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 from 90s J-POP. Popular winter song roundup (51–60)
White Silent NightSHAZNA
This is the third single by SHAZNA, a rock band so immensely popular they were dubbed one of the “Big Four” of the visual kei scene and have been active as a six-member group since their 2017 reunion.
The song was used as the ending theme for the infotainment show “Ousama no Brunch,” and it became the band’s only number-one hit on the Oricon Singles Chart.
Its arrangement, featuring strings and choral work, evokes a dreamlike Christmas atmosphere.
With a catchy pop melody that sticks in your head, it’s a hit tune that will surely remind those of that generation of visual kei’s heyday.
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.
POWDER SNOWHamasaki Ayumi
Ayumi Hamasaki, an artist who was a charismatic icon for high school girls from the late 1990s to the early 2000s.
She originally worked not as an artist but as a TV personality, taking any job she could get at the time.
It seems she had a strong desire to become famous from a young age.
When it comes to her winter songs, wouldn’t “POWDER SNOW” be the one that comes to mind? The melody has a vibe reminiscent of late-’80s to early-’90s anime songs.
Be sure to check it out!
PIECE OF MY WISHImai Miki
Miki Imai’s classic “PIECE OF MY WISH.” Released in November 1991, the song became a major hit after being used as the theme for the TBS drama “Ashita ga Aru Kara.” It reached No.
1 on the weekly Oricon chart and No.
9 on the year-end Oricon chart.
Even today, it’s almost always performed at her concerts, and depending on the scale of the show, she often sings it a cappella.
There are many different versions of the song, so why not search for the arrangement you like best?
Winter songs from 90s J-POP. Popular winter song roundup (61–70)
A Snowy ChristmasDREAMS COME TRUE
DREAMS COME TRUE, known for singing many classic winter songs, released their winter track “Yuki no Christmas” in 1990.
It was the group’s 8th single and reached No.
5 on the Oricon Singles Chart.
In 1994, the English-lyric version titled “WINTER SONG” was released and topped the Oricon Singles Chart at No.
1.
With a poignant, heart-tugging chorus, it’s a masterpiece—one you’ll want to listen to on a snowy day.
Tonight is a Hearty PartyTakeuchi Mariya
This is a fun song by singer-songwriter Mariya Takeuchi that blows away the winter chill.
The lyrics and composition are by Takeuchi herself, with sound production by Tatsuro Yamashita.
Created as the CM song for Kentucky Fried Chicken’s Christmas campaign, it features an energetic sound that evokes a lively Christmas party for young people.
It’s also a fun touch that Takuya Kimura, who appears in the lyrics, takes part with spoken lines and chorus.
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.