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!
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- [For Seniors] Winter songs you'll want to hum along to. A collection of classic tunes recommended for BGM and recreational activities
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- 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.
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- [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: Songs with a New Year’s Theme, Tracks Suited for the New Year, and Winter Songs (41–50)
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.
Rock ‘n’ Roll New Year’s Gift MoneyOhtaki Eiichi
A track included on Eiichi Ohtaki’s solo album “NIAGARA CALENDAR,” known for his work as a member of Happy End.
As the title includes “rock ’n’ roll,” it features a light, upbeat rock ’n’ roll arrangement topped with laid-back vocals.
The lyrics are filled with New Year’s imagery, and listening to it is sure to get you excited! If you’re looking for a cheerful song that’s perfect for the New Year, this one comes highly recommended!
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.
New Year’s gift (money given to children)yunikōn
A Unicorn track that gently captures the excitement of the New Year.
It was included as the B-side to the single “Yuki ga Furu Machi,” released in December 1992, and its warm melody—imbued with prayers for the coming year—strikingly contrasts with the A-side’s year-end scenes.
The lyrics softly express the New Year’s unique sense of sanctity and the wish for a good year, evoking peaceful images of ringing in the year.
The refreshing arrangement—featuring a variety of instruments like accordion and banjo—feels especially pleasant.
Do you want to build a snowman?Ana to Yuki no Joou
“Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” is, as everyone knows, a song from Frozen.
The scene where Anna invites her sister Elsa to come play was imitated by many children.
Since the lyrics follow the story, the latter part is actually a bit melancholy.
Even when you’re with family, your feelings can be out of sync, right? It’s a song that encourages you in those moments.
Snow SmileBUMP OF CHICKEN
Speaking of BUMP OF CHICKEN’s winter songs, this is one you mustn’t forget! Just like in the lyrics, I bet many guys have put her left hand into their right pocket before.
Plus, January often means spending long hours outdoors for things like New Year shrine visits, so it might be the perfect season to copy what the song describes.
The scenes of walking together also overlap with the lyrics, which is why this is a song you want to listen to in this season.