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

Full of ChristmasKudō Shizuka

Shizuka Kudo "Lots of X’mas"

These are songs included in the first best-of album, “gradation.” “X’mas ga Ippai” is an unreleased track that was performed during the first concert tour, “Hajime no Ippo.” It was recorded and included specifically for this album.

Solitude of the North StationKawai Naoko

Solitude of the North Station

Naoko Kawai, a singer-songwriter who, despite being an idol singer, skillfully played instruments such as piano, guitar, mandolin, and synthesizer and even produced her own songs.

Her 19th single, “Kita-eki no Solitude,” is memorable for its intro and melody that evoke a sense of melancholy.

The lyrics, depicting a heartrending farewell, resonate with the sentimental season of winter and tighten the chest.

It’s a winter song that conjures the sorrow of the season, with a lyrical ensemble that lingers in the ears.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Signs of early winterYazawa Eikichi

Going on a ride to feel the signs of early winter.

A track included on the 1989 album “Affair.” It sings of the bittersweet feelings upon learning that an ex-girlfriend is getting married.

The title reads “Fuyu” (early winter), and in Chinese it also refers to the time when frost begins to fall in the early winter.

It’s a perfect title to convey the ineffable melancholy of hearing that an old flame is happy.

Beneath the sadness lies the lingering feeling of still loving her… So bittersweet!

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SAKI

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1985THE BLUE HEARTS

THE BLUE HEARTS – 1985

It’s a politically charged punk number included on The Blue Hearts’ debut album.

The song stirred up controversy in various ways—its lyrics weren’t even printed in the booklet, and it couldn’t be aired on television.

I’m introducing it because the words “Santa Claus” and “Christmas” appear in the lyrics.

Come to the snowy mountainsŌe Senri

Senri Oe Come to the Snowy Mountains 1989

It’s a cheerful winter song about spending a fun time in the snowy mountains.

It’s included on the album “redmonkey yellowfish,” released in 1989.

The lyrics, which evoke warm foods and scenic views, along with the lively melody, make it perfect as Christmas background music! But in fact, it’s a love song about inviting someone you like.

If it’s with someone who can play such a joyful melody, even a bittersweet winter could be spent warmly, don’t you think?

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SAKI

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Cicada in Wintersadamasashi

Cicada in Winter

It’s the 39th single, released in 1989.

It’s also a track included on the album “Yume Bakari Miteita,” and it seems to carry a rugged quality that evokes the harshness of winter.

While crying out the daily struggle that makes you think, “If only I had been born in a different era…,” Masashi Sada’s voice also conveys the feeling that a day will come when it all pays off.

Personally, it’s the song I most want to listen to at the very start of winter.

It was also used as the theme song for Nippon TV’s year-end period drama special “Kiheitai.”

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KEI

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OH!!POPSTARChekkāzu

The Checkers ~ OH!! POP STAR ~.mp4

This is a winter song by The Checkers, released as a single in 1986.

It sings of a poetic scene where the city lights blur as they reflect on the water surface in the snow.

Notably, in this track, saxophonist Naoyuki Fujii had a broken arm and didn’t play sax; he participated on rhythm guitar instead.