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)
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!
Snow, Moon, and FlowersShonan no Kaze
It’s a song with straightforward, masculine lyrics that express feelings from a man’s perspective.
You can feel a man’s direct emotions without any roundaboutness.
It reminds you of the importance of conveying your feelings honestly.
It’s a winter song, but it’s a fiery one!
Masterpieces to Listen to in January: New Year-Themed Songs, Tracks Suited for the New Year, and Winter Songs (31–40)
You and the slopesSHISHAMO
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.
powder snowRemioromen
When it comes to winter songs by Japanese rock bands, you can’t leave this one out! It became a hit after being featured as an insert song in the drama “1 Litre of Tears,” and although it was released in 2005, it still regularly ranks high on karaoke popularity charts.
That’s how beloved and classic it is, making it a perfect fit for January, when many regions are likely to see snow.
Listen to it while imagining the heartrending story woven into the lyrics.
Winter, againGLAY
If we’re talking about the ’90s, you can’t leave out GLAY’s “Winter, again.” Even people who aren’t from that generation have probably at least heard the chorus.
It’s a song that fits many occasions: when you want to sink into a wintry mood, when you want a boost from a nostalgic tune, or when you’re thinking of a lover who’s far away.
A town where snow fallsAimer
The lyrics are very heartrending, yet the way she sings feels incredibly gentle.
You can sense frustration and inner conflict from the lyrics, and the melody conveys sadness and poignancy as well.
It’s a song that draws you into a world only Aimer could depict, and one you can’t help but want to listen to during the cold season.
DEPARTURESglobe
globe’s hit song “DEPARTURES” is an essential winter tune for the season.
Even decades after its release, many people probably feel like listening to it whenever winter arrives.
It’s a song beloved across generations, and if you give it another listen, you might experience a whole new set of feelings.
