Japanese Pop Winter Song Rankings [2026]

Heroineback number1rank/position

back number – Heroine (full)

This back number song, which portrays the bittersweetness of a winter unrequited love, was released in January 2015 as their 11th single.

As the JR East “JR SKISKI” campaign song, together with a commercial starring Suzu Hirose, it left a lasting impression on many people.

The protagonist’s feelings—cherishing every moment of the person they like—are carried by a warm band sound.

The frustration of drafting and deleting confessions, the anxiety of not being a good match in the other person’s eyes, and the poignancy felt amid snowy scenery—all of the lyrics resonate deeply with anyone experiencing unrequited love.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to while walking through a winter city, thinking of someone special.

Christmas songback number2rank/position

back number – Christmas Song (full)

This is one of back number’s signature winter songs, memorable for its beautiful melody that seems to resonate across the winter night sky.

Released in November 2015 as their 14th single, it became a massive hit as the theme song for the drama “5→9: From Five to Nine.” It’s now cherished as a classic winter tune.

The song’s greatest charm lies in its lyrics, which straightforwardly express a deepening affection for someone special.

You can vividly picture the protagonist overflowing with the desire to see the one they love, and it makes your heart ache as you listen.

Interestingly, aside from the title, it doesn’t use any words tied to a specific day, giving it a universal love song quality that truly resonates.

Also included on the album “Chandelier,” this heartwarming track is perfect for a quiet night when you’re thinking of someone important.

White LoversKuwata Keisuke3rank/position

Keisuke Kuwata – Shiroi Koibito-tachi (Short ver.)

A heartwarming ballad that delicately paints winter scenes, transforming the bittersweet memory of a lost love into a feeling of blessing.

While looking back on a past romance, it carries a positive message about cherishing the love that was shared, resonating through Keisuke Kuwata’s warm, soulful vocals.

Released in October 2001 as his seventh single, this gem won the Gold Prize at the 43rd Japan Record Awards that same year.

Also featured in Coca-Cola’s “No Reason” campaign commercial, the song won the hearts of listeners across generations.

It’s the perfect soundtrack for spending unhurried time with someone special in a relaxed lounge, or for quietly gazing at a winter nightscape alone with a glass in hand.

God of RomanceHirose Kōmi4rank/position

Kohmi Hirose – God of Romance (Official Video)

Beginning with its popularity as a TikTok dance, Kohmi Hirose’s “Romance no Kamisama” is loved across generations.

Released in 1993, the song gained popularity after being featured in commercials for Alpen.

Although it’s famous as a winter song, it actually contains no words that evoke winter! The lyrics depict the joy of meeting one’s destined partner.

Still, as a singer often called the Queen of Winter, Hirose delivers a warm love song that’s perfectly suited to the cold season.

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orionYonezu Kenshi5rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – Orion, Kenshi Yonezu

Emerging from the online scene, Kenshi Yonezu has become a leading figure in today’s music industry.

Released in February 2017, his single “orion” is a mid-tempo track that was used as the ending theme for the popular anime March Comes in Like a Lion.

The lyrics, inspired by constellations shining in the clear winter night sky, poignantly express a wish for a strong bond with someone dear.

With its beautiful sound featuring strings and a prayer-like vocal delivery, the song has continued to be widely loved, with its music video surpassing 100 million views.

As the cold deepens, why not quietly listen under a starry sky, thinking of someone special? It’s a Heisei-era winter classic that lights a warm glow in the heart.

somedaySaucy Dog6rank/position

Saucy Dog "Someday" MUSIC VIDEO

It’s a signature, bittersweet love ballad by Saucy Dog that makes you want to listen while gazing up at the winter night sky.

It vividly portrays lingering feelings for an ex and memories of happy days that will never return, tightening your chest a little more each time you hear it.

The track is included on their May 2017 mini-album “Country Road,” which became a springboard for their rise.

Based on vocalist Shinya Ishihara’s real experiences, its depictions bring the park setting to life and have resonated with many listeners.

It’s a cherished number for the band, also performed when they won the Grand Prix at an audition in December 2016.

In the season when you miss the warmth of another, it’s a song that will gently stay by your side on nights when you want to recall a past love and shed a few tears.

powder snowRemioromen7rank/position

Remioromen – Powder Snow

When it pops up on TikTok in winter, you can’t help but hum the chorus, right? This piece by Remioromen stands out with its fleeting yet powerful melody.

Like softly falling snow, the lyrics portray the difficulty of truly connecting and the pain of missed connections, tightening the listener’s chest.

Even so, it carries a heartfelt wish to keep thinking of the other person, leaving you with the feeling of searching for warmth amid the winter cold.

Released as a single in November 2005, it drew attention as an insert song for the drama “1 Litre of Tears.” It’s also included on the album “HORIZON,” and is one of their signature tracks.

The chorus, which feels like an outpouring of emotion, is perfect for belting out at karaoke.

As BGM for videos enjoying winter scenery, it’s sure to create a touch of bittersweet mood.