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 Perfect for the New Year, and Winter Songs (1–10)
lukewarm beerSuga Shikao
Many people probably attend class reunions when they go back to their hometowns for New Year’s, don’t they? After getting together for the first time in a while, the woman he had a crush on didn’t show up…
This sparks a story in which bittersweet memories from the past come flooding back.
The lyrics, which deftly contrast lukewarm beer with time that can’t be turned back, are deeply compelling.
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!
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.
Masterpieces to Hear in January: New Year’s-Themed Songs, Tracks Suited for the New Year, and Winter Songs (11–20)
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!
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!