[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 Hit Tracks to Hidden Gems! (11–20)
Goodbyeofukōsu
It’s a Japanese breakup song that overlays feelings toward someone you’ve said goodbye to with images of steadily falling snow.
It’s one of the signature songs by Off Course, the legendary band active mainly from the 1970s to the 1980s, released as their 17th single.
From the very first notes, the sound, vocals, and lyrics conjure up a scene straight out of a drama—you can’t help but be overwhelmed as you listen.
It’s a timeless masterpiece that has been covered by many famous singers, including Ryoko Moriyama and Mone Kamishiraishi, and one that we hope will continue to be sung for years to come.
Christmas EveYamashita Tatsuro
Christmas Eve by Tatsuro Yamashita is a classic Christmas song.
Released in 1983, it also drew attention as the theme song for JR Tokai’s Christmas Express commercials, which featured many famous actresses.
Despite its sparkling, unmistakably Christmas-like melody, the lyrics are deeply poignant, portraying the loneliness of spending Christmas alone, unable to meet the one you love.
Even if you’re spending Christmas by yourself, Yamashita’s gentle voice might just ease the loneliness.
Second LoveNakamori Akina
Here is Akina Nakamori’s third single, released in 1983.
Written and composed by the sibling duo Etsuko Kisugi and Takao Kisugi, it can be seen as following the same vein as her debut single, “Slow Motion.” Released in November, the song was frequently played at ski resorts at the time.
Its direction differed from the previous single, “Shōjo A,” and felt like a return to her earlier style, so there were opinions back then that it shouldn’t have been released.
Even so, this kind of song brings out Nakamori’s strengths very well.
My lover is Santa ClausMatsutōya Yumi
How about a catchy winter song that heightens the festive Christmas spirit? It’s a track by the singer Yumi Matsutoya, known for numerous hits like “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “Spring, Come,” included on her 1980 album “SURF & SNOW.” The song was also featured in the film “Take Me Out to the Snow.” Just as the title suggests, the cute lyrics likening a lover to Santa will grab your heart.
If you’re spending this Christmas with someone special, be sure to listen to this song together.
Still Love HerTM NETWORK
A gem of a love ballad that captures the poignant mood of winter.
Takashi Utsunomiya’s vocals, layering memories of a past love with feelings that remain unchanged, strike straight to the heart.
Featured on TM NETWORK’s album “CAROL ~A DAY IN A GIRL’S LIFE 1991~,” released in December 1988, this track was also used as the ending theme for the anime City Hunter 2.
It became one of the band’s most popular songs, earning broad support across generations.
With lyrics that evoke London’s scenery and Naoto Kine’s memorable harmonica solo, the sophisticated production shines throughout.
A song to listen to on a winter night as you think of someone dear—one that will surely stay close to your heart.
AnnaKai Band
A love song has arrived that lights a flame in the heart like Christmas candles coloring the winter night sky.
This track by Kai Band portrays the aching feelings for a beloved far away.
The lyrics carry the flame of love that keeps burning in the cold and the wish to reunite, resonating deeply with listeners.
Released in June 1979, the song has long been cherished as one of Kai Band’s signature works.
While it’s a piece you’ll want to hear in the cold season, it actually comforts many people year-round.
When you’re thinking of someone dear, why not give this song a listen? Surely, the warm feelings within you will be gently embraced.
[80s J-Pop] Popular Winter Songs: From Hit Tracks to Hidden Gems! (21–30)
Funky ChristmasNEW!Nakahara Meiko
A supremely funky Christmas song that fuses urbane sparkle with a popping disco rhythm.
Written and composed by singer-songwriter Meiko Nakahara, with arrangements by TOM TOM 84, a heavyweight of Chicago soul, it’s an authentic dance number.
It was included on the A-side of the 12-inch single “Meiko’s SPECIAL PARTY VERSIONS,” released in November 1984, as a long version tailored to the sizzling club scene of the time.
Overturning the image of a quiet Holy Night, this track sets the mood for party exhilaration.
Rather than soaking in a mellow atmosphere, why not spend a bright, lively night till morning with your closest friends—and give this a listen on an active winter evening?