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

meteorKobukuro

Kobukuro – Ryūsei (Meteor)

This is Kobukuro’s 19th single, chosen as the theme song for the drama “Nagareboshi” starring Aya Ueto and Yutaka Takenouchi.

It portrays a poignant scene of gazing at the moon on a midwinter shore, enduring loneliness while holding on to a powerful bond: “No matter how far apart we are, even if being together can never come true forever, I can’t imagine living my life with anyone else.” It’s a perfect track for winter—the season when we yearn for warmth and find ourselves wanting to listen to slightly melancholy, sentimental songs.

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yuri

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New Year (Japanese New Year)Taki Rentarō

New Year’s — Oshōgatsu — Children’s Song

It’s the well-known children’s song “Oshogatsu,” but in fact it was composed by Rentaro Taki.

When this song plays in town, it really feels like New Year’s is just around the corner, doesn’t it? Many people probably remember making up parody lyrics and singing them as kids.

It’s a slightly nostalgic piece that brings back memories when you hear it in town or on TV.

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Tani Satoko

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SNOW SOUND[Alexandros]

[Alexandros] – SNOW SOUND (MV)

Winter really starts after the New Year, and in many regions it actually snows more then than at the end of the year.

This song features an impressive intro with synths that evoke that kind of winter on a grand scale.

Plus, Yohei Kawakami’s soaring vocals are beautiful and elevate the song’s overall quality.

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Hane Keisuke

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BlizzardMiura Daichi

Daichi Miura / Blizzard (Theme song for the movie “Dragon Ball Super: Broly”)

This is a track by the hugely popular artist Daichi Miura, inspired by a vast, icy world.

Chosen as the theme song for the film Dragon Ball Super: Broly, it features an aggressive sound that perfectly matches the Dragon Ball universe.

Be sure to watch his dance performance too, which syncs seamlessly with the cool vibe of the song.

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Hane Keisuke

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Winter BellsKuraki Mai

Winter Bells / Mai Kuraki (cover)

This song is also known as the opening theme for the anime Detective Conan.

It’s one of Mai Kuraki’s signature winter songs.

Although it was released in 2002, its melody and upbeat, pop tempo feel fresh and energizing.

Looking at the lyrics, it’s a love song, and it’s also a fun track you can enjoy as a winter love song.

Baby Don’t CryAmuro Namie

Baby Don’t Cry – Namie Amuro (Full)

If last year was a rough one where nothing seemed to go right, I want you to listen to Namie Amuro’s classic 2007 track “Baby Don’t Cry.” We all want to reset those heavy, gloomy feelings and welcome the New Year afresh.

This song offers words of encouragement that say if you keep moving forward, you can break through, and it fills you with a positive mindset.

Its refreshing melody also clears your heart.

Make this song your ally and kick off with a brand-new attitude!

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Kado(guchi) Shichigatsu

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Mochi GirlGesu no Kiwami Otome.

Gesu no Kiwami Otome “Mochi Girl” (Official Music Video)

Speaking of New Year’s, it’s all about mochi.

You could eat it year-round, but lots of people only have it during the New Year—such a curious food, isn’t it? Enter Gesu no Kiwami Otome’s “Mochi Girl,” which shines the spotlight on mochi.

Mochi shows up all over the song, but in a way that’s a bit different from New Year’s mochi—packed with the band’s trademark playful, off-the-wall lyrics.

It’s the kind of track that could get you hyped for the New Year.

And after hearing the word “mochi” so many times, you can’t help but crave some, right? (laughs)

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utatane

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