[Winter Songs] The Best Classic and Popular Winter Tunes to Listen to in Winter

youKōda Kumi

Kumi Koda / “you” (from the new album “WINTER of LOVE”)

The heartbreak songs sung by Kumi Koda make the sadness well up even more, don’t they? This track expresses the feelings of a woman who has just gone through a breakup.

Listening to it in the wistful atmosphere of winter, Kumi Koda’s husky voice and plaintive singing really sink into your heart.

White LightAmuro Namie

White Light / (Lyric Video)

When it comes to Namie Amuro’s winter love songs, it has to be this one! When the person you love is by your side, you can’t help but start humming along.

Listening to it together fills you with fun and happiness, and it makes you feel like you’ll want to spend next winter together too, doesn’t it? It’s one of those timeless songs guaranteed to overflow with happiness.

Midwinter Datetenchi mari

Mari Amachi ☆ Midwinter Date

Mari Amachi, who was a national idol in the early 1970s.

This song, included as the B-side of the single “Futari no Nichiyoubi,” released in December 1972, warmly depicts lovers intertwining their fingers and snuggling close as a wintry, leafless avenue is swept by a cold wind.

The lyrics are by Michio Yamagami, the music by Masayuki Hirao, and the arrangement by Shunichi Makaino.

The words, which sing of love nurtured in the cold season, combine with Amachi’s clear, transparent voice to evoke a sense of hope amid the poignancy.

Featured on a single that sold about 440,000 copies at the time, the track was also included on the album “Ashita e no Melody” and has continued to be loved by fans.

Give it a listen while imagining a moment spent with someone special on a chilly day.

MHamasaki Ayumi

Ayumi Hamasaki / M (Short Ver.)

A smash-hit single that Ayumi Hamasaki herself composed for the first time under the name CREA.

It’s said to be the last song of the 20th century to top the Oricon singles chart.

I love how it starts quietly and then builds up more and more toward the end—so cool.

lightSutoreitenā×Hata Motohiro

Straightener, Motohiro Hata – “Akari” MUSIC VIDEO

The four-piece rock band Straightener teamed up with singer-songwriter Motohiro Hata for the winter classic “Akari.” It opens with Hata’s vocals over a gentle pairing of piano and acoustic guitar, and the moment the drums kick in and the full band joins, it syncs perfectly with that flutter of excitement in your chest.

It’s a winter love song that warmly captures the joy of the day you get to see your partner.

The harmonies between the two vocalists are incredibly pleasing to the ear, making it a track you’ll want to listen to again and again.

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Kado(guchi) Shichigatsu

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RikaSIX LOUNGE

“Rika” SIX LOUNGE Music Video / Illustration by Miku Masuda

“Rika” by SIX LOUNGE, a rock ’n’ roll band from Oita Prefecture, is a track that’s been gaining buzz on social media, especially TikTok.

The song is sung from a boyfriend’s perspective about a girl he loves with a maddening, almost violent intensity.

It was originally included on their indie-era album Shinonome, but was re-recorded and released digitally in 2023.

Scenes anyone can relate to—like the two of them warming up by the stove in December, or calming down over hot coffee—are likely to resonate with listeners.

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Hamada Takuya

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CAROLSHamasaki Ayumi

Ayumi Hamasaki / CAROLS (Short Ver.)

Ayumi Hamasaki’s songs often have straightforward lyrics, which makes them easy to relate to.

Among them, this track sings directly about her feelings for a special man.

In the music video, Ayumi Hamasaki performs alone on an empty stage.

If there’s someone important to you, try listening to it together.

Its honest feelings will come through and make you cherish that person even more.