feelings in your heart.

SAKI
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Northern fishing groundsKitajima Saburō

Northern Fishing Grounds - Saburo Kitajima
Northern fishing groundsKitajima Saburō

This is one of Saburo Kitajima’s signature songs and the track that won the Best Vocal Performance at the 28th Japan Record Awards.

It’s a powerful winter song that celebrates the rugged masculinity of Hokkaido fishermen.

With an intro that rages like a stormy sea, a soaring, hype-inducing chorus, and a growling electric guitar sound, this classic anthem fires up the fighting spirit of men.

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Christmas Dayofukōsu

Off Course_Christmas Day Lyrics
Christmas Dayofukōsu

This is the song included on the B-side of Off Course’s 22nd single, “Into the Love.” It is an original Christmas song produced for an FM radio program.

The song was later self-covered by Oda on the album “LOOKING BACK 2.”

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In conclusion

From chart-toppers to hidden gems, we’ve introduced plenty of winter songs born in the ’80s.

In recent years, ’80s songs have also become popular with younger generations, so even those who weren’t born at the time may have heard some of them in passing.

May you spend this winter with a warm heart, accompanied by these wonderful J-pop winter songs.