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

Embraced by the wintry windKoizumi Kyoko

Kyoko Koizumi Embraced by the Wintry Wind

Kyoko Koizumi’s “Kogarashi ni Dakarete” sings of a heartbreaking love kept secret in one’s heart.

Released in 1986, the song is also well known for having been written and composed by Toshihiko Takamizawa, the guitarist of THE ALFEE.

The following year, THE ALFEE released a self-cover of the track.

It depicts a scene where a love that sprouted in the cold season goes unspoken, burning only within the heart without ever reaching the other person.

This wistful, melancholic song may well resonate with your own hidden feelings of love.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

SAKI

Report a problem

LAT.43°N 〜forty-three degrees north〜DREAMS COME TRUE

LAT.43°N 〜forty-three degrees north latitude〜

The duo affectionately known as “DoriCam,” DREAMS COME TRUE.

This single, released in November 1989 and also included on the classic album LOVE GOES ON…, is an early masterpiece.

Set in a city at 43 degrees north latitude, its lyrics poignantly portray the heartache of a long-distance relationship and the sense of separation felt over the phone.

The anxiety of time spent apart overlaps with the chill of winter, resonating deeply with listeners.

While it wasn’t a major chart hit at the time of release, it was later included on a best-of album and frequently ranks high in live request polls, cementing its status as a hidden gem.

How about listening to it on a quiet, snowy night, when you want to immerse yourself in its lyrical world alone?

I won’t forget the rain in January.THE ALFEE

I won’t forget the rain in January.

The lyrical intro that conjures a winter scene where cold rain turns to snow immediately grabs the heart.

Released as a single in January 1988, it’s a re-cut from the album “U.K.

Breakfast.” Sakurai’s deep, rich baritone on lead vocals is so cool! The worldview, which calmly yet realistically depicts the sorrow of a love that has ended, really resonates.

THE ALFEE’s signature beautiful harmonies are fully present, and it makes you want to savor this as a mature rock ballad that’s a bit different from flashier tracks.

It’s also a nostalgic touch that the B-side was the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Momoiro Gakuen Toshi Sengen!!” Perfect for a quiet winter night, recommended for listening alone while basking in memories.

Winter Comes Around (A Winter Day)TM NETWORK

WINTER COMES AROUND (A Winter’s Day)

A little-known yet beloved ballad included on the classic album CAROL ~A DAY IN A GIRL’S LIFE 1991~, released in December 1988.

Its charm lies in an atmosphere that evokes stillness and chill—like suddenly stopping on a winter street corner.

Naoto Kine’s warm, woven melodies and Mitsuko Komuro’s lyrics, which blend loss and hope, seep into the depths of the heart.

Unlike the group’s dazzling singles, the delicate soundscape crafted by strings feels as if it captures a single winter’s day.

Though it had no major tie-ins, the song has long been cherished by fans as a vital piece that colors the album’s narrative.

It’s a winter song for grown-ups—one you’ll want to listen to alone on a quiet night.

Snowlit Townsaitou yuki

Snowlit Town

Yuki Saito, a top idol representing the 1980s who continues to shine today as a skilled actress.

This work is included on the album “Yuki no Danshō Sound Sketch,” released in December 1985 as a related piece to the film “Fragments of Snow – Passion,” in which she starred.

The contrast between the snowy scenery painted by Takashi Matsumoto and the artificial lights seeps into the heart, carried by Takao Kisugi’s poignant melody.

Although it was never released as a single, its serene beauty has made it a beloved hidden gem among fans.

On a winter night when the cold bites, if you want to sit quietly and reflect in a warm room, why not listen to Yuki Saito’s crystal-clear singing voice?