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!
- Winter songs in 90s J-pop: a roundup of popular winter tunes
- Winter songs that were hits in the 2000s. Classic winter anthems that never lose their shine.
- Winter Songs: Classic tracks you want to listen to in winter. Songs you long for during the winter.
- [Songs to Listen to in December] J-POP and Christmas Songs that Feel Like Winter [2026]
- [Winter Songs] Recommended Winter Tracks for Women
- [Winter Songs] Recommended for Instagram Reels! Classic winter hits
- [1980s J-Pop] Popular winter songs: from chart-toppers to hidden gems!
- [Winter Songs] Classic Showa-era masterpieces. Popular songs you’ll want to listen to in winter.
- [Winter Songs] Popular Winter Tunes. Classic Winter Song Masterpieces
- Recommended for people in their 40s! Winter songs born in the era of back-to-back million sellers
- Winter songs you'll want to listen to in the cold season! Recommended for the yutori generation
- A classic winter song you often hear recommended on TikTok.
- From classic hits to hidden gems! Winter songs recommended for people in their 30s
Winter hit songs released in the Heisei era: classic tracks that colored Heisei winters (41–50)
appearsHamasaki Ayumi
When it comes to love songs that sing of a bittersweet winter romance, this track by Ayumi Hamasaki comes to mind.
Her delicate vocals and the occasional chime of bells resonate deeply.
The lyrics, which portray the true, complex feelings of lovers who may seem happy from the outside, are particularly striking.
Released in November 1999, the song is also included on the album LOVEppears.
It’s a perfect choice when you want to look back on past relationships or spend a cold winter night alone.
Listening to it, many people will likely overlay it with their own experiences and feel a poignant ache in their hearts.
Winter hit songs released in the Heisei era. Masterpieces that colored the winters of the Heisei era (51–60)
DEPARTURESglobe
Released by globe in 1996, this song is known as a classic that paints a winter landscape.
It became a massive hit upon release, selling over 2.3 million copies.
Chosen as the theme for JR East’s “JR SKISKI” campaign commercials, it has remained a memorable track for many.
Its melody, where chill and warmth coexist, gives listeners a bittersweet yet soothing feeling and is deeply etched into winter memories.
Crafted as a culmination of Tetsuya Komuro’s artistry, the song stands as a work that symbolizes globe’s musical identity.
It’s a track you’ll want to play in the cold season, one that lets you feel winter’s transience.
Why not enjoy globe’s sound—tender yet powerful—perfect for this time of year?
Because it’s a cold night…TRF
A heartwarming song has arrived to accompany the chill of winter.
Produced entirely by Tetsuya Komuro, it is known as one of TRF’s signature tracks.
Released in December 1993, it portrays the bittersweet feelings of a cold night and resonated with many hearts.
It beautifully expresses the loneliness felt amid the bustle of the city and the unwavering feelings for someone special.
It was performed in collaboration with Tetsuya Komuro at the FNS Music Festival in 2012 and 2014, once again showcasing its appeal to the world.
It’s a heartwarming song you’ll want to listen to on a winter night as you think of someone dear.
somedayyuzu
“Itsuka” is Yuzu’s fourth single, released in 1999 (Heisei 11).
It’s a song that existed even before their debut, a classic that conveys both the chill of winter and the warmth of people.
It reached No.
4 on the Oricon Singles Chart and was selected for rankings of masterpieces you want to hear in winter.
The song was also included on the album “Yuzuen,” released the same year, which became a million-seller and topped the Oricon Albums Chart at No.
1.
Be sure to check out the music video, filmed in snow-covered Hokkaido.
WinterlandŌhashi Torio
Ohashi Trio, who is active as a singer-songwriter and composer, brings a heartwarming winter song titled “Winterland.” It’s a track included on his 2009 album “I Got Rhythm?.” The song depicts a man thinking of the person he loves against a winter backdrop.
It overlays his feelings with the falling snow, singing of those feelings reaching someone far away.
With a light, jazz-like sound, it’s a tune that’s sure to lift your spirits.
A town where it snowsUNICORN
This is a classic song that captures a snowy year-end townscape through a warm lens.
Released by UNICORN in December 1992, it was originally planned as a Christmas song, but was reworked into a year-end song.
Set to a shuffle beat with a melody that hints at mid-period Beatles influences, it strikingly contrasts the bustle and the quiet of late December.
The worldview woven from candid feelings about the hustle and bustle of the city and a nostalgic yearning for the falling snow continues to resonate with many.
Also used as the ending theme for TBS’s “Totsuzen Variety Sokuhō!! COUNT DOWN 100,” this is a track you’ll want to listen to when you seek a bit of calm at the busy close of the year, or on a quiet night when you’re thinking of someone dear.
powder snowCURIO
Powder Snow is a classic winter song released in 1998 by CURIO, a rock band from Osaka.
The song features a characteristically catchy ’90s-style melody line that you’ll likely remember after just one listen.
The longer ’90s-inspired guitar solo and flowing bass line are also highlights.
If you play instruments like guitar or bass in a band, you’re sure to get hooked once you give it a listen! It’s also a great candidate for winter music events.
