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)
Blue SnowBEGIN
“Blue Snow,” sung by BEGIN, was released in 1990 as their second single.
BEGIN is the Okinawan band that made their debut on the legendary music show “Miyake Yūji’s Ikasu Band Tengoku” and went on to release classics like “Koishikute,” “Nada Sōsō,” and “Shimanchu nu Takara.” Although BEGIN often evokes a summer image, “Blue Snow” is a blues-tinged Christmas song with a wistful mood, and the trombone that comes in partway through adds a cool, mellow touch.
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.
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.
A Kiss on Holy NightB’z
A song by B’z—the rock unit that continues to create legends and is indispensable when discussing Japan’s rock scene.
It’s a track from their 4th album, RISKY, and despite never being released as a single, it has earned enduring popularity among fans.
From the distinctive drum pattern and the intro where the chorus melody is played on guitar to the brisk beat, it really evokes early B’z.
When it comes to B’z Christmas songs, the image of “Itsuka no Merry Christmas” tends to dominate, but this is a pop-rock number that conveys a lively Christmas vibe, offering a different feel from the gentle, subdued atmosphere of that song.
KAN’s Christmas SongKAN
“KAN’s Christmas Song,” released as the B-side to KAN’s single “I Won’t Let You Go Until I Die,” which came out in October 1992.
It’s a pretty unusual title, isn’t it? KAN reportedly wrote this song with Billy Joel—whom he greatly respects—in mind, and throughout the melody you can hear phrases that evoke Billy Joel.
The reason he included his own artist name in the title was his wish for the song to be passed down and sung in any era.
I BELIEVEKahara Tomomi
Tomomi Kahala, who has made her YouTuber debut and has been stirring up plenty of buzz, was once active as a member of the Komuro Family and is said to have influenced Ayumi Hamasaki later on.
When it comes to her winter songs, the recommended track is “I BELIEVE.” It features a serious melody, sprinkled throughout with hallmark Komuro-style touches.
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.