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

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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Mr. SnowmanE-girls

e-girls / Mr.Snowman

E-girls have a lot of high-energy songs that put you in a good mood, don’t they? The more I listen to this one, the more fun it gets.

The bold, straightforward lyrics—where I can’t hold back with my frustratingly slow boyfriend and end up kissing him myself—make my heart race.

The performers’ dancing is amazing too, so be sure to check out the music video!

Magic of a winter nightindigo la End

indigo la End “Winter Night Magic”

It’s a bittersweet unrequited love song about feelings that can’t reach their destination.

The track is by the rock band indigo la End, which includes Enon Kawatani—also active as the frontman of Gesu no Kiwami Otome—and it was released in 2017 as their eighth single.

While the brisk rhythm is striking, the more you unpack the protagonist’s emotions in the lyrics, the more it aches.

The unpredictable song structure is, as expected, impressive.

It’s a piece I recommend listening to carefully, especially when you’re alone.

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Araki Jakkan

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Forever feat. HAN-KUN & TEESPICY CHOCOLATE

SPICY CHOCOLATE – Forever feat. HAN-KUN & TEE (starring Yuina Kuroshima)

Many people probably know it since it was also used in a mobile carrier’s commercial song.

Set in winter, it expresses a straightforward feeling: despite some anxiety, the feelings never change.

Even when we’re apart, it’s warm because you’re there—that kind of sentiment warms the heart in the cold winter, doesn’t it?

Lovers againEXILE

EXILE / Lovers Again (Short Ver.)

Among EXILE’s songs, “Lovers Again” is especially recommended for winter.

It’s also one of those songs that makes your heart skip a beat when a man sings it at karaoke.

The lyrics express the feeling of believing you could never love someone again, yet now finding yourself ready to love once more.

I’m sure there are many women who would love to hear a guy they’re interested in sing this song.

History MakerDEAN FUJIOKA

TV Anime “Yuri!!! on ICE” Opening Movie | “History Maker” DEAN FUJIOKA

This is the opening theme of the anime “Yuri!!! on ICE,” which centers on figure skating.

It’s a grand piece sung in English, featuring a distinctive fusion of waltz rhythms, orchestral elements, and EDM beats.

Its lyrics offer encouragement to those who continue to chase their dreams, making it perfect for winter as we renew our resolve for the new year.

It’s a track I’d recommend to anyone who wants to reflect on their past and take a step into the future.

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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