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!
- [Winter Songs] Popular Winter Tunes. Classic Winter Song Masterpieces
- [90s Christmas Songs] Nostalgic and Beloved Christmas Classics
- [Winter Songs] Recommended Winter Tracks for Women
- [Songs to Listen to in December] J-POP and Christmas Songs that Feel Like Winter [2026]
- Iconic ballads of 90s J-pop: nostalgic mega-hits and fan favorites
- [Snow Songs] Classic winter tunes themed around snow. Snow songs that touch the heart.
- [2026] Upbeat winter J‑Pop: Energetic winter songs
- Winter songs that were hits in the 2000s. Classic winter anthems that never lose their shine.
- [Winter Songs] Recommended for Instagram Reels! Classic winter hits
- Winter songs you'll want to listen to in the cold season! Recommended for the yutori generation
- [2026] Masterpieces to Enjoy on a Snowy Day: J‑Pop Snow Songs and Winter Tunes
- Tear-jerking J-pop from the ’90s. Hit songs and real tearjerkers.
- A collection of timeless classics! Exquisite winter songs recommended for people in their 50s
Winter songs of 90s J-POP. Popular winter songs roundup (21–30)
My Desire ～Beyond Winter～NEW!Sing Like Talking
A single by SING LIKE TALKING, a band that carved out a unique place with a sophisticated AOR sound.
With powerful lyrics that feel like pushing through the winter cold and a vibrant, popping rhythm, this song is also known as a tribute to TOTO’s legendary drummer, Jeff Porcaro.
Released in 1992, it became widely known as the theme for Nissan’s Largo commercial.
It’s included on the acclaimed album ENCOUNTER, which topped the Oricon charts, and can be considered a number that symbolizes the band’s golden era.
It carries a soaring warmth that thaws even the iciest season, making it perfect for winter drives.
Chikuzen Sato’s expansive vocals are sure to give you the courage to turn even the cold wind into an ally.
Let’s Play WinterNEW!hitomi
Hitomi, whose background as a model and relatable, down-to-earth lyrics have resonated with many women, made her debut under the production of Tetsuya Komuro.
For a winter song from that era, this number is highly recommended.
Released as a single in November 1994, it was used as the ending theme for Nippon TV’s snowboarding program “Action!”.
Its danceable beat infused with R&B elements pairs perfectly with lyrics brimming with playful spirit that celebrates winter.
Later included on the album “GO TO THE TOP” as well as the best-of collection “H,” it remains a foundational work that has been loved for years.
How about playing it in the car on the way to the ski slopes or whenever you want to boost your mood for winter activities?
Christmas For YouNEW!Maeda Nobuteru
Did you know that Noriharu Maeda, best known for evoking a strong “summer” image through his work with TUBE, paints a vivid sense of winter in his solo projects? Released in November 1992, this song is a ballad that portrays the shifting emotions of lovers at Christmastime.
Set to a dazzling melody, its warm message resonates in a way that makes even quarrels and misunderstandings feel endearing.
Chosen as the ending theme for the TV show “Big Airport ’92,” it reached No.
10 on the Oricon charts and became widely beloved.
The coupling track, “Merry Christmas To You,” further immerses listeners in the spirit of the holy night.
It’s a song you’ll want to play on an evening spent with someone special, when you want to express your true feelings.
Winter has comeNEW!Katō Noriko
This is the tenth single released in 1998 by Noriko Kato, who is active in a wide range of fields including variety shows and dramas.
With lyrics by Chinfa Kan, music by Takuro Yoshida, and arrangement by Satoshi Takebe, this track truly brings together a star-studded lineup of 1990s J-POP creators.
The lyrics depict warm, everyday scenes—like city streets that evoke the arrival of winter and oden from a food stall—gently wrapping the listener’s heart.
It was used as the ending theme for Nippon TV’s “TV Ojamambo,” so many people may remember it from broadcasts at the time.
It’s also included on the album “Souvenir,” making it perfect for times when you want to feel warmth during the cold season.
Be sure to check it out!
I won’t be back until Christmas.NEW!Shonentai
A hidden gem by Shonentai, the idol group that defined an era with their multifaceted talents in singing, dance, and acting, and left a profound impact on the generations that followed.
It’s the second track on the album “Heart to Heart 5years Shonentai… and 1991,” released in December 1990.
The title suggests a Christmas Eve ballad, but in fact it’s a rock tune with a striking guitar sound, featuring Kenjirō Sakiya as composer and Hiroshi Niikawa as arranger.
Rather than a glittering celebratory mood, the lyrics portray a relationship between a man and a woman that has gone cold, and that contrast is a major part of the song’s appeal.
It’s a perfect recommendation for anyone seeking a winter song that’s bittersweet yet passionate—something a little different from the standard Christmas fare.
Memorable ChristmasNEW!Oginome Yōko
Yoko Oginome, who brightened the 1980s with numerous dance numbers.
Her 1992 album “NUDIST” includes a beautiful ballad that distills the bittersweetness of winter.
The song features lyrics written by Oginome herself, softly singing about memories of Christmas with a former lover.
In contrast to the bustle of the city, the lyrics carefully depict the scenes lingering in the heart, deeply resonating with listeners.
Amid the album’s rock-tinged tracks, it exudes the presence of a momentary calm, and it has long been cherished by fans as a hidden gem.
It’s the perfect number for those nights when you’d rather spend a quiet winter evening alone than attend a glittering party—be sure to check it out!
powder snowCURIO
Powder Snow is a classic winter song released in 1998 by CURIO, a rock band from Osaka.
The track features a catchy, quintessentially ’90s melody line that you’ll find yourself remembering after just one listen.
It also showcases highlights like an extended ’90s-style guitar solo and a smooth, flowing bass line.
If you play instruments in a band—like guitar or bass—you’re sure to get hooked once you give it a listen.
It’s also a great pick as a candidate song for winter music events.
