[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)
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!
White BeachHY
Released as a single in 2006 by HY, a mixture band from Okinawa, this work is one of their signature songs from their early days.
From the opening lines, the parched wind, hints of winter, and scenes of white beaches weave a unique atmosphere that delicately captures the shifting seasons particular to the subtropics.
The refreshing guitar sound, warm vocals, and nostalgic melody resonate pleasantly, giving it a curious charm that makes you want to listen during the colder months.
Performed since the era of their early album Departure, it has remained a staple at their live shows.
Whether you’re spending a winter night reminiscing about a distant summer or feeling a sudden pang of wistfulness at the turn of the seasons, the song’s gentle warmth will be there to keep you company.
The snow is piercingly coldatarayo
Set against the crisp, piercing air of winter, this work paints a scene of the season’s first snowfall.
Released by Atarayo in December 2022, the song tenderly portrays the ache of memories with a loved one—recollections of the four seasons flashing back like falling snow.
Seasonal images—cherry blossom-lined streets, a seaside café, a field of cosmos—illuminate the feelings of a protagonist who, despite the pain of parting, tries to take a step forward with a faint hope in their heart.
The transparent vocals and arpeggio-driven arrangement delicately capture winter’s quiet and an introspective worldview.
Chosen as the ending theme for ABEMA’s “ABEMA Prime,” it is performed frequently in winter setlists.
On a clear winter night, it will stay close to you as you look back on the past while resolving to face forward.
[Winter Songs] Masterpieces and Popular Winter Song Best Picks to Listen to in Winter (81–90)
meringuemakaroni enpitsu
Makaroni Enpitsu, a rock band hugely popular among young people, released “Meringue” in 2021.
It features a dynamic sound that evokes vast winter landscapes.
The lyrics portray people living desperately while grappling with love and life.
Pay attention to Hattori’s emotional vocals, which gently embrace a range of feelings.
With a melody line that showcases beautiful strings and passionate band performance, this is a song that warms the heart.
Listen closely to the phrases that speak to the theme of snow that melts away in an instant.
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.
I want to fall in love so much that the slopes melt.Hirose Kōmi
Kohmi Hirose’s hit song “GELENDE ga Tokeru Hodo Koi Shitai” is known for its piercingly high vocals.
Many of you have probably heard it, since it’s often played at ski resorts in winter.
It’s great to enjoy on your own, of course, but it would also liven up events like Christmas parties as background music.
It’s also highly recommended as a karaoke pick for the winter season.
Since the chorus is quite high, adjust the key to suit your range to make it easier to sing!
HappinessAI
This is AI’s “Happiness,” which became a hot topic as a Coca-Cola commercial song.
It’s lively and really captures the Christmas spirit, doesn’t it? It’s a very happy track that feels like a wish for happiness to spread far and wide.
Wouldn’t it be perfect for everyone to get excited singing it together at karaoke?