[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 Listen to in Winter & Best Popular Winter Songs (121–130)
Afterword of Winteraibii karaa
This Ivy Color track portrays a poignant love shaped by the chill of winter.
Focusing on lost love and past memories, it delicately captures emotions as they evolve over time.
Included on the mini-album “WHITE,” released in November 2020, the song blends beautiful piano melodies with a rock sound, embodying the band’s signature style.
It fully showcases Ivy Color’s knack for depicting the complexities of romance and human relationships, making it a perfect song for those who want to recall a bygone love while feeling the cold of winter.
galaxyFujifaburikku
Fujifabric is a rock band formed in 2000.
They made their major debut in April 2004 with “Sakura no Kisetsu,” themed around spring, and released this work, “Ginga,” in February 2005 as the final chapter of their four-part series of singles themed on the four seasons.
The striking intro feels like countless shooting stars.
With an addictive rhythm and playful wordplay, it’s a song that sticks in your head after just one listen.
It’s a winter song that conveys a piercing cold with just the phrase “shiroi iki” (white breath).
Thrilling Uplifting StreetOzawa Kenji
The 11th single by Kenji Ozawa—better known as Ozaken—who was hugely popular in the ’90s J-pop scene and often in the spotlight for things like being a University of Tokyo graduate and having a “prince-like” persona.
He’s actually the nephew of world-renowned conductor Seiji Ozawa.
The single was released by Toshiba EMI on December 20, 1995.
As the title suggests, it has an upbeat, buoyant sound.
I imagine many people think of this song as Christmas approaches.
Embraced by the wintry windKoizumi Kyoko
Released in 1987, this song was written by Toshihiko Takamizawa of THE ALFEE.
It was the theme song for the Toei film “Don’t Lay a Finger on My Girl,” starring Kyoko Koizumi, so many people who spent their youth back then will be familiar with it.
The lyrics convey the pain of unrequited love.
The intro features a drum part led by a snare reminiscent of a fife-and-drum corps, and a slightly European Celtic folk vibe that evokes a wintry atmosphere.
The slightly relaxed yet medium tempo feels just right.
[Winter Songs] Masterpieces to Listen to in Winter & Best Popular Winter Songs (131–140)
Cinderella ExpressMatsutōya Yumi
It was used in 1987 as the image song for JR Central’s Tokaido Shinkansen “Cinderella Express” TV commercials.
Some of you may know it from the commercials.
The ads likened 9:00 p.m.—the departure time of the last Tokyo-to-Shin-Osaka train, Hikari No.
289 (as of 1987)—to midnight, when Cinderella’s magic wears off and she must leave the ball.
They portrayed a love story on a Sunday night Shinkansen platform, where couples living apart meet on the weekend and then part ways.
The gentle melody and bittersweet lyrics tug at the heartstrings.
White Marchsumika
This winter song by sumika was chosen as the campaign theme for JR East’s “JR SKISKI.” The commercial features Kentaro Ito and Honoka Matsumoto, and sumika’s refreshing vibe matches perfectly, creating a lively, fresh feel.
The lyrics depict someone, with a pure, untainted heart as white as snow, dashing toward the future they envision without regret.
That determined drive toward a goal is buoyed by a light, invigorating melody—just as the title “March” suggests.
Since the lyrics portray a departure from a very cold town, it’s a perfect recommendation for anyone starting something new in winter!
White KeySuzuki Ami
Ami Suzuki’s fourth single, released in 1998.
It was used as the commercial song for the alpine snowboard brand “kissmark.” Among Tetsuya Komuro’s productions, it’s a winter track with a clear, transparent feel.
Yet the lyrics are, as expected, fleeting—yearning for lost love and memories of the past.
Perhaps everyone longs for someone with whom they can open their heart, for warmth.
It’s a song you want to listen to during that lonely season in December.
Accompanied by Ami Suzuki’s lovely, translucent vocals, it invites you to dwell on beautiful memories of the past.