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 (31–40)
Merry × Merry Xmas★E-girls
A dazzling Christmas number that makes every winter city walker’s heart skip a beat! Released as a single by E-girls in December 2015, this memorable track was the first to feature all members after abolishing the selection system.
It brightened up the season as the theme for a Samantha Thavasa commercial and the ending theme of NTV’s “Sukkiri!!”.
The lyrics overflow with straightforward feelings for someone you love, sure to give you butterflies.
Its light, catchy dance-pop sound is perfect for a Christmas party with friends or a special night with a significant other.
Just listening will lift your spirits and wrap you in happiness.
Peaking at No.
4 on the Oricon charts, be sure to enjoy this song during this year’s Christmas season!
GIFTNissy(Nishijima Takahiro)
A winter song set in a snowy town that portrays feelings for someone special.
Nissy’s delicate vocals gently weave together the city’s holiday lights in the falling snow, a lover waiting at the station, and tender affection for that person.
The lyrics overflow with a bittersweet desire to keep the one you love all to yourself and with earnest expressions of love, wrapping the listener’s heart in warmth.
Released as a digital-only single in December 2014, it was later included on the 2016 album “HOCUS POCUS.” The music video features Moeka Nozaki and unfolds a beautiful visual world like a short film.
Beloved by fans as a winter staple, it’s a song perfect not only for spending Christmas with your partner, but also for those quiet winter nights when you find yourself thinking of someone.
Heroineback number
This back number song, which portrays the bittersweetness of a winter unrequited love, was released in January 2015 as their 11th single.
As the JR East “JR SKISKI” campaign song, together with a commercial starring Suzu Hirose, it left a lasting impression on many people.
The protagonist’s feelings—cherishing every moment of the person they like—are carried by a warm band sound.
The frustration of drafting and deleting confessions, the anxiety of not being a good match in the other person’s eyes, and the poignancy felt amid snowy scenery—all of the lyrics resonate deeply with anyone experiencing unrequited love.
It’s a song you’ll want to listen to while walking through a winter city, thinking of someone special.
Before winter endsShimizu Shota
Released in December 2011 as his 12th single, this song by Shota Shimizu is a winter love ballad that portrays the longing and hopes of lovers spending the season apart.
Blending R&B and soul with his warm vocals, it serves as an anthem for couples enduring time apart.
The music video features Shota Sometani and Nako Mizusawa, and even includes hidden coded messages, which sparked buzz.
Capturing both the sparkle of the pre-Christmas mood and the frustration of not being able to meet despite wanting to, this track is a must-listen for anyone who struggles to see someone special due to work or distance.
Written and composed by Shota Shimizu himself, the lyrics carefully weave winter scenes that resonate deeply.
Someone’s Winter SongSaitō Kazuyoshi
Released in 2004, this song also became well-loved as the theme for a Tsūcaphone Kansai commercial.
The protagonist speeding off by car to see the one they love right away evokes a relatable, everyday kind of romance that many have experienced.
The winter townscapes seen along the way and the sudden images of the lover’s face are depicted so vividly, soaking into the heart alongside the comfortable folk-rock melody.
Included on the best-of album “Utautai 15 SINGLES BEST 1993–2007,” it’s a fan favorite often performed live.
A wintery, lyrical number that’s perfect for quiet nights spent thinking about someone special.
Winter hit songs released in the Heisei era: classic tracks that colored Heisei winters (41–50)
Winter lander!!AAA
This number, which portrays a winter romance that shines against snowy scenery, features an appealing pop sound rooted in disco and funk.
The lyrics convey the excitement of the trip to the slopes and the anticipation toward a special someone, while the sounds of sleigh bells and handbells add a wintry touch.
Released in December 2006 as a double A-side track with the single “Black & White,” it was used as the commercial song for Tokyo AUTO SALON 2007.
Rather than a ballad, it has a bright, up-tempo finish, making it perfect not only for dancing but also as BGM before heading out for winter sports or during a drive with friends.
Mr.SnowmanE-girls
This pop tune depicts a love that boldly tries to reach someone who stands before you, cold and towering like snow.
Its catchy melody and fast-paced electro sound express both the heartache of being unable to take that first step toward him and the determined, positive feelings of not giving up.
Released in November 2014 as E-girls’ 12th single, it was featured in commercials for UHA Mikakuto’s e-ma throat lozenges and Prince Hotels’ snow resorts, and peaked at No.
2 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.
The music video, evoking a shimmering white world, is dreamlike and perfectly heightens the mood of winter romance.
It’s a winter song that’s perfect for those moments when you need a push in love or want to get hyped with friends at karaoke.