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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90s J-pop winter songs. A roundup of popular winter tracks (41–50)
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.
Choo Choo TRAINZoo
Choo Choo TRAIN, released in 1991 by the dance-vocal unit ZOO, is known as their signature song, and the later cover by EXILE also drew a lot of attention.
Many will recognize the intro dance where the members line up in a single file and spin around.
Its passionate sound, evoking the glamorous cityscapes of the ’90s, is sure to blow away the winter chill.
The lyrics, depicting friends and companions breaking into dance, pair perfectly with the danceable beat.
It’s a track that brings back memories of an era filled with admiration for the future and hopes for what’s to come.
Somewhere in a distant town…Nagayama Miho
Miho Nakayama, who is active as an actress and singer and affectionately known as “Miporin,” is recognized as an indispensable presence when talking about dramas and commercials of the 1990s.
In 1991, she released “Somewhere in a Distant Town,” which was also used as the theme song for the drama she starred in, “When I Want to See You, You’re Not There.” The lyrics, filled with feelings for a loved one far away, are deeply moving.
Set to a gentle melodic line, her supple vocals make this a soothing Christmas song.
A Fateful EncounterCHAGE and ASKA
CHAGE and ASKA are a musical duo that produced numerous million-selling hits.
Among their releases, Meguriai is the one that portrays a winter-themed romance.
It features a refreshing band sound accented by the tones of an acoustic guitar.
The song depicts two people who meet after overcoming various hardships, and its lines—ones that make you want to start a new love at any time—will resonate in your heart.
It’s a track packed with the appeal of their twin vocals, rich with emotional expression.
How about listening to this hit song that can warm the biting cold of winter?
Angels of DecemberMy Little Lover
“Angels of December,” included on My Little Lover’s 1996 album YES ~free flower~, delivers the band’s signature warmth that gently nestles close to the listener’s heart.
Produced by Takeshi Kobayashi, who is also known for his work as Mr.Children’s arranger, the song features akko’s clear, crystalline vocals over a slow tempo.
The sound has a somewhat fantastical atmosphere, and paired with phrases that feel as if they’re speaking down from the sky, it’s sure to warm your heart.
It’s a melodious piece that gently resonates on a cold winter’s day.
Winter BalladFIELD OF VIEW
FIELD OF VIEW, known for hits like “Totsuzen,” offer a soothing winter song in “Fuyu no Ballad,” highlighted by vocalist Yuya Asaoka’s clear, crystalline voice.
You can really feel the influence of the ’90s band boom—the organic, live instrument sounds are wonderfully pleasing! The chorus’s keyboard also has a transparent, wintry tone that naturally conjures winter scenes as you listen.
The melody line carries a nostalgic ’90s vibe, so be sure to give it a listen!
Snowy WeekendImai Miki
This is a song by Miki Imai, who is active not only as a singer but also as an actress.
It’s included on her seventh album, “flow into space,” and it’s also noteworthy that the arrangement was handled by Joe Hisaishi.
The content conveys a calm yet bittersweet atmosphere, as if looking out at the snowy sky through a window and reflecting on memories.
While suffering from the poignancy of memories of snow, it also depicts a determination to become a new self and move forward into the future.
