[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)
Midnight Flight – A Lonely Christmas EveHamada Shogo
A hidden gem by Shogo Hamada that portrays the loneliness of spending time alone at an airport, in stark contrast to the festive air of Christmas Eve.
It was included on the mini-album “CLUB SNOWBOUND,” released in November 1985, and was also used as an insert song in the TV anime “Ping Pong THE ANIMATION.” The protagonist, burdened by the magnitude of a lost love and unspoken feelings, is depicted dramatically over a rich, ’60s-style sound.
By deliberately giving it a glittering musical tone, the poignancy of the lyrics stands out even more.
It’s a song I recommend for winter nights when you long for connection, or when you want to quietly sink into sentimentality.
Shogo Hamada’s wistful vocals may gently keep company with a lonely heart.
Before Christmas comesWatanabe Marina
When the signs of winter begin to creep in, there’s a bittersweet love song I suddenly find myself wanting to hear.
Sung by Marina Watanabe—who was also popular during her time with Onyanko Club—this hidden gem paints a true-to-life portrait of unrequited love, a different flavor from glitzy party anthems.
Set against everyday scenes like walking home from a seminar or passing a shop with a red roof, it captures a girl’s wavering emotions as she hopes he’ll notice her feelings before a special day arrives.
Released in October 1986 as the B-side to her debut single “Shinkokyuu Shite” (“Take a Deep Breath”), the song may not have had a specific tie-in, but it remains a perennial favorite among fans.
Why not listen to it on a night when you want to step away from the city’s bustle and quietly think about someone you like? Its pure expression of young love is sure to leave you feeling warm.
Rizo Raba -Resort Lovers-bakufū suranpu
It may have a strong summery image, but in fact it’s a unique song that vividly portrays scenes at a winter ski resort as well.
Sung by Bakufu Slump, the piece uses biting irony to express the thrill of resort romance and the emptiness behind it.
Released as a single in July 1989, it was also included on the album “I.B.W.” It became widely known as a Cosmo Oil commercial song, and it’s also remembered for ranking third on the final episode of the music show “The Best Ten” that same year.
Set to a catchy melody, the lyrics depict the push-and-pull of love that repeats even as the seasons change.
If you want to recall the glamorous atmosphere of the bubble era, or if you listen to it in the car on your way to the slopes, the heat of those days is sure to come rushing back.
Last Christmas EveYazawa Eikichi
A hidden winter masterpiece sung by Eikichi Yazawa, who continues to reign as one of Japan’s iconic rock stars.
While Yazawa is strongly associated with a hard-rock image, his performance of a delicate, lyrical ballad like this one is equally captivating.
Reportedly, the melody came to him on a Keikyu train, and the song—simple yet evocative—conjures up a romantic nightscape.
Released as a single in November 1983, it also drew attention at the time as the theme for a Johnnie Walker Red Label commercial.
Though recorded during the production of the album “I am a Model,” it was initially left off the album and has since been cherished by fans.
It’s the kind of Christmas song for adults that you’ll want to savor quietly on a winter’s night with a glass in hand.
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)
wintering swallowMori Masako
Speaking of winter songs, we mustn’t forget enka.
Many enka numbers capture a variety of winter scenes.
The harshness of winter seems to match perfectly with the world of enka.
Masako Mori’s “Ettou Tsubame” (Wintering Swallow) was released in 1983.
The composer is Yoshihiko Shinohara, which is the real name of Hiroshi En.
Mori’s tearful performance of the song at that year’s 34th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen has become the stuff of legend.
It’s one of those songs whose appeal you come to appreciate more and more as you grow older.
