Japanese Pop Winter Song Rankings [2026]

Lingering Snowiruka85rank/position

Nagori-yuki – Iruka

Winter is the perfect time to warm our hearts with music.

Among such songs, “Nagori Yuki” is beloved by many older adults.

Originally sung by Kaguyahime and later covered by Iruka, this song has lyrics so vivid that they paint scenes in the mind, making it easy to share the joy of humming along together.

Iruka’s version, in particular, is set in a singable key, making it a great choice when you want to enjoy singing with others.

It creates a chance to reminisce while also making new memories.

BLUE TEARSJUDY AND MARY86rank/position

Judy and Mary – Blue Tears

This song by JUDY AND MARY beautifully captures the cold winter night sky and the ache of unrequited love.

Released in November 1993, it conveys a world where distant memories and lingering feelings intersect, carried by delicate melodies.

収録アルバム『J・A・M』に含まれ、その後2006年の映画『シムソンズ』の主題歌に選ばれました。1996年からはフジテレビのバラエティ番組『めちゃ×2イケてるッ！』のエンディングテーマとしても使用されました。寒い夜をひとりで過ごすときも、胸に秘めた想いに向き合うときも、この曲はきっとあなたのそばにいてくれるでしょう。

SweetieME:I87rank/position

ME:I (Mei) ⊹ “Sweetie” Track Video

ME:I’s “Sweetie” lets you bask in the euphoric, heart‑fluttering spirit of the holiday season.

Released in December 2024, this song—the group’s first winter track—was created around the theme of a warm bond with fans.

It portrays the sweet moments of spending your first winter with someone special and the exciting, party-like thrill of celebration.

Its cute yet dazzling sound makes those special times in a snowy white world even more fun and festive! It’s perfect not only for lively ski and snowboard sessions with like-minded friends, but also for cozy get-togethers that feel like a girls’ night, taking a break at the lodge while enjoying sweet treats.

galaxyFujifaburikku88rank/position

Fujifabric – Galaxy (Ginga)

Fujifabric is a rock band formed in 2000.

They made their major debut in April 2004 with “Sakura no Kisetsu,” themed around spring, and released this work, “Ginga,” in February 2005 as the final chapter of their four-part series of singles themed on the four seasons.

The striking intro feels like countless shooting stars.

With an addictive rhythm and playful wordplay, it’s a song that sticks in your head after just one listen.

It’s a winter song that conveys a piercing cold with just the phrase “shiroi iki” (white breath).

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Kado(guchi) Shichigatsu

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Magic of a winter nightindigo la End89rank/position

indigo la End “Winter Night Magic”

When the cold really starts to set in, you find yourself wanting to listen to songs about bittersweet love, don’t you? This track by the rock band indigo la End is perfect for a winter night like that.

Released in December 2017, it was later included on the album “PULSATE.” It captures the helpless feelings of a love you know won’t be fulfilled but still can’t let go of, carried on delicate instrumentals.

It’s also ideal for creating a mellow mood at karaoke.

BlizzardMatsutōya Yumi90rank/position

Blizzard

Singer-songwriter Yumi Matsutoya has long remained at the forefront of Japan’s music scene.

Among her many winter songs, this track continues to captivate countless fans with its exhilarating sense of speed.

The glittering arrangement by Masataka Matsutoya, making masterful use of synthesizers, vividly evokes the image of blizzards sweeping across the ski slopes.

Included on the album NO SIDE, released in December 1984, the song became a winter classic after being featured in the 1987 film Take Me Out to the Snowland.

It’s the perfect tune for a winter drive or the trip to the ski resort, conjuring up passionate drama even amid the biting cold.

Happy Endingback number91rank/position

back number – Happy End (full)

A ballad that’s perfect for the season when winter’s chill makes your heart tremble.

It matches the longing that comes as autumn turns to winter and the nostalgic atmosphere.

Overflowing with the earnest emotions that grip the listener’s heart, it’s a song brimming with the uniquely bittersweet flavor of back number.

Released in November 2016, it was also used as the theme song for the film “My Tomorrow, Your Yesterday.” The lyrics, which depict the complex feelings of two people who choose to part ways, allow for various interpretations and leave a deep aftertaste.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to quietly on a winter night—one that stays close to those separated from a lover or carrying the pain of heartbreak.