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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- Snow Songs to Enjoy in Winter! Children's Snow Nursery Rhymes & Hand-Play Songs
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- [Masterpiece] Big Winter Anime Song Special!
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Masterpieces to Listen to in January: New Year–Themed Songs, Tracks Perfect for the New Year, and Winter Songs (1–10)
New Year’s gift (money given to children)UNICORN
When it comes to New Year’s, what everyone wonders about is otoshidama (New Year’s gift money).
As kids, we’d feel a flutter of excitement wondering how much we’d get; as adults, we’re on the giving side and feel a different kind of nervous thrill (haha).
Unicorn’s “Otoshidama” is packed with that New Year’s sense of excitement.
The song was included as the B-side to the single “Yuki ga Furu Machi” released in 1992.
Rather than a song about children eagerly waiting for their otoshidama, it’s a track that depicts a leisurely, peaceful New Year.
Heroineback number
Having created love songs that depict various scenes and captured the hearts of many fans, back number has a rich track record.
Among their songs, the winter ballad you’ll definitely want to listen to in January is this one! I’m sure many men can relate to its lyrics, which paint a romantic picture of “I want it to be you who sees the snowy scenery with me.” January is when the cold truly sets in after the New Year, and many regions see snowfall—making this the perfect song to listen to now.
to clear up (weather)Yorushika
A song brimming with hope, perfect for the dawn of a new year.
Its transparent, pristine melody and suis’s refreshingly clear vocals resonate deeply.
Released digitally in January 2024, it also garnered attention as the opening theme for the TV anime Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End.
It’s ideal for when you want to lift your spirits or find the courage to take a new step forward.
While it evokes a springtime world, its dynamic production and the message of its lyrics also align with the first month of the year.
It’s a track that seems to empower you to live the new year with strength.
StaRtMrs. GREEN APPLE
This is a track from the major-label debut mini-album “Variety” by the five-piece rock band Mrs.
GREEN APPLE.
Its up-tempo, exhilarating, refreshing sound and straightforward vocals perfectly match the image of the title, which means a beginning! The lyrics vividly evoke a hopeful scene of someone standing at a new starting line at a turning point in life, unable to contain their excitement.
As the New Year begins, let’s look straight ahead and take a big step forward while listening to “StaRt”!
Reunion (produced by Ayase)LiSA×Uru
A dream collaboration produced by Ayase, the composer of YOASOBI, and sung by LiSA and Uru.
Both LiSA and Uru are known for their distinctive vocal styles, and in this song their charms blend beautifully.
The harmonies that unfold over the sophisticated accompaniment are sure to give you chills.
It’s an exquisitely beautiful mid-tempo number that perfectly matches the wintery world depicted in the lyrics.
Released in November 2020.
An ideal song to listen to during the snowy season while thinking of someone dear.
New Year’s DayELLEGRDEN
Even after disbanding, ELLEGARDEN has enjoyed overwhelming popularity among rock kids across a wide spectrum, and every time they do something after reuniting, it becomes a hot topic.
Their song “New Year’s Day” was released as a single in 2003 and was included as the B-side to one of ELLE’s most popular tracks, “Jitterbug.” While New Year’s songs often evoke a laid-back, easygoing vibe, this track is sung entirely in English and showcases ELLE’s signature coolness, while also conveying that uniquely bittersweet feeling of “Wow, the year’s already coming to an end.”
first shrine visit of the New YearPort Town FM
Released in March 2021 as the final track on the album “Jumble,” Port Town FM’s song is a heartfelt number that paints scenes where past and present intersect in a port town over the New Year holidays.
In a quiet winter city after the bustle of summer has faded, it recalls the days of receiving New Year’s money, while singing of reunions with old friends and the warmth of human connection.
The harmonies woven by the mixed male–female triple vocals align perfectly with the atmosphere of the first shrine visit of the year, gently delivering a message of renewal and fresh starts.
Its refreshing guitar-pop sound conveys even the humidity of the port and the feel of winter air, making it an ideal song for the very moment you welcome a new year.
Striking a fine balance between nostalgia and hope, this track is perfect for New Year’s spent with people you haven’t seen in a while on your trip home.
It’s also recommended for anyone wanting to begin the year with a refreshed heart!