RAG MusicWinter-Songs
Lovely winter song

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.

Winter Hit Songs Released in the Reiwa Era (11–20)

snow jamRin Oto

snow jam – Rin-ne (Official Music Video)
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.

WINTER WITHOUT YOUXG

XG – WINTER WITHOUT YOU (Official Music Video)
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.

Why haven’t I fallen in love?Sakurazaka46

Sakurazaka46 'Why Haven’t I Fallen in Love Before?'
Why haven’t I fallen in love?Sakurazaka46

Sakurazaka46, an idol group whose songs portray young people’s feelings from a unique perspective, has been gaining popularity.

“Naze Koi o Shite Konakattan Darou?” included on their 2020 single “Nobody’s fault,” is a song that sings of the joy of meeting the person one loves more than anyone else, alongside sentiments directed at one’s former self who viewed romance with a cynical eye.

The sound opens with strings and beautiful choral work, then unfolds with a driving band performance.

Their rich harmonies convey both passion and composure, allowing listeners to read a spectrum of emotions.

Give this uptempo track a listen—it’s perfect for elevating a romance that blossoms in winter.

you’re myPablo Haiku

Pablo Haiku – “you’re my” MV (JR SKISKI tie-up song)
you're myPablo Haiku

It’s a Pablo Haiku track that feels like music made from the rising heat within a snowy landscape.

The repeated English phrases stick in your ears and give you a bittersweet yet comforting lift.

The lyrics, which sing of inarticulable, frustrating feelings and an uncertain future with someone important, seem to melt into a pure white world.

Released in January 2025, this piece was written as the campaign song for JR East’s “JR SKISKI” 2024–2025 campaign.

Many of you may have heard it in the commercials or seen it on posters.

Its medium-tempo sound, warm within the cold, is perfect for gazing at the view from a lift or for that moment of catching your breath after a run.

Add it to your playlist as a song to color your winter memories.

Winter Song Defense ForcePanda Doragon

[PandaDragon] Winter Song Defense Corps [13th Single]
Winter Song Defense ForcePanda Doragon

The song that’s sure to instantly liven up the winter slopes is a sentai-hero-style winter tune sung by PandaDragon, known as the junior group to MeseMoa.

Their unique, comical concept of becoming a defense squad that “protects winter songs” really stands out.

Released as the title track of their single in December 2025, the song created a huge buzz, including earning the group their first No.

1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

With its catchy melody and lyrics by Sho Hoshibe, you’ll find yourself humming along with friends on the lift.

It’s perfect for moments when you want to forget the cold and cut loose, or to psych yourself up before hitting the slopes on your snowboard! Its unbridled, sunny sound is bound to turn the snowy world into a lively party venue.

I Want You BackBE:FIRST

BE:FIRST / I Want You Back -Music Video-
I Want You BackBE:FIRST

Blending a modern interpretation of the Motown sound of the ’60s and showcasing the group’s evolution, this work comes from BE:FIRST, part of BMSG led by SKY-HI, who is active as both a rapper and producer.

Released as the lead track from their best-of album “BE:ST,” which came out in October 2025, it’s a dance number that remakes a classic by The Jackson 5.

The track samples a live band performance recorded on the legendary Neve 8068 console and reconstructs it with hip-hop techniques, making it a must-hear song that adds sparkle to the winter season.

While paying homage to the groove of the original, their signature vocals and rap overlap to emit a new-era brilliance.

It also drew attention for its first performance on NTV’s “Shuichi.” Experience this celebratory track that bridges past and present.

A roundup of winter hit songs released in the Reiwa era (21–30)

Cold NightHANA

HANA / Cold Night -Music Video-
Cold NightHANA

Born from the audition show “No No Girls” and produced by Chanmina, HANA is a girls’ group.

Among their songs, the one that evokes winter’s chill and an inner fire is “Cold Night.” It affirms the tears and pain shed where no one can see, and sings of a firm resolve to push through the cold night toward their dreams.

Set to a transparent, crystalline sound, each member’s powerful vocals resonate in this emotional anthem of encouragement.

Released as a single in January 2026, it was chosen as the opening theme for the second season of the TV anime “Medalist.” On nights when you feel freezing cold or lonely, give this song a listen—it will give you the courage to take your next step.