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.
- Popular Winter Songs Ranking [2026]
- [Songs to Listen to in December] J-POP and Christmas Songs that Feel Like Winter [2026]
- [Winter Songs] The Best Classic and Popular Winter Tunes to Listen to in Winter
- Band songs perfect for winter nights: heartwarming masterpieces of Japanese music.
- [2026] Upbeat winter J‑Pop: Energetic winter songs
- [Snow Songs] Classic winter tunes themed around snow. Snow songs that touch the heart.
- [Masterpiece] Big Winter Anime Song Special!
- Popular Japanese music. Latest rankings [2026]
- Winter songs with lyrics that really hit home. Winter tunes you’ll want to listen to closely.
- Western songs to listen to in winter: heart-touching winter songs
- [Winter Songs] Recommended for Instagram Reels! Classic winter hits
- Winter Songs: Classic tracks you want to listen to in winter. Songs you long for during the winter.
- Winter songs in 90s J-pop: a roundup of popular winter tunes
Japanese Pop Winter Song Rankings [2026] (41–50)
Winter BellsKuraki Mai43rank/position
A gemlike pop number by Mai Kuraki that wraps the chill of winter in a heartwarming love story.
Used as the opening theme for the TV anime Detective Conan, it was released in January 2002 as her 11th single.
The song weaves feelings of longing for a lover far away and the hope of reunion into a beautiful melody.
Its lyrics vividly paint winter scenes—snowy landscapes, candlelight, and softly tolling bells.
With a romantic and upbeat mood, it’s sure to elevate any karaoke session.
A perfect pick for those moments when you want to feel a special bond with someone important, or when you’re looking for a dazzling winter song.
Lovers AgainEXILE44rank/position
Released in January 2007 and still beloved as a winter staple, this song is a mid-tempo ballad that delicately portrays a man’s aching emotions amid a winter landscape.
Its lyrics, which layer lingering feelings for a former lover over wintry scenery, resonate even more deeply thanks to the richly expressive vocals of ATSUSHI and TAKAHIRO.
The arrangement blends balladry with danceable elements in a way that’s quintessentially EXILE.
Widely recognized as the CM song for KDDI’s au service “au LISMO,” it became familiar to many and reached No.
2 on the Oricon weekly chart.
A gem of a winter song, it gently stays by the side of anyone who has experienced a breakup on those cold, lonely winter nights.
Happy Happy GreetingKinKi Kids45rank/position
This song features a bright, light melody that leaves a strong impression.
The lyrics overflow with the joy and happiness of celebrating the New Year, brimming with energy that seems to blow away the winter chill.
Released as a single in December 1998, the composition and arrangement were handled by Tatsuro Yamashita, with lyrics by Takashi Matsumoto.
It was also used as the commercial song for Panasonic’s DigiCam.
It’s the perfect track for anyone looking to make a fresh start and take a hopeful step forward with the dawn of a new year.
A feel-good winter song that’s highly recommended for January.
snow globeKANA-BOON46rank/position
If you’re looking for a straight-up rock-sounding winter song, I recommend KANA-BOON’s “Snow Dome.” It’s a fan-favorite often hailed as a masterpiece, included on their third album “TIME,” released in 2015.
The driving sound paired with bittersweet lyrics makes your heart swell, and combined with the chill of winter, it leaves you with a trembling sensation.
Listen closely to the poignant lyrics about someone you can no longer meet—someone who’s no longer here.
snow jamRin Oto47rank/position
Rin-ne, a rapper from Fukuoka, captivates with his comfortable mellow beats and gentle vocal tone.
His signature track “snow jam” is a lovely song with a warm, chilled vibe that’s perfect for winter nights.
Its relaxed feel, evoking the drowsiness before sleep, and its unpretentious, down-to-earth lyrics offer close comfort.
Released in February 2020, the track is a popular number included on his first album, “swipe sheep.” It caught fire mainly on social media, surpassed 100 million streams, and earned him the New Artist Award at the Japan Record Awards that same year.
How about using it as background music for time spent with your partner?
Winter TaleSandaime Jē Sōru Burazāzu fromu Eguzairu Toraibu48rank/position
A winter ballad by Sandaime J SOUL BROTHERS from EXILE TRIBE, featuring delicate sounds from the intro that evoke gently falling snow.
Released in October 2013 as their 10th single, it’s a medium-tempo track where wistfulness and strength coexist.
The lyrics depict winter scenery and lingering feelings for someone who’s drifting away, tightening your chest as you listen.
It also drew attention as the ending theme for NTV’s “PON!” and as a commercial song for Huis Ten Bosch.
Included on the album “BLUE IMPACT,” it has long been cherished as a winter staple.
The contrasting timbres of the two vocalists weave a must-hear harmony.
It’s a song you’ll want to savor quietly during the season when you long for warmth, or on city corners aglow with illuminations.
Unrequited lovemiwa49rank/position
In this season when even our hearts shrink from the winter chill, Miwa’s classic “Kataomoi” remains a beloved ballad that gently embraces those carrying unrequited feelings.
Miwa’s delicate, breath-like vocals evoke the image of quietly conveying one’s thoughts to a cherished person.
The heart-kept yearning and the frustrations of love, carried by the tender piano melody, stir the listener’s emotions.
As you prepare for Valentine’s Day, why not spend the winter with a gentle warmth, listening to this song? Even in the cold, this warm love song will strengthen your heart and give you courage.