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

orionYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – Orion, Kenshi Yonezu

A song by Kenshi Yonezu with Orion, a winter constellation, in its title.

It was used as the ending theme for the anime March Comes in Like a Lion.

Every time Yonezu releases a track, it racks up staggering view counts on video sites like YouTube; this song, too, smoothly surpassed 100 million views.

It’s said to have been written from the perspective of Rei Kiriyama, a character in the anime, with the Orion constellation shining in the crisp winter air as a key motif.

Just like Orion, which connects to many stars, the song carries the wish to never be separated from the people and things that are dear to us.

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SAKI

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snowlight&TEAM

&TEAM ‘Yukiakari’ Special Video for LUNÉ

&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 SantaKoresawa

Koresawa “Onegai Santa Claus” [Lyric Video]

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?

winterlustLaura day romance

Laura day romance / winterlust (official music video)

Formed in 2017, Laura day romance is a three-piece band known for their literary lyrics and soothing melodies.

Released in January 2026, this track was written specifically as the CM song for “JR SKISKI 2025-2026.” It’s refreshingly bright, blending vivid depictions that evoke the feel of snow underfoot and shared warmth with a driving band sound.

There’s a burst of momentum—like everyone shouting “Ready, go!”—that makes you feel excited just by listening.

The exhilaration of snow-covered mountains, far from everyday life, pairs perfectly with the poppy vibe to make your time on the slopes even more fun! It’s also perfect for gazing at the scenery from the lift or as in-car BGM on the way to the ski resort.

A wonderful song that will color your winter memories in vivid hues.

Winter Song Defense ForcePanda Doragon

[PandaDragon] Winter Song Defense Corps [13th Single]

The song that’s sure to instantly liven up the winter slopes is a sentai-hero-style winter tune sung by PandaDragon, known as the junior group to MeseMoa.

Their unique, comical concept of becoming a defense squad that “protects winter songs” really stands out.

Released as the title track of their single in December 2025, the song created a huge buzz, including earning the group their first No.

1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

With its catchy melody and lyrics by Sho Hoshibe, you’ll find yourself humming along with friends on the lift.

It’s perfect for moments when you want to forget the cold and cut loose, or to psych yourself up before hitting the slopes on your snowboard! Its unbridled, sunny sound is bound to turn the snowy world into a lively party venue.

Winter, againGLAY

GLAY / Winter, again

This song was used as the campaign track for JR SKI SKI and is also known as GLAY’s biggest hit.

From the intro to the chorus, the entire piece carries an atmosphere that evokes snowy landscapes, as if you can see composer TAKURO’s imagery just as it is.

It’s a classic winter song etched into both GLAY’s history and the history of J-POP.

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Hoshino Takashi

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White Winter Love。haji→

Hajime → White Winter Love.

Let me introduce a pure-white unrequited-love song that’s perfect for winter, like snow quietly piling up.

Sung by Haji→ from Sendai, this piece is a heartrending ballad with beautifully resonant piano melodies.

Released as a single in December 2013, it was Haji→’s first ballad.

The music video features actor Ryo Ryusei and actress Kumi Takiuchi, and its heartwarming visuals became a hot topic.

It’s striking how the feelings of love, growing like falling snow, are expressed in straightforward words.

Many will surely relate to the frustration of being unable to confess one’s feelings and the overflowing affection… That warmth that gives a gentle push to those in unrequited love makes this a must-listen for anyone wanting to bask in a romantic winter mood.