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 1990s J-POP: A roundup of popular winter tracks (31–40)
Winter Fantasykazan
Winter Fantasy became a major hit after being featured as the theme song for Sapporo Beer’s Fuyu Monogatari (Winter Tale) commercial series.
Released in 1995 by the cousin duo Kazun, it is also known as their signature song.
Its heartwarming choral work gently envelops the chill of winter.
Set in a town where white snow is falling, it portrays a love story between two people whose hearts flutter at the start of a new romance.
Carried by a clear, translucent melody and vocals, it’s a winter song that slowly resonates in the heart.
BLUE TEARSJUDY AND MARY
This is the second single by JUDY AND MARY, the four-piece band that has become synonymous with female-vocal rock bands in J-POP history.
The song was used as the ending theme for the variety show “Mecha-Mecha Iketeru!” and is memorable for its lyrical imagery that evokes bittersweet romance and snowy landscapes.
Its driving beat, prominent bassline, and sprightly guitar sound support a cute, high-toned vocal that conveys an energetic freshness powerful enough to blow away the winter chill.
It’s a rock tune you’ll want to listen to in winter—pop in melody yet tinged with a touch of melancholy.
Entrust me with eternity.DEEN
DEEN is an indispensable presence when talking about 1990s J‑POP.
Among the many commercial tie-in songs they’ve produced, they released “Eien o Azukete Kure” in 1994.
It portrays a warm story of lovers who meet in a town where white snow is falling.
You’ll also be soothed by Shuichi Ikemori’s sweet vocals as he sings about the feelings of waiting to meet in front of the station.
With a gentle band arrangement that seems to wrap up winter’s cold and loneliness, the song resonates deeply.
Give this winter tune a listen and let its trendy-drama-like world unfold around you.
God of RomanceHirose Kōmi
Known as the “Queen of Winter,” Kōmi Hirose is famous for scoring many winter song hits in the 1990s.
Having composed since childhood and trained in classical music with a degree from Kunitachi College of Music, her signature song is arguably “Romance no Kamisama,” released in 1993.
It was used in a ski equipment store commercial, and I fondly remember how it went on to be played all over town as a winter staple.
Interestingly, if you actually read the lyrics—plainspoken lines expressing a woman’s true feelings—you’ll notice there aren’t any keywords that directly evoke winter.
If you’re looking for a song that is explicitly a winter tune, be sure to check out “GELENDE ga Tokeru Hodo Koi Shitai,” released in 1995!
Sorrow like snowHamada Shogo
The original version was released in 1981, but the song didn’t attract much attention at the time.
Later, however, it was chosen as the theme song for the 1992 drama “Ai to Iu Na no Moto ni,” and a remade version was released, turning it into a popular hit.
It’s a wonderful track with a chorus that expands beautifully and feels so pleasant!
Is spring here yet?Hamada Masatoshi
Masatoshi Hamada’s classic song “Haru wa Madaka,” produced by Tamio Okuda.
Released as a JR East campaign song, it achieved a respectable showing, peaking at No.
8 on the weekly Oricon charts.
The melody is so distinctive that anyone can tell, “Yep, this was produced by Tamio Okuda.” It has a childlike quality—in a good way.
That tone and Hamada’s vocal delivery really match.
I think it’s a very flavorful winter song!
A New Door: Winter Sunflower(s)ZARD
In 2021, ZARD celebrated their 30th anniversary and delighted many people by making their entire catalog available on streaming services.
They are a beloved, national band cherished over the years for numerous classic songs.
Their winter song is New Door ~Winter Sunflower~.
It was released in 1998 as their 26th single.
The lyrics feature a “sunflower,” something not often seen in winter, creating a blend of poignancy and nostalgia.
Vocalist Izumi Sakai’s gentle voice itself shines warmly like a sunflower.
appearsHamasaki Ayumi
When it comes to love songs that sing of a bittersweet winter romance, this track by Ayumi Hamasaki comes to mind.
Her delicate vocals and the occasional chime of bells resonate deeply.
The lyrics, which portray the true, complex feelings of lovers who may seem happy from the outside, are particularly striking.
Released in November 1999, the song is also included on the album LOVEppears.
It’s a perfect choice when you want to look back on past relationships or spend a cold winter night alone.
Listening to it, many people will likely overlay it with their own experiences and feel a poignant ache in their hearts.
Silent EveKarashima Midori
Midori Karashima’s classic “Silent Eve” became a hit after being used as the theme song for the 1990 drama Christmas Eve.
Its poignant lyrics won widespread popularity, and even today it’s often heard in the winter on cable radio and as background music around town.
It topped the weekly Oricon chart and ranked 12th on Oricon’s 1991 year-end chart, marking a major hit and significant commercial success.
This time, I’ve chosen a version with a classical arrangement! It offers a charm distinct from the original, so be sure to check it out!
Winter SweaterBLANKEY JET CITY
Blankey Jet City, the rock band led by Kenichi Asai, aka Benji, was a central force in the ’90s rock scene.
Their song “Fuyu no Sweater” (“Winter Sweater”) might sound like it would be heartwarming—but the moment you hit play, the hard-edged opening knocks you back.
The provocative lyrics leave a strong impression, pulling you deep into Benji’s intense world.
Rather than dissecting it closely, this is a track you should blast at full volume and just let your emotions take over.