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