Masterpieces to Listen to in January: New Year-Themed, New Year-Ready, and Winter Songs
January marks the beginning of a new year—what kind of songs do you feel like listening to? There are plenty of tracks that suit January: refreshing songs that evoke a fresh start, cheerful tunes themed around the New Year, and even wintery ballads.
In this article, we’ll introduce a wide selection of songs that are perfect for January.
We’ve gathered many tracks regardless of gender or generation, so be sure to find your favorites.
Let’s dive in and see what songs are out there!
- [New Year’s Songs] Timeless classics and popular New Year tunes you’ll want to listen to at the start of the year
- [For Seniors] Winter songs you'll want to hum along to. A collection of classic tunes recommended for BGM and recreational activities
- [New Year BGM] New Year Songs Loved Across Generations
- Winter songs you'll want to listen to in the cold season! Recommended for the yutori generation
- [Winter Songs] The Best Classic and Popular Winter Tunes to Listen to in Winter
- Popular Winter Songs Ranking [2026]
- Winter Songs: Classic tracks you want to listen to in winter. Songs you long for during the winter.
- [Winter Songs] Recommended for Instagram Reels! Classic winter hits
- [1980s J-Pop] Popular winter songs: from chart-toppers to hidden gems!
- Snow Songs to Enjoy in Winter! Children's Snow Nursery Rhymes & Hand-Play Songs
- A classic winter song you often hear recommended on TikTok.
- [Masterpiece] Big Winter Anime Song Special!
- [Winter Songs] Recommended for Women! A Collection of Winter Songs That Get the Crowd Going at Karaoke
Masterpieces to Listen to in January: New Year-Themed Songs, Tracks Fit for the New Year, and Winter Songs (71–80)
SNOW SMILEShimizu Shota
Set at Christmastime, a music video starring Kentaro Ito and Nana Komatsu—portraying a long-distance couple’s joyful reunion and the soon-to-follow, lonely farewell—has become a hot topic.
It’s a winter song sung by Shota Shimizu that captures both joy and heartache.
You’ve been yearning for this moment, yet the happy time slips away in an instant.
Even after saying “see you again,” you can’t bear to part.
If you’ve ever felt that way, you’ll surely resonate with the world of this song.
January(yoru to) SAMPO
A quietly resonant song that sinks into the heart on a winter night.
Included on the first EP, “Night and Stroll,” released in January 2020.
It begins with a scene of throwing away withered flowers, then moves through anxieties about the future felt alongside the tolling of New Year’s Eve bells, nostalgic memories, and a sense of dissonance with modern society.
The lyrics, woven from complex emotions, leave a strong impression.
While it may suit the year-end season best, it’s also something you can listen to in January to look back.
It might be perfect for days spent talking at New Year’s gatherings or reunions.
With a deeply mature flavor, this work invites you to listen closely on a quiet night.
winter LoveBoA
A love song with a wistful voice and gentle melody that resonates with the heart.
The lyrics are moving, and it’s a song you’ll want to listen to not only in winter.
I think it especially speaks to those troubled by love, those who’ve been heartbroken, and those with unrequited feelings.
Highly recommended for anyone struggling with love.
My Gift to YouCHEMISTRY
A song that was also used in an au commercial! I think many people would say this is the song that defines CHEMISTRY.
Their exquisite harmony is pleasant to listen to.
The melody is very relaxed, and it really brings out the unique qualities of each of their voices.
GIFTNissy
If you’re the type who wants to listen to love songs in winter, I recommend “GIFT” by Nissy.
It’s a sparkling winter tune—a love song that’s perfect for the Christmas season and makes you want to listen during the cold months.
If you listen to it with your partner, you can savor the glow of a fun Christmas and feel once again that you want to stay together even after the New Year begins.
Be sure to check out the music video too—it’s set up like a romantic story!
Snow Magic FantasySEKAI NO OWARI
Among the many winter songs with bittersweet melodies, this one stands out for its somehow exciting, heart-thumping tune.
It’s a song that brings back the sense of wonder we all felt as children.
It also portrays a uniquely SEKAI NO OWARI-esque worldview.
North Wind ~May It Reach You~Makihara Noriyuki
There are many Noriyuki Makihara songs I want to listen to in January, but this one, “Kitakaze ~Kimi ni Todokimasu You ni~,” is a wonderful winter song that conjures up scenes of cold winter days.
It’s a track I really want you to listen to carefully along with the lyrics; the warm message carried by Makki’s voice will make January’s chill feel a little gentler.
