Winter songs in 90s J-pop: a roundup of popular winter tunes

Cinderella ChristmasNEW!KinKi Kids

KinKi Kids “Cinderella Christmas” Music Video

A classic winter song by KinKi Kids, perfect for the glittering season.

Released in December 1998 as a double A-side with the single “Happy Happy Greeting,” this track features lyrics by Takashi Matsumoto, whose romantic lines—modeled after the fairy tale Cinderella—leave a lasting impression.

With imagery like glass slippers and watching the clock, it captures those bittersweet yet happy moments shared by lovers.

At the time, it was released as a limited edition of one million copies and soared to No.

1 on the Oricon charts.

The lavish strings and comfortable tempo make it ideal for a nighttime drive date under holiday lights.

Revisit this timeless song loved across generations and enjoy it again this winter!

SNOWNEW!B’z

SNOW

A hidden gem of a ballad by the rock duo B’z, it evokes a winter landscape wrapped in silence.

Included on the mini-album FRIENDS II released in November 1996, this track reins in the flashy guitar sound in favor of a delicate arrangement that leans heavily on piano and falsetto.

Its worldview—depicting the quiet of a snowy night and a loneliness that spreads through the heart—carries a cold yet beautiful resonance that seems to gently lower the listener’s body temperature.

Though it wasn’t released as a single and had no prominent tie-ins, it holds a special presence for fans, even closing out the ballad best-of The Ballads ~Love & B’z~.

It’s a deeply introspective winter song that makes you want to listen alone on a quiet winter night, far from the bustle.

Blame of the Winter RoadNEW!Dragon Ash

Blame of the Winter Road

Dragon Ash continues to lead Japan’s mixture rock scene.

Among their early works, if there’s one track whose lyrical worldview stands out as especially striking, it has to be this one.

Included on the mini-album “Public Garden,” released in April 1997, the song features the late Ikuzo Baba’s melodious bass lines and a delicate band sound.

The fact that Straightener covered it on the tribute album celebrating Dragon Ash’s 25th anniversary shows the song’s enduring strength.

Its simple words convey the loneliness of walking along a bleak winter road and the biting chill in the air, quietly seeping into the listener’s heart.

How about immersing yourself in its lyrics while gazing at a winter landscape?

BreathNEW!Laputa

Breath – Laputa

Laputa, a flagship band of the Nagoya-kei subgenre that steadfastly upheld its own aesthetics in the ’90s visual kei scene.

The winter scenery they depict goes beyond a mere seasonal song, coexisting with taut tension and beauty.

Released as a single in January 1999, this work also reached living rooms as the opening theme of the TV program “Rank Kingdom.” True to its title, within a worldview where even “breath” seems to freeze white, the interplay of aki’s heartrending, piercing vocals and Kouichi’s meticulous guitar work can only be described as art.

Also included on the album “Sho ~Kakera~ Hadaka,” it remains beloved by fans as a signature number from the band’s later period.

It’s a winter masterpiece that lingers in the history of ’90s visual kei, the kind you’ll want to listen to alone on a frigid winter night, sinking into the silence and its profound afterglow.

Almost to the parkNEW!THE MAD CAPSULE MARKETS

Koen e Ato Sukoshi

This is a winter classic by THE MAD CAPSULE MARKET’S, pioneers of punk and loud rock who have earned high acclaim overseas.

Featured on their masterpiece PARK, released in October 1994, the song offers a lyrically rich worldview that contrasts with their intense image.

Its waltz-like 3/4 rhythm and singing, melodic bass line are striking, vividly evoking the frozen air of a winter morning, white breath, and misty landscapes.

Though not released as a single, it was later included on the best-of album 1990-1996 and has continued to be cherished by fans as an important early track.

If you listen to it while strolling through a park in the cold wind, you might find yourself wrapped in a unique blend of nostalgia and bittersweet emotion.

Miracle Starter ~Snow Flakes in the Future~NEW!V6

MIRACLE STARTER ~Snow Flakes in the Future~

This is a hidden gem that represents the early days of V6, the idol group that blazed through the ’90s with numerous hit songs! Winter often brings to mind wistful ballads, but this track is an upbeat winter song, sparkling with a lively dance beat and a positive message.

Released on the mini-album “GREETING” in December 1996 and later selected for the best-of compilation “Very best,” it’s a huge favorite among fans.

In 1997, it also aired in households across Japan as a corporate commercial song for Tsuburaya Productions, so many people may remember it.

Its uplifting worldview gives a powerful push to those welcoming a new year or taking on a challenge.

Let their youthful, energetic vocals blow away the winter chill and give you a boost!

Winter OrcaNEW!Kirinji

Fuyu No Orca

This masterpiece, with lyrics themed around a sea creature mentioned in the title, captures winter scenes from a unique perspective.

Produced by the master Keiichi Tomita, its sophisticated sound weaves a brisk beat with a slightly twisted melody line, creating a depth that clearly sets it apart from a typical love song.

Released in November 1997 as their second single during their indie period, it was later included on the following year’s album Paper Drivers Music, and has continued to be cherished by fans as a work emblematic of the early days of the brother duo.

If you’re looking for intelligent, urban pop that’s a bit different from the usual winter songs, this is a perfect fit.

A work that could be called the origin of Kirinji—be sure to listen with your own ears.