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 (51–60)
WINTER SONGDREAMS COME TRUE
A song that conveys hope for the future and feelings for a loved one through wintry imagery.
Released in January 1994 as their 14th single and first maxi single, it became a million seller.
Even amidst the cold snow, you can feel the warmth and the longing for someone far away—Miwa Yoshida’s powerful vocals bring these emotions straight to the heart.
For those in their 40s, it’s a classic winter tune that revives youthful memories—nostalgic yet fresh.
A heartwarming love song perfect for a quiet winter night spent with someone special.
winter fallL’Arc〜en〜Ciel
L’Arc~en~Ciel’s 8th single, “winter fall.” Released in January 1998, this track—along with “snow drop”—is known as one of L’Arc~en~Ciel’s signature winter songs.
It’s also known for being a major hit, selling over 850,000 copies.
Even today, it’s almost always performed live and is highly praised by overseas fans as well.
As the band themselves have said they aimed for an exciting feel, it brilliantly captures the thrill of a snow-filled winter.
Hallelujah in the snowMOON CHILD
A winter song that sings of love and fragility in the snow, it’s a signature track by MOON CHILD.
It delicately portrays two people embracing as the snow piles up, along with scenes of a winter city.
Sasaki Osamu’s warm vocals and the comfortable rhythm are striking, making it a classic that resonates with listeners.
Released in October 1997, it was also well-loved as the CM song for Sapporo Beer’s “Sapporo Fuyu Monogatari.” It became a popular track, reaching No.
16 on the Oricon charts.
It’s a song you’ll want to listen to on a cold winter night while snuggling up with your lover—sure to gently wrap your heart in warmth.
SNOW SOUND[Alexandros]
![SNOW SOUND[Alexandros]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/e7GvXNOxhng/sddefault.jpg)
Among songs that depict winter scenery, this number is set in a white-covered town and expresses a childlike purity.
Chosen as the CM song for JR East’s “JR SKISKI,” it was included on a single released in February 2017.
[Alexandros]’s characteristically energetic, pop-tinged rock sound meshes beautifully with lyrics themed around silence and hope.
The lyrics, which portray two people amid a snow-blanketed landscape, gently stir quiet emotion in the listener.
It’s a perfect track to soundtrack outings in the cold season and seems sure to add a touch of color to winter memories.
Winter hit songs released in the Heisei era. Masterpieces that colored the winters of the Heisei era (61–70)
BRAVO! Nippon: A Fantasy of Snow and IceHikaru GENJI
“BRAVO! Nippon ~A Fantasy of Snow and Ice~” brings back memories of the 90s J-POP boom.
Released in 1994, the song became a support campaign anthem for the Lillehammer Olympics and can be said to have colored that winter.
The beautiful melody paints a fantasy world of snow and ice, seeming to transform the winter chill into a gentle warmth that nestles close to each person’s heart.
Savor the lyrics brimming with dreams and hope as you listen, and let them illuminate tonight’s winter sky.
DEAR…againHirose Kōmi
As a warm song that accompanies the winter season, Kohmi Hirose’s works continue to captivate the hearts of many listeners.
This piece is a classic that poignantly sings of parting from and reuniting with a lover.
The lyrics, woven with her transparent vocals, are filled with feelings for a lover far away, and the warmth of love—contrasted with the cold of winter—resonates deeply.
Released in November 1996, this song was also used in an Alpen commercial and became beloved by many.
It’s a track you’ll want to listen to on a winter night while reminiscing about someone you love.
Midwinter MemoriesMatsu Takako
This classic winter song from the late ’90s was released in November 1997 as actress Takako Matsu’s fourth single.
Its lyrics delicately portray changes in relationships and a wistful longing for the past, leaving a strong impression, and the warm composition reminds us of the bonds with our loved ones even amid busy days.
Despite having no tie-in, its first performance at the FNS Music Festival still feels fresh in our memory.
Takako Matsu’s clear, translucent voice and the gentle melody make it a track that warms the heart in the cold season.
It might be the perfect song for creating winter memories with someone special.