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!
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- [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 Perfect for the New Year, and Winter Songs (1–10)
Happy New YearChatto Monchī
As the title suggests, this New Year-themed song is performed by the girls’ rock band Chatmonchy.
Vocalist Eriko Hashimoto’s voice is charming and at times cool, and in this track her catchy delivery makes it especially approachable.
It depicts a couple visiting a shrine for their first prayer of the year, and many listeners will relate to the lyrics’ wish that they can stay together in the future.
Highly recommended if you’re looking for an accessible song with a cute vibe!
Sus4Silent Siren
A perfect track for kicking off the New Year has arrived! SILENT SIREN’s first release in two years is a powerful number that intertwines anticipation for the future with past experiences.
Featuring airy soundscapes and a driving, exhilarating melody, it strikes a deep chord with listeners.
Out digitally on January 31, 2024.
Ideal for New Year parties, reunions, and early-year gatherings—any moment when you’re ready to take a new step forward.
Sing it together, and you’re sure to get your year off to a wonderful start!
first shrine visit of the New YearPort Town FM
Released in March 2021 as the final track on the album “Jumble,” Port Town FM’s song is a heartfelt number that paints scenes where past and present intersect in a port town over the New Year holidays.
In a quiet winter city after the bustle of summer has faded, it recalls the days of receiving New Year’s money, while singing of reunions with old friends and the warmth of human connection.
The harmonies woven by the mixed male–female triple vocals align perfectly with the atmosphere of the first shrine visit of the year, gently delivering a message of renewal and fresh starts.
Its refreshing guitar-pop sound conveys even the humidity of the port and the feel of winter air, making it an ideal song for the very moment you welcome a new year.
Striking a fine balance between nostalgia and hope, this track is perfect for New Year’s spent with people you haven’t seen in a while on your trip home.
It’s also recommended for anyone wanting to begin the year with a refreshed heart!
Masterpieces to Hear in January: New Year’s-Themed Songs, Tracks Suited for the New Year, and Winter Songs (11–20)
A HAPPY NEW YEARMatsutōya Yumi
A masterpiece among masterpieces about the New Year, included on Yumi Matsutoya’s 1981 album “Sakuban Oaishimashou” (“Shall We Meet Last Night”).
It depicts a happy couple who spend time together before the date changes and welcome the New Year side by side.
The wintry, gently subdued piano accompaniment matches perfectly with Matsutoya’s characteristically soft vocals, creating a dreamy atmosphere that’s ideal for this season.
It’s a song I especially recommend to anyone who plans to spend New Year’s with someone they love.
Spring SeaMiyagi Michio
Even if the title doesn’t ring a bell, I’m sure you’ll recognize the tune once you hear a little of it.
This piece is one you often hear around New Year’s—on TV, of course, and all around town.
Titled “Spring Sea,” it was composed in 1929 by koto musician Michio Miyagi.
It was originally a duet for koto and shakuhachi, and that’s the version most people hear, but there are also performances with piano and violin.
Even when played on Western instruments, it’s a wonderful piece that still lets you savor the beautiful sound of Japanese music.
Winter’s hype-uppy bakkon!iginari touhoku san
This winter party song delivered from Tohoku features rap themed around wintry staples like snow and mochi—definitely the highlight.
Its high-energy, upbeat lyrics are packed with positive messages that make you forget the cold! Included on the first album “Tohoku Inbound,” released in March 2020, the track also charms with local references like the SENDAI Pageant of Starlight and Sanriku oysters.
It’s a lively tune that makes you want to head outside and have fun even in the cold winter—perfect for getting everyone hyped together right after the New Year.
SHOW-GUTSOmede-tai atama de nani yori
Brimming with humor, this track gives a playful push to those spending New Year’s lazing around at home.
It’s one of the title songs from the double A-side single “SHOW-GUTS / Daruma-san wa Korobanai” released on January 1, 2017.
The lyrics—urging listeners to spend the first three days of the year with more spirit instead of lounging under the kotatsu eating mandarins—make you laugh while giving you a boost of energy.
Featuring witty lines that riff on traditional New Year’s shrine-visit etiquette and an intense loud-rock sound, it was also chosen as the opening theme for TV Kanagawa’s music program “Ongaku-kan” in January 2018.
It’s the perfect song for anyone who wants to kick off the New Year with rock-fueled excitement or wow the crowd at karaoke!