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 songs roundup (21–30)
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.
snow dropL’Arc〜en〜Ciel
L’Arc~en~Ciel is a visual kei band with worldwide popularity.
There are a few Japanese artists who can draw a decent crowd in the United States, but aren’t they perhaps the only ones who can bring in audiences on the scale of 50,000 over two days in both Europe and the English-speaking world? Speaking of their winter songs that were hits in the 1990s, snow drop definitely comes to mind.
It was a hit that reached No.
1 on the weekly Oricon chart and also took the top spot on the monthly Oricon rankings for October 1998.
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.
Winter SongKiroro
Kiroro’s third single, “Fuyu no Uta” (“Winter Song”).
It debuted at No.
17 on the Oricon charts and reached No.
12 on the weekly ranking, so those who were of that generation probably still remember it well.
Although it was released in 1998, it was unusually used three years later, in 2001, as the commercial song for Meiji Seika’s Meltykiss and Porte.
The song itself doesn’t feature particularly Christmas-like arrangements, but the catchy, clean melodies that Kiroro excels at are fully present!
SNOW BLINDyazaru
It’s a heartwarming song by Yāen that evokes a deep-winter, snow-laden landscape.
Released in December 1998, this single was used as the ending theme for Fuji TV’s “Tunnels no Minasan no Okage Deshita.” It was also featured in a Nomura Securities commercial, reaching a wide audience.
With lyrics by Yasushi Akimoto and music by Tsugutoshi Gotō, the piece skillfully portrays human emotions through the cold of winter and falling snow.
Feelings of loneliness, wistfulness, and hope for the future are woven into the lyrics, delivering a message that resonates deeply with listeners.
Highly recommended if you’re looking for a song to warm the heart during the cold season.
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.
Can’t Stop Fallin’ in Loveglobe
This is the seventh single by globe, a music unit formed around Tetsuya Komuro, a leading music producer of the 1990s J-POP scene.
Released in October 1996, the song was used for JR East’s “JR ski ski” campaign and became a million seller.
The lyrics depict the wavering and conflict of an unstoppable love, expressing emotions so intense they transcend morals and rules, evoking a bittersweet romance that flares up in the cold winter air.
Its melodious synth sound and airy arrangement beautifully mirror the emotional swells of the cold season, making it a perfect track for winter.