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. Top popular winter tracks (1–10)
Cinderella ChristmasKinKi Kids
A classic winter song by KinKi Kids, perfect for the glittering season.
Released in December 1998 as a double A-side with the single “Happy Happy Greeting,” this track features lyrics by Takashi Matsumoto, whose romantic lines—modeled after the fairy tale Cinderella—leave a lasting impression.
With imagery like glass slippers and watching the clock, it captures those bittersweet yet happy moments shared by lovers.
At the time, it was released as a limited edition of one million copies and soared to No.
1 on the Oricon charts.
The lavish strings and comfortable tempo make it ideal for a nighttime drive date under holiday lights.
Revisit this timeless song loved across generations and enjoy it again this winter!
Winter is starting.Makihara Noriyuki
This is a winter-song masterpiece released in November 1991 by Noriyuki Makihara, who had a huge breakthrough that year with “Donna Toki mo.” It was used as the commercial song for Sapporo Beer’s Fuyu Monogatari in the 1991 season, and I’m sure many people enjoy a beer while listening to it, just like the lyrics say.
Beyond the wonderful melody and vocals, and the perfectly crafted sound arrangement that begins with the harmonica in the intro, the lyrics—skillfully contrasting summer memories with the onset of winter—are simply outstanding.
It’s a shining example of the genius singer-songwriter Noriyuki Makihara at his best.
He has created many other winter songs as well, so be sure to check those out too!
LOVER SOULJUDY AND MARY
JUDY AND MARY’s 13th single, “LOVER SOUL,” was released in October 1997.
It reached No.
5 on the weekly Oricon chart and sold over 500,000 copies, making it a solid hit.
The melody retains a strong rock essence while also carrying a somewhat dreamy atmosphere.
According to YUKI, who wrote the lyrics, she aimed for clarity during the writing process, resulting in a collection of very catchy phrases.
Winter songs of 90s J-POP. Popular winter song roundup (11–20)
SNOWB’z
A hidden gem of a ballad by the rock duo B’z, it evokes a winter landscape wrapped in silence.
Included on the mini-album FRIENDS II released in November 1996, this track reins in the flashy guitar sound in favor of a delicate arrangement that leans heavily on piano and falsetto.
Its worldview—depicting the quiet of a snowy night and a loneliness that spreads through the heart—carries a cold yet beautiful resonance that seems to gently lower the listener’s body temperature.
Though it wasn’t released as a single and had no prominent tie-ins, it holds a special presence for fans, even closing out the ballad best-of The Ballads ~Love & B’z~.
It’s a deeply introspective winter song that makes you want to listen alone on a quiet winter night, far from the bustle.
Blame of the Winter RoadDragon Ash
Dragon Ash continues to lead Japan’s mixture rock scene.
Among their early works, if there’s one track whose lyrical worldview stands out as especially striking, it has to be this one.
Included on the mini-album “Public Garden,” released in April 1997, the song features the late Ikuzo Baba’s melodious bass lines and a delicate band sound.
The fact that Straightener covered it on the tribute album celebrating Dragon Ash’s 25th anniversary shows the song’s enduring strength.
Its simple words convey the loneliness of walking along a bleak winter road and the biting chill in the air, quietly seeping into the listener’s heart.
How about immersing yourself in its lyrics while gazing at a winter landscape?
BreathLaputa
Laputa, a flagship band of the Nagoya-kei subgenre that steadfastly upheld its own aesthetics in the ’90s visual kei scene.
The winter scenery they depict goes beyond a mere seasonal song, coexisting with taut tension and beauty.
Released as a single in January 1999, this work also reached living rooms as the opening theme of the TV program “Rank Kingdom.” True to its title, within a worldview where even “breath” seems to freeze white, the interplay of aki’s heartrending, piercing vocals and Kouichi’s meticulous guitar work can only be described as art.
Also included on the album “Sho ~Kakera~ Hadaka,” it remains beloved by fans as a signature number from the band’s later period.
It’s a winter masterpiece that lingers in the history of ’90s visual kei, the kind you’ll want to listen to alone on a frigid winter night, sinking into the silence and its profound afterglow.
Almost to the parkTHE MAD CAPSULE MARKETS
This is a winter classic by THE MAD CAPSULE MARKET’S, pioneers of punk and loud rock who have earned high acclaim overseas.
Featured on their masterpiece PARK, released in October 1994, the song offers a lyrically rich worldview that contrasts with their intense image.
Its waltz-like 3/4 rhythm and singing, melodic bass line are striking, vividly evoking the frozen air of a winter morning, white breath, and misty landscapes.
Though not released as a single, it was later included on the best-of album 1990-1996 and has continued to be cherished by fans as an important early track.
If you listen to it while strolling through a park in the cold wind, you might find yourself wrapped in a unique blend of nostalgia and bittersweet emotion.