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 of 90s J-POP. Popular winter tunes compilation (71–80)
Scarletsupittsu
“Scarlet” is the 15th single by Spitz, released in 1997.
It was chosen as the theme song for the TBS drama series Toshiba Sunday Theater “Melody,” starring Kyoko Koizumi and Kaoru Kobayashi, and it reached No.
1 on the Oricon singles chart.
The following year, it was included on their eighth original album, “Fake Fur,” and in 2012 it was also used in a corporate commercial for Mitsui Life.
It’s a classic that showcases vocalist Masamune Kusano’s soaring voice—be sure to give it a listen!
promiseHirose Kōmi
When it comes to singer-songwriter Kōmi Hirose—nicknamed the “Queen of Winter”—her 1997 hit song is Promise.
It was her 11th single and was used in a commercial for the sporting goods company Alpen.
It reached No.
4 on the Oricon Singles Chart and sold a total of 542,000 copies, making it her second best-selling single.
Despite being a winter song, the intro featuring gut guitar and accordion has a summery, Latin feel—the contrast makes it a fascinating classic!
I want to hug you.Mr.Children
This song is beloved as one of Mr.Children’s signature ballads.
It was created for a friend’s wedding, and its lyrics unfold from the perspective of the groom, who pledges eternal love.
With its warm melody and straightforward devotion to a loved one, it’s a track that truly moves the heart.
Released as a single in December 1992, it encapsulates the charm of early Mr.Children.
Its pure expressions of love have resonated with many listeners, making it a popular wedding song as well.
Listen to it on a cold winter night, and it’s sure to warm your heart.
Winter songs of 90s J-POP. Popular winter song roundup (81–90)
Heart of XmasFukuyama Masaharu
Since his debut in 1990, Masaharu Fukuyama has continued to thrive at the forefront as both a singer and an actor.
The song “Heart of Xmas” is included on a double A-side single released in 1998 and is a retake of the maxi single “BROS.
Xmas,” which had been released exclusively to fan club members the previous year.
Its lyrics overflow with love that warms you from the core, and Fukuyama’s gentle, resonant vocals strike a chord in the heart.
The relaxed tempo lets you savor each and every word.
It’s a gem of a love ballad you’ll want to listen to with your partner during the Christmas season.
Winter SongDREAMS COME TRUE
The 14th single by DREAMS COME TRUE, a group that continues to captivate fans with overwhelming vocal prowess and a one-of-a-kind sense of entertainment.
This song was released as the English-lyric version of their 8th single, “Yuki no Christmas,” and was used as the Japanese opening theme for the American film “Sleepless in Seattle.” It has also been covered by overseas artists.
Because the lyrics are entirely in English, some listeners may find it hard to catch the meaning, but the arrangement is filled with elements that evoke snow and Christmas, letting you picture winter just by listening.
Even in the 1990s—when songs with fully English lyrics weren’t yet common—it won broad support, remaining an unfading winter classic.
Jin jin jingle bellMoritaka Chisato
A Christmas song by Chisato Moritaka that’s fun for the way the words sound.
It was created as a kind of Christmas version of “GIN GIN GIN,” which was used in a SUNTORY Ice Gin commercial.
Building on the sound of “GIN GIN GIN” while weaving in elements of the quintessential Christmas tune “Jingle Bells,” it’s a unique track.
Its distinctive, rhythm-forward sense of buoyancy and the festive timbres—especially the bells—blend to evoke the atmosphere of Christmas and create a curious charm.
Though the lyrics seem to depict a child excitedly awaiting Christmas, the floating quality of the sound and Moritaka’s vocals also lend it a sophisticated, grown-up feel.
Who is knocking on the door?Ozawa Kenji
One of the central figures of the Shibuya-kei scene, Kenji Ozawa, released his eighth single, “Who Is Knocking on the Door?” in 1995.
Despite being a Christmas song released out of season in March, it reached No.
10 on the Oricon Singles Chart.
It’s a bright, soul-style track whose live performances are known for audience claps that mimic knocking on a door, and its melody is an homage to the Jackson 5’s “I Will Find a Way.”