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.

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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.

orionYonezu Kenshi3rank/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.

White LoversKuwata Keisuke4rank/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 Kōmi5rank/position

Kohmi Hirose – God of Romance (Official Video)

Known as one of Kohmi Hirose’s signature songs, this piece has long been cherished as a winter tradition.

Its lyrics portray the beginning of a romance and the thrill that comes with it, humorously and candidly capturing the feelings of young women in particular, resonating with many listeners.

Released in December 1993, the track was also used in commercials for Alpen’s ski equipment and became a massive hit, selling a total of 1.749 million copies and elevating Hirose to the status of “Queen of Winter.” It’s a song you’ll want to hear during the Christmas season, on winter drives, or at ski resorts—perfect for the cold months.

Of course, it’s also very popular on YouTube Shorts.