For those in their 50s born between fiscal years 1965 and 1974, what songs come to mind when you hear “winter songs”? This generation likely spent their youth around 1981 to 2000, right in step with the rise of the J-pop scene, listening to countless hit tunes.
Here, we’ll introduce winter songs recommended for people in their 50s.
These are timeless classics that haven’t faded with the changing times—be sure to give them a listen!
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A treasure trove of timeless classics! Exquisite winter songs recommended for people in their 50s (1–10)
Christmas EveYamashita Tatsuro
A beloved classic Christmas song and one of Tatsuro Yamashita’s signature works.
Its sentimental lyrics about heartbreak and its beautiful melody truly resonate.
Released in 1983, the song became a massive hit after being featured in a JR Tokai commercial.
Since then, it has become one of Japan’s quintessential winter songs, heard throughout towns every Christmas season.
For those in their 50s, it’s likely a timeless piece that brings back memories of their youth.
It’s a perfect song to listen to while spending Christmas with someone special or quietly reflecting on the past year.
winter fallL’Arc〜en〜Ciel
This song beautifully captures the loneliness and transience of winter and is known as one of L’Arc〜en〜Ciel’s signature tracks.
Released in January 1998 as their eighth single, it was used as the image song for the TV Asahi broadcast of the international drama “Chicago Hope” (Season 2).
Hyde’s clear, translucent vocals and Ken’s melodious guitar sound vividly paint winter scenes.
It’s a highly recommended track for those who want heartwarming music during the cold season.
Sorrow like snowHamada Shogo
This is the 14th single by the solitary singer-songwriter Shogo Hamada, who continues to assert his unique worldview and presence through protest-tinged messages and rock sounds rooted in the Japanese language.
Chosen as the theme song for the TV drama “Ai to Iu Na no Moto ni” (In the Name of Love), it was also released as his 23rd single.
With his gravelly vocals and rich choral arrangements, it’s an irresistibly catchy number.
The lyrics liken sorrow to snow, expressing the complexities of life and resonating deeply with listeners.
Although originally released in 1981, it remains timeless—an enduring classic in J-pop.
I won’t forget the rain in January.NEW!THE ALFEE
The lyrical intro that conjures a winter scene where cold rain turns to snow immediately grabs the heart.
Released as a single in January 1988, it’s a re-cut from the album “U.K.
Breakfast.” Sakurai’s deep, rich baritone on lead vocals is so cool! The worldview, which calmly yet realistically depicts the sorrow of a love that has ended, really resonates.
THE ALFEE’s signature beautiful harmonies are fully present, and it makes you want to savor this as a mature rock ballad that’s a bit different from flashier tracks.
It’s also a nostalgic touch that the B-side was the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Momoiro Gakuen Toshi Sengen!!” Perfect for a quiet winter night, recommended for listening alone while basking in memories.
A town where it snowsUNICORN
A signature song by Unicorn that beautifully depicts winter scenery and the year-end atmosphere.
The quietly accumulating snow contrasts with the bustling crowds hurrying to and fro.
The shuffle-based beat strongly reflects the influence of the mid-period Beatles.
Released in December 1992, it reached No.
4 on the Oricon chart.
The lyrics, which sing of the preciousness of spending unhurried time with a loved one amid the year-end rush, are sure to resonate deeply with listeners in their 50s.
It’s a perfect track for those moments when you want to take a breather in the midst of busy days.
White LoveSPEED
The fifth single by SPEED, a four-member female idol-style dance and vocal group, which was featured in a Shiseido commercial.
It’s a romantic ballad that evokes the coming of winter, expressing pure, heartrending feelings of love by likening them to white snow.
Released in October 1997, it reached No.
1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
With total sales exceeding 1.84 million copies, it became SPEED’s biggest hit.
Thanks to this song, SPEED made their first appearance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen, achieving the feat of leading the Red Team for two consecutive years.
A timeless classic that continues to be loved by many, it’s a heartwarming love song perfect for the winter season.
By the time of the Christmas carolsNEW!Inagaki Junichi
When you’re wrapped in the crisp winter air, don’t you ever find your heart stolen by a melody that seems to come from nowhere? Sung by Junichi Inagaki, a singer who also handles drum performances, this piece is a classic that truly defines the season.
In fact, if you delve into the lyrics, they depict a slightly bittersweet, mature romance in which the couple takes some time apart until Christmas to reflect on their relationship.
Released as a single in October 1992, it was used as the theme song for the TBS drama “Homework” and became a huge hit, selling over 1.4 million copies.
Its sophisticated synth sound and Inagaki’s wistful vocals will make moments spent on snow-white slopes feel all the more dramatic.