[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 (161–170)
pure whiteBikkeburanka
“Masshiro,” also known as an insert song from the drama “We Cannot Become Beasts” starring Yui Aragaki and Ryuhei Matsuda in dual lead roles.
The singer is the singer-songwriter Vickeblanka.
With a voice that slips gently into the cracks of the heart, he wraps the sudden loneliness felt in the cold winter wind with warmth in this piece as well.
Woven with a soft piano melody, it’s a work that kindles warmth on a cold winter’s day, as if it could turn even your heart pure white.
HibernationYorushika
A poignant winter song by Yorushika.
While depicting the shift from autumn to winter, its lyrics gently weave together forgotten memories and emotions, leaving a strong impression.
Beneath its quiet surface lies a powerful message that is sure to resonate deeply with listeners.
Released in May 2018, this work is included on the album “Makenai Inu ni Encore wa Iranai” (“No Encore for the Loser Dog”).
Highly recommended as a song to listen to alone during the cold season.
On a winter night, listening while gazing out the window will make it sink even deeper into your heart.
[Songs of Winter] Classic Tracks and Popular Winter Songs You’ll Want to Hear in Winter (171–180)
Galaxy of SnowMori Hiroto
Haruto Mori’s new song paints a winter scene as if it were a painting.
Carried by a melody as delicate and beautiful as a snowflake, it weaves together deep love and aching tenderness.
Released digitally on December 8, 2023, the track also realizes a collaboration with the TikTok drama “Someday Christmas.” It perfectly matches the world of the hit series by Gokko Club, which has amassed 1.5 billion views.
This work delicately portrays the feelings of someone trying to overcome a parting with a loved one, making it a heartwarming winter song that gently accompanies those in love.
SweetieME:I
It’s a winter love song that sings about the sweet season of romance.
ME:I’s gentle vocals bring back warm memories of time spent with a loved one.
You can feel the happiness of sharing your first winter together and the desire to cherish everyday, little moments.
It also seems to carry gratitude for the fans, making it a heartwarming track.
Released as a digital single in December 2024, this is said to be ME:I’s first winter song.
It’s a perfect pick for winter dates or spending the holiday season with someone special.
Why not listen to it together with your loved ones—your partner, friends, or family?
hot milknishina
A song I’d love you to listen to on long winter nights is “Hot Milk.” It’s a track by singer-songwriter Nishina, created as the theme song for episode 1 of the drama “I Want a Love Like a Romance Drama in New York.” It portrays someone alone on a long night, thinking about an ex.
The content is quite heartrending, but Nishina’s gentle voice seems to warm the heart when you listen.
Also, I hope you’ll pay attention to the conclusion the protagonist reaches at the end of the song.
wintering swallowMori Masako
This gem of a ballad, which eloquently sings of the aching melancholy of painful love, is a masterpiece that showcases Masako Mori’s outstanding vocal prowess.
Its poetic world is striking: the feelings of a woman who has thrown herself into a forbidden romance are overlaid with the image of a lone swallow that defies the seasons and makes its home out of place.
Mori’s limpid voice intertwines with the heartrending melody, where sorrow and passion cross, creating a deeply moving song.
After its 1983 release, her tearful performance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen drew widespread attention, and the song earned her the Best Vocal Performance award at the 25th Japan Record Awards.
Even among enka songs that give voice to bittersweet longing, this work stands out for its richly expressive phrasing.
It’s the perfect piece for those moments when you want to pour your emotions into the song and sing your heart out, as if setting your soul free.
The 5th＝LOVE
=LOVE is an idol group produced by Rino Sashihara.
Let me introduce their 10th single, “The 5th.” It’s a mid-tempo ballad that depicts a couple at Christmastime, singing about scenes like eating cake and exchanging gifts.
The lyrics are filled with Christmas-related romance.
This work is also known as a sort of sequel to “Bokura no Seifuku Christmas.” If you listen to them together, you’ll find many lyrics that make you think, “I see.”