A roundup of winter hit songs released in the Reiwa era
With the start of the Reiwa era on May 1, 2019, a new chapter has begun.
Singers popular especially among younger generations have been producing hit songs, and many tracks themed around “winter” have been created.
In this article, we’ve picked out ballads and pop songs that are perfect for the cold winter season.
You’ll find songs filled with warm words for loved ones, as well as winter tunes that evoke snowy landscapes.
Be sure to check out these winter songs by artists active in the Reiwa-era Japanese music scene.
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A roundup of winter hit songs released in the Reiwa era (1–10)
DoughnutTwice
A song that beautifully expresses a bittersweet love by likening a heart with a gaping hole to a donut.
It was released in December 2021 as TWICE’s ninth Japanese single.
It was also their first ballad to serve as the lead track among their original Japanese songs.
The track was cut as a single from their fourth Japanese studio album, Celebrate.
It’s a heartwarming love song you’ll want to listen to in the cold season when you think of someone special.
Happy surprisenaniwa danshi
Naniwa Danshi is an idol group whose members shine across a wide range of fields, from variety shows to dramas.
The song they released in 2022, “Happy Surprise,” showcases their sweet looks, vocals, and dance performances that captivate fans.
It portrays a winter romance tinged with the chill of the season, depicting special moments spent with someone dear.
An idol song where lyrics that deliver a surprise evoking the opening of a party intertwine with their prince-like choral work.
Lend an ear to the heartwarming words that will warm the season when the snow falls.
heartaimyon
Aimyon is a singer-songwriter who stirs listeners’ hearts with songs that weave together gentleness and bittersweet emotion.
Released in 2021, this track is also known as the theme song for the drama “Only Just Married” (Kon’in Todoke ni Han wo Oshita Dake Desu ga).
The soft, airy synths that resonate over a mid-tempo beat are striking.
The lyrics compellingly confront the feelings of not being able to be honest precisely because someone is close by.
Fans of R&B and jazz will likely be hooked as well.
It’s a love ballad filled with her gentle warmth, wrapped in a mature atmosphere.
If your heart won’t stop racing from love, why not relax by listening to this song?
Winter Hit Songs Released in the Reiwa Era (11–20)
wishsumika
Sumika performs a song that vividly captures the feeling of winter.
Lyrics etched with the pain of heartbreak and the loneliness of being alone gently wrap around a chilled heart.
The band’s signature energetic sound intertwines with delicate string melodies, offering comfort to those seeking solace on long winter nights.
Kenta Kataoka’s expressive vocals bring out the full appeal of the piece and have the power to stir the listener’s emotions.
Released in December 2019, the song was also used as the theme for the drama “Ossan’s Love: in the sky,” resonating with many people.
To help you get through the season of farewells, dive into this winter song and ready your heart.
WINTER WITHOUT YOUXG
A winter song that wraps the season’s chill in a sparkling, emotional vocal.
It poignantly sings of feelings for a loved one far away, with sweetly resonant harmonies and the timbre of an electric piano soaking into the heart.
Released in December 2023, the track evokes a Christmas mood while expressing the loneliness of being without the one you love.
Even with city lights aglow and trees on display, a winter night spent alone can feel especially cold.
Recommended for those who want to be soothed by lyrics that convey yearning for someone special and a warm, comforting melody.
painted skyMarushii
Let me introduce “Esora,” a song themed around a winter heartbreak.
This track was created by Marcy as the theme song for the drama “New World Makers.” Told from a male perspective, the lyrics look back on the happy days with a former lover and the farewell on a winter day.
The arrangement shifts from a somewhat restrained vocal delivery to a powerful surge in the latter half, stirring the listener’s emotions.
Also pay attention to the subsequent key change—rather than words, the sound itself expresses the protagonist’s feelings.
snow jamRin Oto
A winter song that portrays a sweet and bittersweet love in the cold season.
Rin-ne’s gentle vocals and rhythmic rap tenderly color the feeling of romance against a snowy backdrop.
Released in February 2020, the track sparked buzz on social media and gained popularity especially among young listeners, topping Spotify’s Viral Chart.
The warm atmosphere woven by delicate piano melodies and beats is sure to soothe hearts in the chilly months.
It’s a recommended song for those wrestling with love or wanting to cherish time with someone special.
A heartwarming pop tune perfect for long winter nights—be sure to give it a listen.