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 (1–10)
powder snowRemioromen
Sung by Remioromen, this song is their seventh major-label single, released in November 2005.
It became a big hit as their first TV drama tie-in, used as an insert song in “1 Litre of Tears.” With lyrics full of winter atmosphere and a gentle, soothing melody, it’s a poignant love song that resonates deeply.
While delicately portraying missed connections and loneliness, it softly conveys the warmth of caring for someone.
A long-loved track that remains highly popular at karaoke, it has become a classic winter song that resonates even more when listened to in the cold season.
White LoversKuwata Keisuke
The winter masterpiece ballad released by Keisuke Kuwata in 2001 is a gem that portrays a heartrending love.
The image of beautifully blessing a past romance on a quiet winter night as snow piles up is striking.
It was used in commercials for Coca-Cola and UNIQLO, and loved by a wide range of generations.
It topped both the weekly and monthly Oricon charts and became a huge hit, selling 1.231 million copies.
It remains the best-selling solo single of Kuwata’s career.
When the cold season makes you want to look back on warm memories, give it a listen.
Its soul-stirring vocals and beautiful melody are sure to warm your heart as well.
Lovers AgainEXILE
A signature J-R&B ballad that poignantly sings of a bittersweet love set in a winter town.
Known as one of EXILE’s hallmark songs, it was released in January 2007.
The protagonist’s feelings as they think of a former lover they parted with amid the first snowfall are drawn with aching tenderness, resonating deeply with listeners.
It was also featured in commercials for au’s “LISMO” and FUJITSU’s “FMV,” earning love from a wide audience.
The lyrics by Kiyoshi Matsuo and the melody by Jin Nakamura blend beautifully, resulting in a track that strikes the heart.
It’s a song you’ll want to listen to when healing the pain of heartbreak or wishing to be reunited with someone precious.
Winter hit songs released in the Heisei era. Masterpieces that colored the winters of the Heisei era (11–20)
EverythingMISIA
This is one of MISIA’s signature songs, showcasing her overwhelming vocal ability and five-octave range.
Released in October 2000, it became a huge hit as the theme song for the drama “Yamato Nadeshiko.” It even ranked 30th on Oricon’s all-time singles chart, and is considered one of the iconic winter songs of the Heisei era.
The music video was filmed at Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, where tons of salt were reportedly used in place of snow.
The beautiful melodic line and MISIA’s vocals blend perfectly to express deep love and gratitude, drawing listeners into the song’s world from the string-rich intro.
The lyrics, which sing of profound love and bonds for a lover or someone dear, are sure to resonate with many.
It’s also a karaoke staple beloved by fans.
Winter,againGLAY
Known as one of GLAY’s signature songs, this track centers on themes of a harsh winter landscape and nostalgia.
Set against the snowy scenery of Hokkaido, TAKURO’s hometown, it portrays feelings for a loved one in a way that resonates deeply.
Released in 1999, it was also used as the campaign song for JR East’s “JR SKI SKI,” becoming an anthem that signals the arrival of winter.
The intro is said to have been composed with the theme song from the film Titanic in mind, giving it a distinctive dramatic flair.
It’s an authentic winter song that enhances the feeling of the season when listened to in the cold months.
Winter is starting.Makihara Noriyuki
A singer-songwriter who has released countless megahits—both his own originals and songs written for other artists—Noriyuki Makihara put out his fourth single in 1991 (Heisei 3).
Used as the CM song for Sapporo Beer’s “Fuyu Monogatari,” it features a catchy combination of a striking melodic leap in the chorus and a bouncy shuffle beat.
The lyrics evoke the arrival of winter, linking to year-end scenes with more drinking occasions like year-end parties, and for many listeners it’s a real mood lifter.
His soft, bright vocals make you forget the winter chill—a classic winter song.
Winter SongKiroro
Among their many hit songs, this winter song is especially popular.
It’s the kind of track you want to listen to while thinking of someone special.
It reminds you just how important it is to have that person by your side.
The repeated chorus sticks in your head.
It was their third single at the time, released in 1998 (Heisei 10).
It was used in Meiji Seika’s “Meltykiss” and “Porte” commercials and featured in their winter campaign.
The lyrics and composition were by Chiharu Tamashiro.
It’s a perfect song for winter.