Winter songs in 90s J-pop: a roundup of popular winter tunes
The J-pop scene of the ’90s was truly a golden era—a time when CDs sold explosively and countless mega-hits were born.
It was also an era when numerous winter songs colored the streets.
Cityscapes glowing with illuminations, white breaths in the cold air, moments spent with someone special.
When you picture those winter scenes, don’t the winter songs of that time naturally resonate in your heart? From bittersweet yet warm ballads to pop numbers that hype up Christmas, this article delivers a rich selection of ’90s J-pop winter tunes—from massive hits to hidden gems.
Whether you’re reminiscing about those days or discovering them for the first time, enjoy these exquisite tracks along with the winter air!
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Winter songs from 90s J-POP. Popular winter song roundup (61–70)
Sentimental City RomanceDōjima Kōhei
It’s a song that brilliantly evokes an urban scene on a cold winter’s day and captures a sentimental mood, with Kohei Dojima’s sweet melody and lyrical words resonating deeply.
Released in December 1999 as his 13th single, it’s a work that clearly reflects his musical sensibilities.
The lyrics, which hold both the ache for what’s lost or out of reach and a hope for the future, have struck a chord with many listeners.
It’s a gem best listened to on a winter’s night with the person who matters most.
Hallelujah in the snowMOON CHILD
A winter song that sings of love and transience in the snow, it’s one of MOON CHILD’s signature tracks.
It delicately depicts two people embracing as the snow piles up and the wintry cityscape.
Shuu Sasaki’s warm vocals and the soothing rhythm leave a strong impression, making it a classic that resonates with listeners.
Released in October 1997, it also became familiar as the CM song for Sapporo Beer’s “Sapporo Fuyumonogatari.” It was a popular track that reached No.
16 on the Oricon charts.
It’s the perfect song to listen to on a cold winter night, snuggled up with your loved one.
It will surely wrap your heart in warmth.
Primalorijinarurabu
Released in February 1996, the song attracted attention as the theme for the Yomiuri TV/Nippon TV drama series “Only You – Aisarete –.” Known as one of ORIGINAL LOVE’s signature tracks, it was written and composed by Takao Tajima and features a heartwarming focus on love and passion.
It opens with an image of gazing up at a loved one’s room in the snow just after dawn, and portrays how sleepless nights deepen one’s understanding of love.
The track is also included on the album “Desire,” where it appears in a different mix from the single—making it fun to compare the two.
It’s a perfect song to listen to on a cold winter night while thinking of someone special.
Love is…Kawamura Ryuuichi
This is the fourth single by singer-songwriter Ryuichi Kawamura, who debuted as the vocalist of LUNA SEA and drew attention in his solo career for showcasing a different musical style and persona from the band.
The song was used as the ending theme for the educational quiz show “Hitachi Sekai Fushigi Hakken!” and served as the culmination of his solo work during LUNA SEA’s hiatus.
Its catchy melody set to a relaxed shuffle beat evokes a sense of grand love alongside winter scenery.
It’s a 1990s winter song that made Kawamura’s vocal prowess widely known to a broad audience.
Christmassaruganseki
When you think of winter in the ’90s, many of you probably remember this song.
Its lyrics, depicting the tender yet bittersweet feelings of lovers, really resonate.
You can almost picture the couple, excited to get up early on Christmas morning and head to the sea.
Released in November 1997, this track is one of the key songs in Saruganseki’s discography.
It’s also included on the album “Magure,” and Ryuichi Kawamura’s production drew a lot of attention.
It’s a warm, comforting piece you’ll want to listen to while cuddling up with your partner in the cold season.
The Magic of DecemberMakihara Noriyuki
It’s a heartwarming winter song by Noriyuki Makihara, who is popular not only as a singer-songwriter but also as a lyricist and composer.
Released alongside his debut single “NG,” it is included on his debut album “Kimi ga Warau Toki Kimi no Mune ga Itamanai You ni.” The sound is characterized by a relaxed rhythm, and when combined with Makihara’s powerful vocals, it seems to further highlight the song’s message of love.
As the title suggests, it depicts December memories with someone dear, cherishing the small, everyday moments while wishing that this happiness will last forever.
Present for YouChekkāzu
A heartrending love song where winter scenes and tender feelings melt together has been born.
This Checkers track, released in November 1992 as their final single, was also used as the ending theme for Fuji TV’s “Time 3.” Its gentle melody—perfect for the growing chill of the season—and its wistful lyrics about a beloved seep into the heart.
Weaving in winter motifs like the biting wind and falling snow, it sings of longing for a lover who never shows up to a rendezvous, evoking the bittersweetness of love that everyone has felt.
A heartwarming song to play on a winter night spent with someone special.