Lovely hit song

[1980s J-Pop] Popular winter songs: from chart-toppers to hidden gems!

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.
Editor-in-Chief, RAG MUSICHane Keisuke
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. After working in a music studio and handling wedding sound, joined the RAG MUSIC editorial team in 2016. Experienced with a variety of instruments: marching band in elementary school, clarinet in junior high school wind ensemble, and drums in a band from high school onward. Drawing on my own musical activities and the experience gained through my work, I produce daily articles, including various song introductions, features on music festivals around the country, and live reports. In music, I enjoy not only rock from Japan and abroad but, lately, a wide range of J-pop as well.

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! (’81–’90)

winter galaxyfuki no tō

Butterbur Sprouts / Winter Milky Way …ever last version (1992)

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.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

winter groveogura kei

Fuyugodachi (Kei Ogura)

winter groveogura kei

Kei Ogura, who has the unusual background of having gone from bank clerk to folk singer, enjoys enduring popularity for his clear, beautiful voice and wistful melodies.

This winter song is included on the album “Kaze no Kagami” (Mirror of the Wind).

It’s very dark, but a good song.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Street Corner of SnowflakeAnri

Street Corner of Snowflakes

Street Corner of SnowflakeAnri

When it comes to popular winter songs from the ’80s, this track is indispensable.

Set on a city street corner with powdery snow drifting down, it’s a classic that poignantly sings of love and farewell.

Anri’s crystalline vocals beautifully capture the feelings of a heart wrapped in winter’s chill.

Released in December 1988, the song was used in a JT SomeTime LIGHTS commercial and even reached No.

12 on the Oricon charts.

Anri’s signature sophisticated city-pop sound pairs perfectly with the lyrics that sink into your heart, making it a song you’ll want to savor on long winter nights.

Highly recommended for adults wrestling with matters of the heart.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Holy Night for LoversIshikawa Yuko

Holy Night for Lovers

Holy Night for LoversIshikawa Yuko

A classic song that depicts the beautiful yet fleeting moments lovers spend on Christmas Eve.

Yuko Ishikawa’s sultry vocals and the sparkling, wintery soundscape leave a strong impression.

Included on the mix album “Remember,” released in December 1987, it also gained attention when it was used in JR Tokai’s image commercial “Christmas Express.” As a song that symbolizes late-1980s Japan, it remains in the hearts of many.

This is a track you’ll want to play on Christmas night with someone special—not only for couples, but also a warm, heartening song to share with family and friends.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

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.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem