Japanese Pop Winter Song Rankings [2026]

broad daylightKing Gnu29rank/position

King Gnu – Hakujitsu

When we watch the snow falling hard, a bittersweet yet beautiful melody comes to mind.

It’s a signature song by King Gnu, released digitally in 2019 and written as the theme for the drama “Innocence: False Accusation Lawyer.” The lyrics depict a heartfelt wish to have an irreparable past and one’s mistakes concealed beneath pure white snow.

No matter how much we regret, time won’t turn back; all we can do is keep walking through the continuous present—a painful truth most of us have felt at least once.

Begun by Daiki Tsuneta at the end of 2018, the track went on to set astonishing streaming records.

It’s also an indispensable winter soundtrack on TikTok.

Listening to it in the cold air might be a good chance to face your own heart.

Winter and Springback number30rank/position

back number – Winter and Spring

Back number is a rock band that has produced numerous love songs and continues to captivate many listeners with their poignant lyrical world.

In January 2024, they released Winter and Spring for streaming.

Depicting the scenery of the season shifting from winter to spring and the delicate emotions of love that waver within it, the song gently tightens listeners’ hearts.

It also drew major attention for being the first music video directed by vocalist Iyori Shimizu, featuring actress Anna Ishii.

The producer is Masanori Shimada, who teamed up with them on the hit song Horizon, resulting in a beautifully crafted band sound.

The track has resonated widely, surpassing 100 million streams.

As the seasons change, why not listen closely while thinking of someone important to you?

Merry XmasBoA31rank/position

BoA / Meri Kuri

When it comes to a winter ballad that evokes a romantic scene of pledging eternal love against a white snowy landscape, this unforgettable classic comes to mind.

Its melody, which conveys warm hope amid heartache, and BoA’s clear, pure vocals resonate deeply.

This song was released as a single in December 2004 and became widely known as the theme for Toshiba’s W21T commercial.

There’s even a story that the music video used real first snowfall shot in Tomamu, Hokkaido, which made the visuals a hot topic at the time.

It’s perfect not only for listening on a holy night spent with your partner, but also for singing at karaoke to convey your feelings to someone special.

For those in their 40s, it’s sure to stir the heart with bittersweet memories from back then.

I want to fall in love so much that the slopes melt.Hirose Kōmi32rank/position

Kohmi Hirose – I Want to Fall in Love Until the Slopes Melt (Official Video)

As winter approaches, the songs by Kohmi Hirose—fondly known as the “Queen of Winter”—naturally come to mind.

Released in December 1995, this track is an upbeat tune that captures the excitement of the ski boom of the time.

Its lyrics burst with the joy of a love in full swing, and the piercing high notes feel exhilarating, conjuring vivid images of white ski slopes as you listen.

It enjoyed a double tie-in, airing in households as the CM song for the sporting goods store Alpen and serving as the theme song for a film of the same name, so many people likely find that just hearing the chorus brings back sharp memories of their youth.

Brimming with positive energy that powerfully boosts feelings of romance, it’s the perfect song for amping up a winter drive or a karaoke session.

winter fallL’Arc〜en〜Ciel33rank/position

L’Arc～en～Ciel「winter fall」-Music Clip-

Released in January 1998, this work became the first single after Yukihiro officially joined the band, debuting at No.

1 on the Oricon chart.

It also served as a lead track from the album HEART.

The lyrics, depicting snow that fades away fleetingly in the palm of one’s hand and a love that comes to an end with winter, overlay the changing seasons with inner conflict, evoking a poignant ache.

The grand arrangement boldly incorporating strings and horns, combined with a breakbeat-style rhythm that creates a sense of propulsion, conveys a refreshing feeling like sprinting through the end of winter.

It was also used as the image song for Season 2 of the TV drama Chicago Hope.

It’s a song that stays by your side when you want to look back on the past at winter’s end and renew your resolve for spring.

IlluminationSEKAI NO OWARI34rank/position

SEKAI NO OWARI “Illumination”

A song that paints the glittering scenery of winter with a unique sense of color.

Instead of bold hues like red or blue, it gently affirms the beauty of a lingering, blended gray—and that kindness really touches the heart.

Fukase’s warm vocals and the wintry, shimmering strings softly wrap around a chilled heart.

Released in October 2018, the track was created as the theme song for the TV Asahi drama “Legal V: Ex-Lawyer Shoko Takanashi,” and was later included on the album “Lip.” With lyrics that balance strength and tenderness, it’s perfect for times when you want to love someone just as they are.

An ideal song to sink into during the cold season while feeling someone’s warmth.

New Year’s DayELLEGARDEN35rank/position

“New Year’s Day ELLEGARDEN Japanese-to-English Translation”

Included as the B-side to ELLEGARDEN’s signature song “Jitterbug” on the single is “New Year’s Day.” It’s a track imbued with the message that “life ends in the blink of an eye,” depicting memories of a certain New Year’s Eve.

With ELLEGARDEN’s trademark powerful punk sound, it’s definitely a number you can rock out to.

The band has fans across a wide range of ages, making it a perfect choice for karaoke!

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Hamada Takuya

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