[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 and Popular Winter Song Best Picks to Listen to in Winter (11–20)
silentSEKAI NO OWARI
“Silent,” which also gained attention as the theme song for the drama ‘Kono Koi Atatamemasu ka.’ The tinkling jingle of bells that evokes the scent of winter and the quietly resonant piano make it feel as if a vast snowy landscape is unfolding before your eyes.
The lyrics capture the bittersweet ache of unrequited love that wells up in the winter cold.
Vocalist Fukase’s beautiful voice conveys these emotions even more vividly.
It’s a song that offers comfort to those feeling lonely in the winter.
Snow BlossomNakajima Mika
One winter classic that should not be forgotten is Mika Nakashima’s “Yuki no Hana” (“Snow Flower”).
It also drew attention as the commercial song for Meiji’s “boda” and “galbo” snacks.
The gently flowing, piano-centered melody—tinged with poignancy and a chill—paired with Mika Nakashima’s soft vocals is truly memorable.
While winter’s cold can feel harsh, it also has the upside of bringing lovers closer together.
The song conveys the deepening bond between two people and their wish to continue living side by side.
Beloved by many artists, not only Japanese performers like Hideaki Tokunaga and Akina Nakamori but also musicians overseas, it’s a hugely popular winter song that has inspired numerous cover versions.
DEPARTURESglobe
Like snow piling up, love for the one I long for keeps accumulating in my heart.
This is globe’s winter love song that beautifully matches a wintry scene with a tale of romance.
At the time of its release, it was featured as JR East’s “JR SKISKI” commercial song.
Nearly 20 years later, it was also used in Coca-Cola’s Winter Bottle campaign and Prince Hotels’ Snow Resort campaign, and it has been cherished for many years as a classic winter tune.
The melody, crafted in the Komuro sound, carries a certain wistfulness that perfectly overlaps with the poignant imagery of winter.
Snow WhiteMarushii
A perfect Marcy track for a night when snow falls silently and piles up.
Released in December 2020, this song is a ballad that portrays a love you can’t forget, even though you said goodbye.
True to Marcy’s style, with lyrics that hit you right in the heart, the bittersweet feelings sink in and won’t let go.
Ukyo, who writes and composes the songs, delivers vocals that carry those aching emotions even deeper over the quiet melody.
It’s a masterpiece that captures a true winter scene, as gentle memories resurface along with the falling snow.
snowlightNEW!&TEAM
&TEAM, a global group under HYBE LABELS JAPAN active on the world stage.
This track, included on their 2nd album “Yukiakari,” released in December 2024, is a number that evokes hope like a light shining on a winter night.
As the finale to a story depicted through spring, summer, autumn, and winter, it expresses the strength of a bond that moves forward with trust in each other, even amid harsh cold.
Symbolic of the album that topped the Oricon Daily Chart on its release day, the song captivates with its beautiful choral work and the warm sound crafted by Soma Genda and others.
Why not give it a listen when you’re feeling uncertain or on a night when you want to feel the bond with your treasured friends? The light kindled in your heart will surely give you the courage to move forward.
Dear SantaNEW!Koresawa
Do you like those bittersweet yet warm Christmas songs you want to listen to as winter arrives? This is a single by Koresawa, a singer-songwriter from Osaka, released in November 2023.
It’s a song that has been cherished and performed live since her indie days, and for fans, its official release had been eagerly awaited for years.
Set to a gentle band sound woven by piano and guitar, the delicate lyrics—like entrusting a single wish to Santa—truly resonate.
The lyric video by filmmaker Shinpe UCHIBORI also became a hot topic.
It’s perfect for quietly spending a cold night alone or for facing your true feelings.
How about spending a heartwarming moment with this piece?
[Winter Songs] Masterpieces you’ll want to listen to in winter & Best Popular Winter Songs (21–30)
The parade of classic winter songs goes on and on!
We’ve introduced a carefully curated selection of classic winter songs, so I’m sure there were some that resonated with you. From here, we’ll keep showcasing plenty more popular winter tracks! These are all timeless tunes the editorial team recommends for listening this winter.
Winter Giftmosao.
This is a winter song that gently and wistfully portrays a wintry landscape.
Mosawo’s warm vocals sing of being in love against the backdrop of a snow-filled town.
Released in November 2020, the track is brimming with Christmas spirit.
It expresses the desire to spend special moments with a partner and to convey feelings to someone important.
It’s perfect for listening on a cold winter’s day, sipping hot cocoa in a cozy room.
It’s the kind of song that makes you want to give a heartfelt gift to someone you love.