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 Hear in January: New Year’s-Themed Songs, Tracks Suited for the New Year, and Winter Songs (11–20)
Is the bath nice?shiritsu ebisu chūgaku
This song warms your heart.
It’s a tender piece about the importance of spending time with family during New Year’s.
The lyrics, which depict family bonds and the special moments spent with grandparents who you may usually live apart from, really resonate.
Originally included on the first album Chu-Nin released in 2013, it also received a 2021 version on FAMIEN’21 L.P.
It has long been sung as the theme song for Shiritsu Ebisu Chugaku’s summer outdoor solo concert, “Famien.” This 2021 release presents a fresh interpretation by a nine-member lineup that welcomed new members.
It’s perfect for warming up on a cold winter’s day—like when you’re about to take a hot bath—or for anyone who wants to cherish time with their family.
Happy Happy GreetingKinKi Kids
This song features a bright, light melody that leaves a strong impression.
The lyrics overflow with the joy and happiness of celebrating the New Year, brimming with energy that seems to blow away the winter chill.
Released as a single in December 1998, the composition and arrangement were handled by Tatsuro Yamashita, with lyrics by Takashi Matsumoto.
It was also used as the commercial song for Panasonic’s DigiCam.
It’s the perfect track for anyone looking to make a fresh start and take a hopeful step forward with the dawn of a new year.
A feel-good winter song that’s highly recommended for January.
hot milknishina
This song is characterized by its gentle melody and lyrics that seep into the heart.
It carefully depicts someone spending a long winter night alone, sipping hot milk and reflecting on past love.
The way it embraces lost love and loneliness while facing oneself is particularly striking.
Released digitally in November 2022, it was also selected as the theme song for ABEMA’s original series “I Want to Fall in Love Like a Love Drama in NEW YORK.” With Nishina’s soft vocals tenderly enveloping listeners, this track is also perfect for January’s deep chill when you want to gently warm your heart.
Snow WhiteMarushii
This song is characterized by a sound that evokes the chill of winter and lyrics that resonate deeply.
Its bittersweet, heartbreak-themed melody may prompt listeners to reflect on past memories as they face new beginnings.
Released in December 2020 as Marcy’s new single, this medium-tempo ballad captures memories of winter romance.
It has touched many hearts, even reaching No.
1 on Uta-net’s popularity rankings.
Perfect for quiet moments in January, it’s sure to leave a lasting impression as a moving track befitting the start of a new year.
New Year (Japanese New Year)Denki Gurūvu
Speaking of New Year’s, it’s a festive day when you stuff yourself with delicious food from noon, get New Year’s money, and laze around… right? Denki Groove’s “Oshogatsu” captures that celebratory feeling to the fullest in musical form.
With its unique twists and turns, once you hear it, it becomes addictive—you’ll want to play it on repeat during a New Year’s when there isn’t much to do.
The sense of intoxication that carries you all the way through the outro is irresistible.
Immerse yourself in a New Year’s vibe like nothing you’ve experienced before!
Rat♡Ox♡Tiger♡Rabbit♡Dragon♡Snake♡denpagumi.inc
A pop and colorful song themed around the twelve zodiac signs.
It draws you into a fun world right from the intro, which starts with words imitating the cries of the zodiac animals.
The lyrics explore various aspects of romantic relationships, singing about bonds and destiny with a partner.
It was Dempagumi.inc’s first single as a six-member lineup, released in May 2019.
In the music video, you can see the members performing as the twelve zodiac animals.
It’s an energetic track perfect for ringing in the New Year, so it’s recommended if you want to get into the New Year spirit.
Masterpieces to Listen to in January: Songs with a New Year’s Theme, Tracks Fit for the New Year, and Winter Songs (21–30)
orionYonezu Kenshi
Kenshi Yonezu, who transitioned from a Vocaloid producer to a singer-songwriter and more recently has been writing and producing songs for other artists, is a massively popular figure leading the J-POP scene.
Among his works, this song pairs especially well with the winter season.
Its lyrics evoke the constellation Orion, making it perfect for those clear, crisp winter days.
The grand, expansive chorus melody—like a night sky studded with countless stars—feels wonderfully soothing.
On top of that beauty, its stylish finish is another key highlight.
