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: Songs with a New Year’s Theme, Tracks Fit for the New Year, and Winter Songs (21–30)
rainbow-coloredayaka
A soothing song that brings a sense of security, with a gently warm intro and an embracing vocal.
Written as the theme for the NHK morning drama series “Hanako to Anne,” this is Ayaka’s 13th single.
As Ayaka herself said, she wanted to create a song that stays close to the listener—one that warmly reassures hearts feeling a touch of anxiety or impatience with a gentle “It’s okay.” Without overexerting yourself just because it’s a new year, it might be nice to move forward slowly while cherishing what’s right in front of you.
White Marchsumika
This is a song by the four-piece band sumika, used as the theme for the JR SKISKI 2018–2019 commercial campaign by JR East.
Its straightforward, clean lyrics are charming, evoking the innocence of childhood and the fearless spirit of youth.
It’s a track that speaks directly to the heart, rousing adults who, after many experiences, have come to worry and lament over things that haven’t even happened—thinking “I might fail,” “People might laugh at me.”
White LoversKuwata Keisuke
It’s a masterpiece that somehow conveys warmth even within its heartbreak! From the lyrics, it feels like a breakup song.
It’s a track that carries a sense of loneliness, yet also evokes scenes of looking ahead and focusing on the future.
It’s not just sad—it’s a song that makes you feel strength and a bright future.
Snow BlossomNakajima Mika
There are many winter ballads in Japan, but Mika Nakashima’s “Yuki no Hana” is truly a masterpiece that represents the country.
Her slightly husky yet clear voice perfectly matches winter and snowy scenes.
You may have listened to it many times, but it’s a song you’ll want to hear again every time winter comes around.
In January, why not enjoy this song while breathing in the fresh air of the new year?
Rising SunEXILE
On New Year’s Day, we greet the year by watching the first sunrise, right? EXILE’s “Rising Sun” is a perfect fit for that hope-filled morning when you feel ready to give your all for the year ahead.
The free, soaring vocals that sing of the sunrise evoke the freshness and divinity that spread across the sky at dawn.
As it builds toward the final chorus, your emotions gradually rise, and even after it ends, a pleasant afterglow lingers.
It’s a piece that perfectly matches the resolve to make a fresh start and kick off the new year.
ORIONNakajima Mika
January, after Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and the New Year holidays have all passed, somehow feels a little lonely, doesn’t it? In times like that, there’s a song that gently stays by your side: “ORION,” a piece that contemplates the winter constellation Orion.
It’s a winter ballad by Mika Nakashima that was also used as an insert song in the drama “Ryūsei no Kizuna” (Bonds of the Meteor).
Because it’s cold, the warmth of someone precious sinks in deeper and makes you feel even more tenderness—or, conversely, you might feel a vague sense of anxiety, as if you could fade away.
“ORION,” a song about such fragile love, will help you hold on to that warmth.
I’m home.Uemura Kana
It’s a song that makes you feel how much the artist cherishes their family.
I imagine many people can relate to this track, with its straightforward lyrics.
For those who live away from home, it’s a song you’ll want to listen to at New Year’s, when you finally get the chance to see your family again.