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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!

90s J-pop winter songs. A roundup of popular winter tracks (41–50)

A Fateful EncounterCHAGE and ASKA

A Fortuitous Encounter – CHAGE & ASKA
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?

Winter songs from 90s J-POP. Popular winter song roundup (51–60)

loadTHE toraburyū

THE Toraburyu’s classic hit “Road.” Released in January 1993, it exploded in popularity once it started getting play on cable radio, becoming George Takahashi’s breakout work.

The song depicts a man who suddenly loses his girlfriend in a traffic accident, and it was highly praised because the story is said to be based on real events.

By the way, when the song became a massive hit, Takahashi was still independent, so all the royalties apparently went straight to him (lol).

His wallet warmed up like summer (lol)!

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.

Another OrionFujii Fumiya

Fumiya Fujii, who also made his mark as the lead vocalist of The Checkers.

One of his signature songs is Another Orion, released in 1996.

It was also chosen as the theme song for the drama Shards of Glass, in which he starred.

The song depicts a romantic scene of pledging love under the night sky.

With a slowly unfolding band arrangement, it conveys a passionate longing for a loved one.

His sweet yet cool vocals bring out a sense of kindness and compassion.

Give it a listen—the sound gently nestles against the chill of winter.

Together…MAX

MAX’s song has captured the hearts of many as a bittersweet yet warm winter love ballad.

Its gentle melody and ballad-style vocals tenderly embrace the feelings of those in love.

It was also used in a commercial for Nikon’s COOLPIX, etching it even more deeply into people’s memories.

Released in November 1999, this track was MAX’s first medium-tempo ballad and became the group’s second best-selling single.

It was performed at the 50th NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen, sharing its charm with audiences nationwide.

Perfect for long winter nights, this is a song you’ll want to listen to with someone special.

I can’t wait until ChristmasWatanabe Misato

Misato Watanabe made her name known with the hit of her signature song, “My Revolution.” Known for her powerful vocal ability, she released “I Can’t Wait Until Christmas” in 1991.

Set at a winter ski resort, it tells the love story of two people.

The lyrics, filled with the desire to be happy with the one you love even before Christmas arrives, convey a sense of pure, innocent affection.

It’s a number that hints at the beginning of a passionate romance strong enough to blow away the winter chill.

The Night When Holy Bells Resoundtanpopo

Dandelion – 04 The Night When the Sacred Bell Rings
The Night When Holy Bells Resoundtanpopo

This is a Christmas song by Tanpopo, the first sub-unit formed from Morning Musume.

The sound incorporates tones like bells that strongly evoke the Christmas atmosphere, conveying a forward-looking spirit set against a winter backdrop.

That bright sound also seems to further accentuate the warmth imbued in the lyrics.

It’s a heartwarming track that expresses the joy of spending Christmas with a loved one again this year, and a wish for this happiness to continue.