Winter hit songs released in the Heisei era. Classic tracks that colored the winters of the Heisei period.
The Heisei era was a golden age with many million-selling songs and booming CD sales.
From among the many tracks that lit up that dazzling Japanese music scene, we’ve gathered a selection of “winter songs.”
These winter hits are nostalgic, and many of them are still heard today.
It’s packed with songs that remain karaoke favorites and frequently appear in music program specials!
Whether you’re from the generation that looks back on those youthful days, or you’re younger and discovering them for the first time, enjoy these hit winter songs from the Heisei era!
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Winter hit songs released in the Heisei era. Masterpieces that colored the winters of the Heisei era (61–70)
North Wind ~May It Reach You~Makihara Noriyuki
The winter song released by Noriyuki Makihara in October 1992 is a heartwarming ballad that tries to send bittersweet feelings of love on the north wind.
Using the snow piling up in a winter city as its motif, it delicately portrays the ache of being unable to express feelings to someone you love and the loneliness felt even in a crowd.
Makihara’s gentle vocals and the lyrics that touch the heart are a perfect match, and the song reached No.
6 on the Oricon chart soon after its release.
Despite no tie-ins with commercials or dramas, it became a major hit, selling over 620,000 copies in total.
It’s the perfect song to listen to on a winter night when you’re spending time alone thinking of someone.
I BELIEVEKahara Tomomi
A signature hit of the 1990s produced by Tetsuya Komuro.
Tomomi Kahara’s clear, transparent vocals capture both the beauty and the poignancy of winter.
Centered on themes of the joys and sorrows of love, as well as trust and hope, it resonates deeply with listeners.
Released in October 1995, it enjoyed strong popularity on the Oricon charts.
It also drew attention for donating part of its proceeds to relief funds for the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake.
The music video, set against majestic snowy mountains, is unforgettable.
If you listen while gazing out the window on a cold, windy night, it feels purifying—truly a perfect song for a long winter’s evening.
In conclusion
How did you like the winter songs that were released and became hits in the Heisei era? I’m sure there were many tracks you listened to often.
Many of them are nostalgic tunes you’ve probably heard as theme songs for dramas or in commercials, and they might even make you want to sing them at karaoke.
Since it’s winter, there are plenty of mellow tracks and moving love songs—why not take another listen to those winter songs?