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)
A Lump of LoveNEW!KinKi Kids
This song was included as the B-side to the 13th single “Hey! Minna Genki Kai?”, released in November 2001.
It’s also known for being used in a Morinaga “DARS” commercial.
With lyrics by Tsuyoshi Domoto and music by Koichi Domoto, it’s a well-known collaboration between the two, and despite being a B-side, it became one of the group’s signature hits, even taking first place in fan voting.
The lyrics, written from a woman’s perspective, portray the joy of sharing time with a lover and the bittersweetness that comes with it, resonating deeply.
As the cold deepens and we long for warmth, why not listen to it while thinking of someone special? It’s a heartwarming winter ballad, a true gem that has long been beloved in karaoke.
Snow SmileNEW!Shimizu Shota
Set against Christmas, this song became a hot topic for its music video depicting the reunion and parting of long-distance lovers.
Many viewers surely felt their hearts tighten watching the couple portrayed by Nana Komatsu and Kentaro Ito.
Released as a single in November 2014 by Shota Shimizu, a hugely popular R&B singer, it was also used as an insert song for the “Christmas Carol Clock” event held at the commercial complex Ikspiari.
Its warm melody and bittersweet vocals, which seem to fill the loneliness of time spent apart, resonate through winter streets.
Realistically capturing the feelings of two people treasuring their limited time together, this piece is a love ballad that stands beside anyone who has experienced a long-distance relationship, coloring the winters of the Heisei era.
Sound of SnowNEW!GReeeeN
A heartwarming winter love song uniquely GReeeeN, evoking the hush of winter and the anticipation of romance.
With delicate imagery that makes you strain to hear the sound of falling snow, and lyrics capturing the frustration of being unable to confess your feelings, it makes listeners’ hearts flutter.
Released as a single in December 2012, it became a big topic as the JR East “JR SKISKI” commercial song.
その後、アルバム「Ii ne! (´・ω・｀)☆」に収録され、季節が巡るたびに聴き返したくなる冬の定番として愛されています。
Its sparkling melody, reminiscent of silver-white ski slopes, is perfect for winter drive dates or nights spent gazing at the snow and getting a little sentimental.
Whether you’re in unrequited love or simply feeling nostalgic for your youth, this is a song you’ll definitely want to hear.
Snow SmileBUMP OF CHICKEN
A warm story woven in the silence of falling snow.
The title track of BUMP OF CHICKEN’s fifth single, released in December 2002, is a gem of a ballad that gently paints the atmosphere of winter.
Carried by the soft tones of an acoustic guitar, the image of two people walking through a snowy landscape comes to life.
While leaving room for ambiguity, the lyrics capture special moments within everyday life, resonating with listeners’ hearts.
Often heard as winter arrives, this song is like magic that awakens memories of youth.
Loved by many as a song to make memories with a lover or to listen to on a quiet winter night, it continues to be cherished.
Christmas songback number
A bittersweet yet warm song that feels like a slice of winter air.
The love-themed lyrics—back number’s specialty—blend beautifully with Christmas imagery.
Released in November 2015, the track was also used as the theme song for Fuji TV’s Monday 9 p.m.
drama “5→9: Monk Who Fell in Love with Me,” resonating with many listeners.
It’s an extremely popular Christmas song that has carried on from the Heisei era into Reiwa.
Recommended for when you want to look back on memories with a lover or warm your feelings for someone special.
It’s a wonderful piece that warms the heart when listened to in the cold season.
Snow BlossomNakajima Mika
This song beautifully depicts a winter landscape draped in snow.
Mika Nakashima’s transparent, crystalline voice evokes a poignant feeling that seeps into the heart.
Released in 2003 as her 10th single, it was also used in commercials for Meiji Seika’s chocolates “boda” and “galbo.” A film of the same name was released in 2019, capturing the hearts of many.
This long-running hit has inspired a remarkable number of cover versions, reflecting the enduring support it enjoys from fellow artists.
It’s a beautiful piece to listen to while envisioning a quiet winter night spent with someone dear, cradling feelings that sparkle like snowflakes.
It’s also perfect for a drive through gently falling powder snow or for listening by the window as you gaze out at a snowy view.
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.