Japanese Pop Winter Song Rankings [2026]
We’re excited to present the latest Top 100 ranking of Japanese winter songs, all in one go, ordered by the highest number of plays!
From romantic ballads perfect for winter drives to upbeat pop songs made for the ski slopes, this list is packed with beloved winter classics.
The playlist is updated every week.
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Japanese Winter Songs Ranking [2026] (91–100)
Happy Endingback number92rank/position
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.
loadTHE toraburyū93rank/position
A song with an emotionally rich melody and lyrics that pierce the heart.
When you listen, you can feel that aching, heartrending emotion that tightens your chest.
Since its release in February 1993, it has been known as a classic that captures people’s hearts and never lets go.
Depicting the sorrow of a man who lost a loved one in a traffic accident, the song reminds us of the importance of the small joys in everyday life.
Listening to it during the biting cold of winter makes it resonate even more deeply.
It’s a song that stays by your side in those moments when feelings for someone precious overflow.
BetelgeuseYuuri94rank/position
Singer-songwriter Yuuri captivates listeners with a voice that is both powerful and delicate.
Released in November 2021, this song was written as the theme for the TV drama “SUPER RICH.” Its lyrics liken human connections and bonds to the shimmer of stars, evoking the image of gazing up at a clear winter night sky.
The progression from a quiet opening to an explosive, emotionally charged chorus is sure to move anyone who listens.
Featured on the album “Ichi,” it has become a major hit with over 600 million streams.
It’s the perfect song for winter nights—whether you’re spending time with someone special or wanting to feel connected even when you’re apart.
Ah, geez.Saucy Dog95rank/position
It’s a heartbreak song packed with the bittersweet feelings of winter.
Released by Saucy Dog in December 2021, this track also gained attention as a collaboration with Morinaga’s DARS chocolate.
It was used as the theme song for TV Asahi and TELASA’s special drama “The Incompetent Couple.” The lyrics portray a woman’s emotions as she’s tossed around by the person she likes—staying on long phone calls, getting thrilled or deflated by LINE replies…
It vividly depicts the complex feelings of a woman in love.
It’s the perfect song for anyone nursing a painful crush, and it’s guaranteed to light up winter karaoke!
I BELIEVEKahara Tomomi96rank/position
A signature hit of the 1990s produced by Tetsuya Komuro.
Tomomi Kahara’s clear, transparent vocals capture both the beauty and the poignancy of winter.
Centered on themes of the joys and sorrows of love, as well as trust and hope, it resonates deeply with listeners.
Released in October 1995, it enjoyed strong popularity on the Oricon charts.
It also drew attention for donating part of its proceeds to relief funds for the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake.
The music video, set against majestic snowy mountains, is unforgettable.
If you listen while gazing out the window on a cold, windy night, it feels purifying—truly a perfect song for a long winter’s evening.
Blue MoonNiziU97rank/position
A beautiful winter ballad by NiziU that sings of the joy and tenderness of finally reuniting with someone precious after a time when you couldn’t meet, no matter how much you wanted to.
Layered with each member’s vocals to create stunning harmonies, this song melts seamlessly into the clear winter air.
First unveiled at their Tokyo Dome concert in November 2022—where they shared the moving experience of meeting fans face-to-face—it was released as a single in December of the same year.
The sound grows gradually from a quiet introduction into something grand, like the sight of snow gently piling up.
It’s a number that warmly wraps around the chill of winter.
Crystal StarKANA-BOON98rank/position
Sometimes you go for a drive to clear your head, right? When you’re feeling a bit down or anxious about the future, the rock band KANA-BOON’s classic 2014 release “Kesshōboshi” is there to keep you company.
It was originally released during their indie days on the single “Aono-oto,” and later re-recorded.
The band’s sound is cool yet warm, matching the winter air, and the encouraging lyrics sink in even deeper.
It’s a track with that distinctly KANA-BOON, feel-good rhythm that puts you at ease.
If you go for a drive while listening to “Kesshōboshi,” you’ll find courage slowly welling up inside you!
