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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 J-Pop] Popular Winter Songs: From Hit Tracks to Hidden Gems! (21–30)

CHRISTMAS TREEYoshida Minako

Since her debut in 1973, singer-songwriter Minako Yoshida has drawn attention for her diverse musicality, ranging from city pop to soul and funk.

This track, included on her self-produced album “BELLS,” unfolds with a serene atmosphere and introspective worldview.

Its quiet, gospel-tinged ensemble and the layered choral textures create a dreamlike resonance that seems to evoke the stillness of a holy night and the feeling of a prayer.

Released in September 1986 as a limited edition of 3,000 copies, “BELLS” is a labor of love for which she wrote, composed, and arranged the music, and even assembled the jacket inserts herself.

Transcending commercial considerations to pursue the pure essence of music, it is a Christmas song worthy of being called a hidden masterpiece.

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Snow FantasyMatsuda Seiko

This work was included on the winter concept album “Snow Garden,” produced by Takashi Matsumoto in November 1987.

It was also used as an insert song in the film “Binenetsu Shonen,” directed by Matsumoto.

The lyrics, sprinkled with fantastical motifs such as snow sprites, forests, and reindeer-drawn sleighs, portray a poignant longing as the singer makes their way to a lover’s home amid the serene scenery of a snowy night.

The lyrics were written by Takashi Matsumoto, with composition and arrangement by Masaaki Omura.

The warm arrangement, woven from strings and synth sounds, truly resonates with the heart.

It’s a winter ballad with a dreamy atmosphere—one you’ll want to listen to on a winter night while thinking of someone dear.

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[80s J-Pop] Popular Winter Songs: From Hit Tracks to Hidden Gems! (31–40)

All on this nightYoshikawa Koji

Kohji Kikkawa’s ninth single, released in September 1986, is a gem of a rock number written and composed by Motoharu Sano.

The original song was offered to Kenji Sawada, but Kikkawa’s version features a minimalist, guitar-driven arrangement that fuses a romantic aesthetic with passionate vocals to create a world uniquely its own.

Peaking at No.

4 on the Oricon chart, this work also symbolizes a turning point as he shifted from idol image to rock artist.

With a melody that carries the quiet and poignancy of the night, it’s a song that will keep you company on a solitary Christmas Eve or add warmth to a special holy night with someone dear.

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Singin’ In The SnowNoda Mikiko

The fifth single by Mikiko Noda, released in 1989, is an oldies-style Christmas song featuring a memorable whistled intro and harmonica.

It portrays the fresh feelings of first love—nervousness mingled with excitement—as the protagonist heads to their lover without even getting in touch.

Chosen as the CM song for JAL’s Europe campaign, this track is a cherished work in which Noda wrote both the lyrics and the music for the first time.

Her soft “velvet voice” and the simple arrangement convey the fleeting exhilaration of love with a crystalline clarity.

It’s the perfect song for strolling through a snowy town when you want to feel your heart dance with the promise of a new romance.

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Winter RivieraMori Shinichi

This song by Shinichi Mori, known as an enka singer beloved by many, is a winter-themed love ballad that showcases a musical breadth beyond the bounds of enka.

The bittersweet feelings of a man facing a breakup are exquisitely conveyed through Mori’s distinctive husky voice, resonating deeply with listeners.

Released in November 1982, the song reached No.

10 on the Oricon weekly chart and received a Special Gold Award at the 25th Japan Record Awards, earning high acclaim.

It’s a track you’ll want to savor quietly when the chill of winter sets in.

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Snowbound Party -Tonight Visitors OK!-Hamada Shogo

A lively dance number that depicts a single night with a special someone met on a street corner as powdery snow falls.

It was included on the mini-album “CLUB SNOWBOUND,” released in November 1985, and later appeared on the album “CLUB SURF & SNOWBOUND.” The track features layered sounds reminiscent of oldies and doo-wop, with a pop arrangement that weaves in saxophone and backing vocals.

The lyrics intertwine the glamorous atmosphere of a Christmas party with the poignancy of parting, portraying a one-night, dreamlike romance.

Masakazu Itakura’s arrangement creates a three-dimensional sound image that simultaneously conveys the giddy cheer and bittersweetness of Christmas.

Crafted with a playful spirit by Shogo Hamada, this piece is perfect when you’re in the mood for upbeat rock ’n’ roll.

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Opera Glasses in WinterEri Nitta

Onyanko Club, produced by Yasushi Akimoto, was hugely popular at the time.

This is the debut single by Eri Nitta, one of the group’s most popular members.

Released in 1986, the lyrics were written by Akimoto himself.

It’s a song that really showcases Akimoto’s idol-production touch.

While many songs about winter focus on farewells, this one sings about love in winter.

Its fresh, innocent vibe and slightly lisping delivery captured the hearts of male fans.

Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)
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