[Winter Songs] The Best Classic and Popular Winter Tunes to Listen to in Winter
As winter approaches, we start hearing winter songs in all kinds of settings more and more often! From timeless classics we hear every year to newer winter songs that have taken root in recent years.
In this article, we’ll introduce a wide range of Japan’s beloved winter tracks all at once, starting with popular hits and spanning many iconic songs of the season! We’ve picked out everything from songs that paint wintry landscapes to bittersweet love songs and winter tracks by buzzworthy bands, so you’re sure to find something that fits your listening situation perfectly! Be sure to listen to your favorites and feel the season of winter.
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[Winter Songs] Masterpieces to Hear in Winter & Best Popular Winter Songs (61–70)
WHITE BREATHT.M.Revolution
WHITE BREATH, which evokes the cold, strong winds of winter, is the polar opposite of the midsummer anthem HOT LIMIT.
Released in 1997, this song sold over a million copies and was performed twice on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen, in the year of its release and again eight years later in 2005.
The synth sounds that chime in at key moments are especially memorable.
You can tell from the lyrics that it’s a winter song, but even more than that, the music video screams winter: Nishikawa sings with his clothes partly open in a place where the wind howls and the snow is practically blizzarding—he looks absolutely freezing.
Highly recommended for anyone who wants to harness winter’s chill for a bold romance!
Winter FallL’Arc〜en〜Ciel
L’Arc~en~Ciel’s “Winter Fall” is a winter song released in 1998, known for its catchy melody.
The song opens with an impressive intro featuring a solo vocal part, and together with the beautiful chorus, it evokes wintry scenes.
“snow drop,” which was also released the same year, is another famous winter song of theirs, so be sure to listen to it along with “Winter Fall”! Both have epic music videos as well, so check those out too!
tremoloRADWIMPS
A song by RADWIMPS released in February 2006.
Titled with the meaning of a trembling sound, the piece pairs a beautiful yet heartrending melody with depictions of dreams, hopes, and the complex emotions of human relationships.
Yojiro Noda’s lyrics poetically express the transience and beauty of life and the many feelings we experience in the everyday.
The unspoken feelings between “I” and “you” are woven into phrases that resonate with the heart.
Carrying a positive message that simply being alive is wonderful, it’s a deeply characteristic RADWIMPS track.
It’s the perfect song for moments when you want to reflect on yourself in the quiet of winter or think about your relationship with someone important.
Starlight ParadeSEKAI NO OWARI
SEKAI NO OWARI, known for hit songs like “RPG,” “Dragon Night,” and “Habit.” Their “Starlight Parade” is a song with a captivating melody that conveys a wintry, dreamlike atmosphere.
The chorus is catchy and sticks in your head, so you’ll likely find yourself humming it.
It also features an easy-to-groove electronic rhythm, making it a great pick for winter events like Christmas parties.
If everyone sings along together, it’s sure to be a fun event!
Winter is starting.Makihara Noriyuki
Noriyuki Makihara, famous for hits like “Donna Toki mo” and “Mou Koi Nante Shinai,” has a song called “Fuyu ga Hajimaru yo” that’s perfect for winter listening, with its catchy melody and buoyant, upbeat rhythm.
It’s also well known as a song that’s been covered by artists across generations.
In particular, Every Little Thing’s “Fuyu ga Hajimaru yo feat.
Noriyuki Makihara,” which features Makihara himself on backing vocals, has a refreshingly transparent arrangement—be sure to check that one out too!
My Gift to YouCHEMISTRY
When you think of CHEMISTRY, it has to be this song.
It really makes you reflect on how much more important it is to have someone who stays by your side forever than to receive visible gifts.
Their stunning harmonies resonate in your heart and make you want to listen together with someone special.
Before winter endsShimizu Shota
It’s a song that captures the bittersweet feelings of a long-distance relationship, when you want to meet but can’t.
The lyrics, which feel like the two are reaffirming the strength of their bond, are uplifting.
If you’re in a long-distance relationship, why not look forward to the next time you can meet and let your thoughts drift to the person you love?