[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 (71–80)
A town where it snowsUNICORN
Amid the hectic year-end bustle, this is a wonderful winter song with the laid-back feel so characteristic of Tamio Okuda.
Like Christmas, its sparkling sound really evokes the season, doesn’t it? It’s also famous for having been covered by PUFFY around their debut, and apparently this song was what sparked Okuda’s connection with Yosui Inoue.
loadTHE toraburyū
It’s Tora Varyu’s signature song, beloved by people of all ages as a winter classic.
They say it was born from a fan’s letter seeking advice and the story it contained.
The way the song begins is distinctive and almost brings you to tears, isn’t it? Incidentally, this track became a series that goes all the way up to Chapter 13.
Powder Snow ~An Eternally Unending Winter~Sandaime Jē Sōru Burazāzu fromu Eguzairu Toraibu
A love ballad released in 2012 by Sandaime J Soul Brothers.
With a melody that perfectly embodies the essence of winter, it’s a winter song where tenderly unfolding feelings of love seep in.
Are the characters in the lyrics experiencing their first love, perhaps? There are times when you can’t gauge the distance or don’t know what to do.
It portrays the desire to entrust those unspoken feelings to the falling snow.
The song was used as the ending theme for “Onegai! Ranking,” warming the hearts of many.
When you want to recall faint memories or pure emotions, this winter song becomes something you long for.
Dear…Nishino Kana
This song is one of Kana Nishino’s signature winter tracks.
Her lyrics capture the hearts of women in love, and many listeners can relate to them.
It’s a heartwarming love song that portrays her straightforward feelings for him, with her yearning growing stronger even when they can’t meet.
Embrace the Winterarashi
The song used in the House Foods “C1000 Lemon Water” commercial featuring Arashi was “Fuyu o Dakishimete” (Embrace the Winter).
It was a B-side track included on their 21st single, “Step and Go,” which topped the Oricon charts at No.
1.
It’s an upbeat, catchy pop tune.
The poetic and romantic lyrics—like “The warmth I felt from you makes me feel the winter even more”—are also very appealing.
Definitely give it a listen!
PresentINI
This song, included on the first winter single THE WINTER MAGIC released in November 2025, is a romantic dance-pop number that colors winter scenery and the holiday season.
Interweaving images like powdery snow and glowing lights, it gently portrays a pure desire to convey one’s feelings to someone special.
With lyrics penned by Rihito Ikezaki and Hiroto Nishi, the words, spun with an intimate sense of distance, resonate deeply.
The same single also features Because You Were There, written as the theme song for the film INI THE MOVIE “I Need I,” resulting in a work where festivity and sentiment coexist.
The exhilarating blend of shimmering synths and harmonies makes it a perfect track for those special winter moments spent with lovers or family.
The Day I Call Your Name feat. Sota MochizukiHONEY WORKS
Beloved by the nickname Haniwa and active mainly on YouTube and Niconico, the creator unit HoneyWorks brings “The Day I Call Your Name feat.
Sota Mochizuki.” From its beautifully flowing piano intro, it’s a heart-fluttering winter song! It depicts two people drawing closer as Christmas—the biggest event of the season of love—approaches, and just listening fills you with excitement! It’ll boost the mood of anyone thinking, “I want to fall in love soon.” If you’re curious about the song, be sure to watch the music video and see where their love leads!
