Winter songs you'll want to listen to in the cold season! Recommended for the yutori generation
There have long been countless classic winter songs in the J-pop scene.
Of course there are Christmas songs, but there are also many beautiful tracks that depict winter scenery without any connection to Christmas.
So this time, we’re introducing winter songs recommended for the yutori generation.
From songs that warm you up in the cold season to heart-wrenching ballads, we’ve compiled a wide-ranging list.
We hope you’ll imagine the scenes as you listen and find numbers to spend the chilly season with.
- Winter Songs: Classic tracks you want to listen to in winter. Songs you long for during the winter.
- A poignant winter classic. A winter song that seeps into the heart on cold days.
- Recommended for the Yutori generation! Tear-jerking masterpieces from the J-pop scene
- [Winter Songs] The Best Classic and Popular Winter Tunes to Listen to in Winter
- A collection of timeless classics! Exquisite winter songs recommended for people in their 50s
- Add sparkle to glamorous events! Recommended Christmas songs for the relaxed generation
- [Easy to Sing] Recommended Winter Songs for Karaoke: A Collection of Classic Winter Hits
- [Winter Songs] Recommended for Women! A Collection of Winter Songs That Get the Crowd Going at Karaoke
- Familiar winter songs for people in their 30s. Lots of classic hits!
- [1980s J-Pop] Popular winter songs: from chart-toppers to hidden gems!
- Recommended for Gen Z! Winter songs that will liven up your winter events
- [For Seniors] Winter songs you'll want to hum along to. A collection of classic tunes recommended for BGM and recreational activities
- It cleanses the soul… Great J-pop songs recommended for the yutori generation
Songs you'll want to listen to in the cold season! Winter tracks recommended for the Yutori generation (11–20)
Santa ClausELLEGARDEN
As a song perfect for the cold season, let us introduce a classic winter track included on ELLEGARDEN’s first album, “DON’T TRUST ANYONE BUT US.” Characterized by poignant lyrics and an exhilarating, fast-paced melody, this piece expresses love for a significant other.
It portrays the protagonist giving a present to their lover as Santa Claus, conveying a romantic and exciting feeling.
Released in 2002, this work is beloved by many fans as a quintessential early ELLEGARDEN track.
It’s recommended for those looking for a song to warm up the cold season or for anyone who wants to reminisce about joyful moments with their partner.
I am Santa Claus.FUNKY MONKEY BABYS
A winter classic by FUNKY MONKEY BABYS whose warm melody and emotional lyrics resonate deeply.
Released in October 2007, this song expresses gentle compassion—wishing an ex-lover happiness—through the image of Santa Claus watching over them on Christmas night.
With a seamless blend of rap and melody, it stands out for its powerful message that truly touches listeners.
It’s a bittersweet yet heartwarming number you’ll want to hear during the cold season.
A song we especially recommend to anyone carrying feelings for someone important.
Christmas songback number
Set against the chill of winter and Christmas scenery, this song by back number—depicting a bittersweet longing for a lover—is one of their most popular tracks.
The lyrics capture the loneliness of being unable to see a loved one and the inner conflict over how to express one’s feelings, resonating with many listeners.
Released in 2015, it was also used as the theme song for Fuji TV’s Monday 9 p.m.
drama “5→9: From Five to Nine,” and was embraced by a wide audience.
The track is included on the album “Chandelier,” which reached No.
1 on the Oricon charts.
It’s a song you’ll want to listen to in the cold season—not just at Christmas, but throughout the entire winter.
chicken riceHamada Masatoshi / Makihara Noriyuki
A collaboration between Noriyuki Makihara, a singer-songwriter who has been a leading figure in Japan, and Masatoshi Hamada of Downtown, this track was released in November 2004.
The lyrics, which question the essence of happiness and convey compassion for family, are based on episodes from Hitoshi Matsumoto’s childhood.
Its heartwarming words and pop melody feel like they could blow away the chill of winter.
It’s a recommended song that can prompt even the yutori generation to reflect on memories with their families.
Lost SheepChatto Monchī
Using Christmas-like motifs, it portrays a relationship in a deep freeze, stuck in a period of ennui.
Even though reason says “I’m done,” a single email that just says “thank you” brings you to tears—this contradictory feeling is captured with raw honesty in lyrics by Akiko Fukuoka.
The song was included as the B-side to the 2006 single “Shangri-La,” and can also be heard on the 2010 compilation Hyōjō
Try listening to it alone on a cold night when your feelings for someone are wavering.
In that moment when you sway between bravado and your true feelings, it will surely stay by your side.
A Lump of LoveKinKi Kids
This song was included as the B-side to the 13th single “Hey! Minna Genki Kai?”, released in November 2001.
It’s also known for being used in a Morinaga “DARS” commercial.
With lyrics by Tsuyoshi Domoto and music by Koichi Domoto, it’s a well-known collaboration between the two, and despite being a B-side, it became one of the group’s signature hits, even taking first place in fan voting.
The lyrics, written from a woman’s perspective, portray the joy of sharing time with a lover and the bittersweetness that comes with it, resonating deeply.
As the cold deepens and we long for warmth, why not listen to it while thinking of someone special? It’s a heartwarming winter ballad, a true gem that has long been beloved in karaoke.
Perfect for the cold season! Winter songs recommended for the Yutori Generation (21–30)
Winter SongKiroro
A winter ballad by a music duo from Okinawa that portrays pure, heartfelt emotions.
The lyrics penned by Chiharu Tamashiro contrast the freezing chill of winter with the warmth deep within the heart, gently accompanying the listener’s feelings.
The delicate tones of the piano and the clear, transparent vocals intertwine, making this a timeless classic beloved as a winter staple.
Released in November 1998 as their third single, it became widely known through Meiji Seika’s TV commercials for Meltykiss and Porte.
It was later included on the album “Sukina Hito — Kiroro no Sora.” This is a song you’ll want to listen to on a cold night as you think of someone dear.
When you wish to feel a sure warmth amid the ache of longing, sit in a quiet room and listen closely.