[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)
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!
snow dropL’Arc〜en〜Ciel
L’Arc~en~Ciel’s “snow drop,” sung by vocalist hyde, is a classic winter-themed Japanese rock song.
The lyrics are filled with words that evoke winter, and as you listen, vivid wintry scenes naturally come to mind.
By the way, there are two versions of this track: the single version has a warm, wintery sound, while the version included on the summer-released album “ray” is arranged with a cooler feel.
It’s fun to compare the two and hear the differences.
Winter TaleSandaime Jē Sōru Burazāzu fromu Eguzairu Toraibu
A gem of a ballad with their signature R&B style, layered with a bittersweet, tender vocal.
It’s a love song that sings of pure, profound love.
The beautiful melody never gets old, no matter how many times you listen.
For fans of the LDH groups, this is an essential winter classic you just can’t skip!
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!
White LoveSPEED
“White Love” is a classic hit by SPEED, a dance group from Okinawa.
The song features a catchy melody over a distinctly ’90s programmed dance beat.
In particular, the vocal line feels great, with Eriko Imai’s mid-range blending beautifully with Hiroko Shimabukuro’s higher register.
The music video is also beautifully made with inventive filming techniques, so be sure to check it out along with the track!
I BELIEVEKahara Tomomi
A signature hit of the 1990s produced by Tetsuya Komuro.
Tomomi Kahala’s clear, translucent vocals capture both the beauty and the poignancy of winter.
Centered on themes of the joys and sorrows of love, as well as trust and hope, the song resonates deeply with listeners.
Released in October 1995, it enjoyed strong popularity on the Oricon charts.
It also drew attention for donating a portion of its proceeds to relief efforts for the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake.
The music video, set against a majestic snowy mountain backdrop, is striking as well.
If you listen while gazing out the window on a cold, windy night, it feels almost purifying.
A perfect track for long winter evenings.
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.