Masterpieces to Listen to in January: New Year-Themed, New Year-Ready, and Winter Songs

You and the slopesSHISHAMO

SHISHAMO “You and the Slopes”

Speaking of SHISHAMO, they’re one of the defining girl rock bands of the 2010s! Their appeal lies in lyrics that resonate deeply with fans of the same generation.

And when it comes to their winter songs, this one is the standout.

It depicts a day when a mixed group of guys and girls head out to the slopes.

Within the group, the female protagonist has a crush on one of the guys—but he actually likes another girl, a bittersweet situation many of us can relate to.

That said, the song itself has SHISHAMO’s signature bright feel, making it a perfect BGM pick for outings in January.

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Hane Keisuke

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New Year Lovey!sutopuri

[MV] New Year Lovyutto! / Strawberry Prince

A New Year-themed song written by Wasabi, the drummer of Wagakki Band, has become an indispensable New Year’s anthem for Sutopuri fans.

Its festive sound, evoking taiko drums and the koto, fuses with a four-on-the-floor dance beat.

The lyrics sprinkle in New Year motifs like hatsumode shrine visits and the clapping of hands, while a catchy call-and-response portrays vows for the new year between idols and fans.

It was included on the December 2022 album “Here We Go!!”.

The music video, released on New Year’s Day, heightens the New Year mood with rabbit motifs fitting the Year of the Rabbit and illustrations in traditional Japanese attire, making it perfect as a go-to track for the start of each year.

This is Nyaa’s way of life.nya~tan (CV: Murakawa Rie)

This is Nyaa's way of life.

From the anime Etotama, whose heroine is Nyaa-tan, the cat who couldn’t make it into the twelve zodiac signs, here’s a character song sung by Rie Murakawa.

It’s a solo track included on the character song mini-album “Geki-Meshi!! Waga Nya no Bangohan,” released in May 2015.

Set to a high-BPM electropop track by the IOSYS crew, it portrays Nyaa-tan charging forward optimistically on her own path.

The story of a cat striving to join the zodiac perfectly mirrors New Year’s resolutions to work toward our goals in the year ahead.

The energetic call-and-response shouts and Rie Murakawa’s vibrant vocals are sure to boost your New Year mood!

KadomatsuCRAZY KEN BAND

Kadomatsu

How about a song to stylishly ring in the new decade of the 2020s? Written by Crazy Ken Band as the theme for the film “We Make Antiques! Kyoto Rendezvous,” this track features a glamorous big-band jazz brass sound and a breezy swing feel.

Riding on Ken Yokoyama’s deep vocals, it humorously portrays New Year social scenes and the subtleties of human relationships using lucky charms that invite good fortune as its motif.

Produced for the movie released in January 2020, it was also included on the album “NOW,” released in October of the same year.

Its flashy, sophisticated vibe makes it perfect as BGM for New Year gatherings, drives, and parties.

With its urbane jazz tone, it lifts your spirits for a bright start to the year!

Relative shock!gurūpu damashii

Relative shock!

This is a Group Tamashii number that humorously portrays the feelings kids often have while making New Year’s visits to relatives.

It depicts, with a chuckle-worthy touch, the shock of not receiving New Year’s gift money despite it being the holiday.

The song was included as the B-side to the single “I’ll Buy You a Juice ♥,” released in October 2005.

With its energetic, punk-style sound and skit-like narration that blend perfectly, this track is sure to bring a smile to your face when you listen to it during the New Year.

the Twelve Zodiac Signs (the Chinese/Japanese zodiac)Jaa Baabonz

Let's learn the 12 zodiac signs song! Let's sing and dance! / JaaBourBonz

Songs for learning the zodiac are perfect for the New Year, aren’t they? The album “Challenger,” released by Jaabourbonz in April 2020, includes a fun track that helps you learn the order of the twelve zodiac signs by singing and dancing.

Starting with “nezumi” for Rat and “ushi” for Ox, the lively flow strings together animal sounds to the rhythm; hum along with your kids and the zodiac sequence will naturally stick.

While looking at New Year’s cards or otoshidama envelopes and asking, “What animal is next year?” you could spend the holiday singing together as a family.

With harmonies from the Okinawa-born trio of vocalists and an arrangement that invites handclaps, it’s something everyone—young and old—can enjoy.

The ending of EVEHattan Amika

The ending of EVE

How about a song that portrays a woman reflecting on days with her former lover as she sets out toward a new self? It’s a track by Amika Hattan, included on her first album, “Autumn Breeze,” released in September 1999.

With lyrics and composition by Hiromasa Ijichi and arrangement by Yasutaka Mizushima, this lyrical number quietly sings of the strength to break with the past and live in the present.

Created in the same year she won the Japan Record Awards’ Best New Artist, Hattan’s clear vocals resonate deeply.

It’s a perfect song for anyone looking to sort out the past and face forward in the New Year.