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)
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.
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.
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)
1999Hitsuji Bungaku
The song “1999” carries a warmth that feels like snuggling up on a cold winter night.
It was released by the rock band Hitsujibungaku, known for their nostalgic worldview, in December 2018.
Moeka Shiozuka’s gentle vocals and reverb-tinged guitar tones resonate pleasantly.
Set on Christmas Eve of 1999, it delicately portrays end-of-century anxieties and hopes, as well as shifting relationships with loved ones.
The lyrics evoke winter scenes—city lights, children’s footsteps, and the beginning of the countdown.
Amid the chill of the season’s air, this work lets you feel the warmth of human bonds.
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.
Our seasonJO1
JO1 is an 11-member global boy group formed by the winners of the audition program PRODUCE 101 JAPAN.
Their song Our Season, included on their 2nd album KIZUNA and 5th single WANDERING, was selected as the main tree performance song for the Tokyo Dome City Winter Illuminations.
The lyrics, which evoke a message to someone you can’t forget even after parting, make you want to believe in Christmas miracles.
With its clear vocals and sound that color the winter scenery, it’s an emotional winter song.
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.
