[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 (131–140)
pure whiteyama
This song delicately portrays the feelings of winter love.
The lyrics, which evoke an image of two people lying on pure white roses, are striking and express the beauty of fleeting love.
yama’s androgynous, husky voice further enhances the sense of longing.
Released in October 2020, the track was chosen as the theme song for the drama “Koi Ai Dorama na Koi ga Shitai ~Kiss On The Bed~.” It also drew attention as yama’s major-label debut.
Recommended for those troubled by love or those who want to cherish time with someone special.
It’s a song you’ll want to listen to quietly on a winter night.
Blue MoonNiziU
A winter ballad that delicately captures both the wistfulness and warmth you feel when gazing up at the winter night sky.
It’s a song filled with the charm of NiziU.
Released in November 2022, it gently embraced fans’ hearts.
The lyrics are striking, overlaying thoughts of a precious person far away with fragile yet beautiful imagery like falling snow.
It’s a track you’ll want to listen to softly with someone on a cold winter night.
Perfect for creating cherished memories with a lover or friend.
snow jamRin Oto
This is a signature song by Rin-ne, one of the artists who broke through in 2020 thanks to the internet.
This track was the catalyst for his rise, right? He originally made a name for himself in his hometown of Kyushu as a battle MC, but in stark contrast to his battle style, his music features sweet lyrics sung over very mellow, chill tracks.
The catchy melodies that you can’t get out of your head and the lyrics that use familiar, everyday language are especially appealing—it’s easy to see why he’s so popular with younger listeners.
It’s a song with a cool, wintery atmosphere that gently seeps into your heart.
broad daylightKing Gnu
King Gnu’s “Hakujitsu (White Day)” was a massive hit in 2019, leading to the band’s first appearance on that year’s NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
The song was written as the theme for the drama Innocence: False Accusation Lawyer starring Kentaro Sakaguchi.
Under a request from the producer—to imbue the song with the hope that people who have been falsely accused and forced into harsh circumstances can live positively toward the future—this piece was created.
No matter what we do, the past cannot be changed, yet the song carries a resolve to keep moving through the present and into the future.
The pure white of winter snow resonates with the desire to be reborn, pristine and new.
All My Love To YouDA PUMP
As a winter ballad, I recommend DA PUMP’s “All My Love To You.” Released in 2001, the group was a male idol group at the time, and vocalist ISSA’s exceptional singing ability earned widespread acclaim.
While DA PUMP is often associated with upbeat tracks, you can fully appreciate ISSA’s true vocal prowess in their ballads as well.
In this song, emotionally rich lyrics and melodies themed around Christmas—a hallmark of the winter season—convey the bliss of lovers in winter.
If you’re looking for a ballad perfect for the colder months, be sure to add this track to your playlist!
Tokyo’s WinterA Natsume
When it comes to winter songs that evoke a radiant future for lovers, Tokyo no Fuyu (Tokyo’s Winter) comes to mind.
Released in 2021 by rapper A Natsume, who enjoys overwhelming support from teens, the track boasts a grand, expansive sound with a softly warm melody that resonates.
The lyrics, depicting everyday moments in the life of a couple in love, convey a genuine, down-to-earth affection.
The cool vocal delivery—showcasing his rap skills—is another highlight.
Set against a breezy, spreading piano tone, the song carries a message sung as if speaking directly to a lover.
Santa Girl feat. nishinaWurtS
WurtS drew attention after his signature track “Wakattenaiyo” went viral on TikTok.
Included on his 2021 album “Once Upon a Revival” is “Santa Girl feat.
nishina.” The nostalgic piano tones pair perfectly with Nishina’s pure vocals.
The lyrics tell a story, depicting the period from when the loving couple first meets up to Christmas.
With male–female twin vocals, it’s a song that celebrates the festive arrival of the holiday season.