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] (11–20)
Snow SmileBUMP OF CHICKEN15rank/position
A heartwarming love story portrayed through the chill of winter.
Released by BUMP OF CHICKEN in December 2002, this song gently yet poignantly depicts a couple’s relationship against a snowy backdrop.
It uses the cold of winter as a pretext for the two to draw closer, expressing their bond through differences in stride and the rhythm of their footsteps.
The delicate emotions woven into the winter scenery resonate quietly with listeners.
Since its release, it has remained a beloved staple of the winter season.
It’s a recommended track when you want to etch the bittersweetness of love and winter landscapes into your heart, or when you feel like immersing yourself in memories with someone special.
Snow Magic FantasySEKAI NO OWARI16rank/position
A winter song that lets you feel a heart-lifting exhilaration with its fantastical snowy scenery and lively, marching band–style sound.
It overflows with SEKAI NO OWARI’s signature sense of fantasy, depicting a love story like a tale.
Released in January 2014, the track was written specifically for JR East’s JR SKISKI commercial, and its striking finish comes from layering a majestic arrangement over a refreshing melody.
It’s perfect for the trip to the slopes or for enjoying a winter date while gazing at illuminations.
A song that captures the excitement and butterflies of a White Christmas, it’s sure to liven up karaoke during the holiday season.
silentSEKAI NO OWARI17rank/position
A winter classic by SEKAI NO OWARI that evokes snow piling up on a quiet night.
Written specifically as the theme song for the 2020 TBS drama “Kono Koi Atatamemasu ka,” the track features Christmas-like sleigh bells as an accent, and lyrics that capture a silence like sound has vanished and an unspoken, aching longing that truly resonates.
Surprisingly, that vivid wintry atmosphere was created by the members in the middle of summer, chilling the room to an extreme with air conditioning.
Later included on the album “scent of memory,” it can be considered one of their new standard numbers.
It’s also frequently featured on TikTok as a song people want to hear in winter—perfect for pairing with videos of illuminated cityscapes and snowy scenes.
Be sure to use it as heartwarming BGM for your posts.
DEPARTURESglobe18rank/position
A song that brilliantly captures the bittersweet feeling of winter.
Released in January 1996 as globe’s 4th single, it was also featured in JR East’s “JR SKISKI” commercial.
It became a massive hit, achieving double million sales and ranking 2nd on the Oricon year-end singles chart.
The winter scenes woven by the electronic sound and KEIKO’s clear, transparent vocals are sure to resonate deeply with those in their 40s.
The lyrics, which express the desire to break free from a stagnant daily life, gently encourage anyone looking to take a new step forward—making it a heartwarming track.
Winter SongKiroro19rank/position
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.
SubtitleOfisharu Higedan Dism20rank/position
A winter ballad by Official HIGE DANDism that quietly seeps into the heart like snow falling and piling up in silence.
Released for streaming in October 2022, this song was written as the theme for Fuji TV’s Thursday drama “silent.” Comparing words to snowflakes, the lyrics portray both the difficulty and the preciousness of conveying shapeless feelings, striking listeners deeply.
The anecdote that it was created after a training camp in Hokkaido also makes you feel the wintry air—cold yet warm—breathing through the entire piece.
It’s perfect for gazing out over a silver world from a ski lift, or for taking a relaxing break in a lodge with a warm drink in hand.
Japanese Pop Winter Songs Ranking [2026] (21–30)
LOVER SOULJUDY AND MARY21rank/position
The distorted guitar sound warms up the cold winter.
“LOVER SOUL” is a song released in 1998 by the legendary rock band JUDY AND MARY.
With soaring vocals and a melody that colors the moment like gently falling snow, it’s a track that sings about lovers sinking deeply into a world of just the two of them.
Perfect for a night drive through city streets glowing with illuminations! Listen to it with your partner or someone you like, and it will surely become a special winter memory.
