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)
O-SHO-GA-TSUONIGAWARA
A festive dance-pop track about New Year’s by the super J-POP unit ONIGAWARA.
Produced in December 2016 as a coupling song, this piece is distinctive for its playful title written in Roman letters with interpuncts.
It’s brimming with the exhilaration of ringing in the new year and a brightness that brings smiles.
The arrangement layers brass and handclaps over a four-on-the-floor beat, capturing pure festival vibes.
It’s the perfect song for welcoming a new year in high spirits—during the countdown, on the way home from your first shrine visit, or at New Year’s parties with friends!
The first dream of the year with youTaka Fuji Nasu (CV: Morishita Rena)
This song, themed around the first dream of the year, is a Japanese-style pop number that captures the New Year’s uplift and gentle hope.
Rena Morishita’s soft yet dignified vocals deliver a blessing for the year ahead and a hint of dreams to come.
A lively rhythm infused with traditional Japanese elements blends seamlessly, and the radiant melody envelops listeners in a festive atmosphere.
Released in January 2021 as the ending theme for the anime The Idolmaster Cinderella Girls Theater Extra Stage, it was later included in THE IDOLM@STER CINDERELLA GIRLS LITTLE STARS EXTRA! “Kimi no Stage Ishou, Hontou wa…”.
It’s highly recommended as the perfect track for a peaceful moment spent with family over the New Year holidays, or for a quiet morning when you hold your New Year’s resolutions close to your heart.
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.
New Year’s gift money ~TOUDAIMOTOKURASHI~misoshiru’s
A mysterious new band considered to be RADWIMPS’ comrades-in-arms: miso shiru’s.
Many of you might already know them because one of their songs was included on a RADWIMPS release! This track by miso shiru’s doesn’t sound wintry at all, but the lyrics depict a New Year’s experience everyone can relate to.
Haven’t you ever been told by your mom, “I’ll hold onto your New Year’s money just in case”? The song humorously recounts episodes surrounding otoshidama that was “kept safe” for years without your say.
If you’re in the mood for a slightly offbeat New Year’s song, give it a listen!
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?
