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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 (11–20)

Lingering SnowMei Jei & Minami Kousetsu

[Eng sub] Nagori Yuki / Shozo Ise, Iruka, Kosetsu Minami — Nagori Yuki (song by Iruka)
Lingering SnowMei Jei & Minami Kousetsu

Even if they know “Nagori Yuki,” many people probably don’t realize it’s a song by the band that included Kōsetsu Minami.

This cross-generational collaboration is just wonderful.

Kōsetsu Minami’s ageless, lovely voice and May J.’s clear, translucent vocals are a perfect match.

It’s an outstanding performance—I highly recommend it.

Lingering Snowaiko & kiroro

[Rare] 'Nagori Yuki' sung by aiko and Kiroro
Lingering Snowaiko & kiroro

This is a cover by two popular singers who have performed on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

I think the selling point of this cover is the harmonies that only these two can create.

The harmony woven by their gentle voices is truly beautiful.

You can almost see the poignant scene of falling snow.

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 SnowMoriguchi Hiroko

Yasuko Moriguchi is strongly associated with lively kayōkyoku pop songs.

But in this cover, she delivers a gentle, heartfelt ballad.

It’s a song that showcases her glossy, tender voice.

Her expressive power in “Nagori Yuki” wonderfully draws out the poignancy.

It grabs your heart and is so captivating that before you know it, you’ve listened all the way to the end.

In conclusion

I introduced many covers of Kaguya-hime’s classic song “Nagori Yuki.” You might have been surprised to see such a star-studded lineup of artists covering it.

It moved me again to realize just how loved and often sung this song is.

Since the covers are arranged in a variety of styles, please be sure to listen and compare each one!