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 Pop Winter Songs Ranking [2026] (21–30)
Snow WhiteFlower22rank/position
Flower’s Shirayukihime lingers in the heart as a weighty ballad, perfect for the cold season.
Inspired by a fairytale, the song portrays the frustration of a love that can never be fulfilled, setting to music the poignant feelings of a woman who waits single-mindedly for the one she loves.
The melody is sprinkled with the crisp atmosphere of winter and the mysterious worldview of Snow White, heightening the chill of February.
Its translucent vocals seep into the hearts of all who are in love, drawing listeners into an emotionally rich world.
Whether on Valentine’s Day or during a season of partings, this song will resonate deep within.
White LoveSPEED23rank/position
This is the fifth single by SPEED, a four-member female idol-style dance and vocal group, which was used as the commercial song for Shiseido’s “Tissela Angel Drop.” Released on October 15, 1997, it is known as SPEED’s biggest hit, having achieved double million sales.
With its catchy melody and dance, it’s a song that can really liven up a karaoke session for people of that generation.
The melody itself is simple, but because of the twin vocals and the wide pitch range, it might be difficult to sing alone.
If you team up with a friend whose comfortable range is different from yours and set the keys to suit each of you, it becomes much easier to sing—so give it a try!
Winter is starting.Makihara Noriyuki24rank/position
A classic winter song whose warm lyrics that evoke the arrival of the season resonate with the heart.
Released in November 1991 as Noriyuki Makihara’s fourth single, it was also used in a Sapporo Beer “Fuyu Monogatari” commercial.
The lyrics, depicting happy moments with a lover and mutual thoughtfulness, have captured the hearts of many.
Loved over the years—appearing as the commercial song in both 1991 and 2008—this piece brings a comforting warmth, conjuring a romantic scene of two people gazing at the stars on a cold winter night.
WHITE BREATHT.M.Revolution25rank/position
T.M.Revolution’s sixth single, a love song set in the cold season.
Takanori Nishikawa’s powerful vocals convey the loneliness of winter and the longing for warmth.
It was chosen as the opening theme for NHK’s “POP JAM” and became a hit, reaching No.
1 on the Oricon chart.
The song is also included on the best album “B★E★S★T” and has been covered by many artists.
It’s a track you’ll want to listen to when you feel like spending a chilly day with your lover, or on a winter night alone.
Snow WingsRedballoon26rank/position
Yuki no Tsubasa, well known as the ending theme for season 3 of the hugely popular anime Gintama.
It’s a track released as the major-label debut by the sibling duo redballoon, who announced their disbandment in 2018.
The chorus’s repeating melody is incredibly catchy, isn’t it? The fast-paced band sound, which evokes the sharp, icy winds of midwinter, is super cool! The song’s vocal range fits within a single octave, so it’s easy to sing without being too high or too low.
Even if the original key feels high, this is a song where you’re sure to find a comfortable key to sing in!
EverythingMISIA27rank/position
With her overwhelming vocal prowess spanning five octaves, MISIA is the singer who helped root R&B in Japan’s pop scene.
Released in October 2000 as her seventh single, this song was used as the theme for the TV drama “Yamato Nadeshiko” and became a signature winter hit, selling over 1.87 million copies according to Oricon.
Its lyrics, depicting missed connections in love and the wish to meet again, resonated with many listeners.
Among MISIA’s songs, the high notes in this one are comparatively restrained, making it easier to sing at karaoke—a definite appeal.
There’s also the famous anecdote that salt was used instead of snow during the music video shoot, and together with its visual beauty, the song has remained a beloved winter classic.
How about taking a moment to listen closely while reminiscing about that time?
White Marchsumika28rank/position
Sumika is a four-piece rock band with a soft, mellifluous voice and hook-filled lyrics that has garnered strong support, especially among younger listeners.
White March, included on their second album Chime, is a pop tune chosen as the theme song for JR East’s JR SKISKI 2018–2019 campaign.
Its translucent sound and brisk arrangement bring a festive sparkle to winter events, especially Christmas.
With a catchy melody and ethereal tones that evoke wintry landscapes, it’s a refreshing yet warmly comforting winter song.
