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
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- 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 Hear in January: New Year-Themed Songs, Tracks Fit for the New Year, and Winter Songs (81–90)
Tears of SnowSonar Pocket
A heartbreak song.
It’s a track that suits cold, winter-like times.
It carries a sense of past regrets and pain.
You can feel the loneliness of the present and the anguish of loss.
It’s a song that makes you want to cherish this very moment more.
Narcissus feat. nishina (Prod. by GeG)Dakki
A winter classic that weaves delicate emotions.
Its fragile, emotional resonance evokes the image of lovers huddling together against January’s chill.
Set to a beautiful melody produced by GeG, the lyrics crafted by Tsubaki and Nishina brilliantly portray the complex feelings where love and farewell, hope and despair intersect.
Included on the playlist album “Mellow Mellow GeG’s Playlist vol.2,” released on January 3, 2024, this is a warm track perfect for the start of the new year.
Whether you listen to it on a quiet night with someone special or let it keep you company during moments of solitary reflection, it’s a song that will resonate in your heart.
HAPPY NEW YEARShirai Takako
“HAPPY NEW YEAR,” a song about welcoming the New Year with someone special, is a number by singer-songwriter Takako Shirai, who was known as the “Queen of Rock” in the 1980s.
This short track, about two minutes long, was included on the Christmas-themed mini-album ‘PRINCESS NIGHT,’ released in 1985.
Accompanied by acoustic piano, her gentle yet powerful vocals—befitting the “Queen of Rock”—draw you in as you listen.
Be sure to play it as you ring in the New Year with your partner or family.
everlasting snowAimer
A gentle, heartwarming winter ballad.
Centered on the warmth that embraces both winter miracles and solitude, this piece features Aimer’s clear, translucent voice softly enveloping a cold snowy landscape.
Released as her 12th single in November 2016.
Its beautiful melody and lyrics evoke a quiet, snow-covered town—perfect for winter nights.
Recommended for anyone seeking a heartwarming song during the harsh cold season.
Tokyo’s WinterA Natsume
The song “Tokyo no Fuyu,” produced for ABEMA’s original dating show “Koisuru Weekend Homestay 2020 Winter Tokyo,” became a massive hit on streaming services and propelled the artist into the spotlight.
With lyrics crafted through exceptional wordplay and a smooth, ear-pleasing rap flow, it truly captivates listeners.
It’s a track that warms the heart in January when the cold sets in.
Even when the festivities are over and the city feels bare, taking a walk while listening to this song will put a spring in your step.
EverythingMISIA
This is a signature song by MISIA, who can be considered one of Japan’s leading singers.
Centered on piano and strings, the relaxed soundscape seems to further highlight MISIA’s vocals.
The lyrics feel like they portray feelings for a beloved person, and combined with her powerful singing, they convey a love that grows stronger with time.
Her memorable voice, both gentle and strong, also evokes a sense of determination toward the future.
It’s the perfect song for looking back on the past year and renewing your resolve for the year ahead.
Masterpieces to Listen to in January: New Year’s-Themed Songs, Tracks Suited for the New Year, and Winter Songs (91–100)
Winter TaleSandaime Jē Sōru Burazāzu fromu Eguzairu Toraibu
Just hearing the name Sandaime J SOUL BROTHERS from EXILE TRIBE gives me a tingle of excitement and anticipation.
This is a heartfelt winter song from the dance-vocal group Japan is proud of.
It opens with a rich piano melody, and the piercing tones that evoke the winter air make it a dramatic track—one where I hope you’ll also pay attention to the beautiful Japanese lyrics.
