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Nagori-yuki: Popular Cover Song

Released in 1974 as a song by the folk group Kaguyahime, “Nagori Yuki” remains one of those timeless classics that’s still being sung today.

Folk singer Iruka covered the song in 1975, which propelled “Nagori Yuki” to even greater popularity.

Since then, this masterpiece has been loved and continually covered by many artists! In this article, we’ll introduce some of those versions.

The song has been covered across genres—enka, rock, and pop—so be sure to compare them and find which artist’s cover you like best!

Nagori Yuki: Popular Cover Songs (1–10)

Lingering SnowYamazaki Masayoshi & Suga Shikao

This is a performance by the band Fukumi, where members often rotate around core artists like Kyoko from Barbee Boys, Masayoshi Yamazaki, and Suga Shikao.

From the intro guitar on, they make it their own without undermining the feel of the original—impressive work—and it also shows just how much of a masterpiece “Nagori Yuki” is, because it still stands strong.

Highly recommended, a must-listen.

Lingering SnowYasushi Nakanishi

Yasushi Nakanishi 'Nagori Yuki' PV Full [HD]
Lingering Snow Yasushi Nakanishi

At a slow tempo, Yasushi Nakanishi sings gently, and the piano performance further accentuates the poignancy of the two people who appear in “Nagori Yuki.” It skillfully carries on the appeal of the folk group Kaguyahime, while conveying a more mature quality in the song that’s different from Iruka’s.

Lingering SnowTokunaga Hideaki

Remaining Snow Hideaki Tokunaga Traditional Chinese Lyrics
Lingering SnowTokunaga Hideaki

“Nagori-yuki” is a well-known number famous for Iruka’s solo acoustic performance.

Hideaki Tokunaga sings it gently and tenderly.

This arrangement is packed with the charm of Hideaki Tokunaga, whose high notes are beautifully clear.

His soothing voice fits “Nagori-yuki” perfectly—it truly warms the heart.

‘Nagori-yuki’ Popular Cover Songs (11–20)

Lingering SnowKamishiraishi Mone

Mone Kamishiraishi — 2018 FNS Showa Classic 'Nagori Yuki'
Lingering SnowKamishiraishi Mone

It even feels like it’s been sung so much that it’s part of her live setlist.

In a year-end music show in 2018, her gentle yet powerful voice conveyed the sorrow of “Dolphin” so authentically that you wouldn’t think she’s an actress, and it really draws in the listener’s heart.

I truly recommend it.

Lingering SnowOnitsuka Chihiro

Chihiro Onitsuka - Nagori Yuki (Remnant Snow/Lasting Snow)
Lingering SnowOnitsuka Chihiro

Chihiro Onitsuka is an artist I personally like, and this is her cover of my beloved “Nagori Yuki.” It’s just the best.

Her bittersweet yet powerful voice makes the world of the song’s lyrics feel even more alive.

It’s as if you can see snow falling straight ahead where her gaze is fixed.

I truly recommend this performance.

Lingering SnowNaka Kousuke

This is a cover by Takashi Nakamura, whose beautiful high notes and distinctive singing style rooted in Amami folk music are immensely captivating.

The crisp rhythm created by the drum machine is lovely, and the arrangement is stylish and light yet fluid—truly memorable.

Thanks to his vocal phrasing, which lends an even more Japanese flavor to the sound, this cover undeniably deserves to be counted among the greats.

Lingering SnowJINDOU

JINDOU “Nagori Yuki ~Punk Version~”
Lingering SnowJINDOU

Now this is a cover.

Singing without altering the original feels closer to a copy.

But even when it’s transformed this much, “Nagori Yuki” itself isn’t broken.

Even within the punk rhythm, JINDOU carefully preserves the melody line and lyrics, and you can feel how much “Nagori Yuki” is loved in this performance.

I especially recommend it to younger listeners who don’t know “Nagori Yuki.”