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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Roundup of Winter Hit Songs Released in the Reiwa Era (31–40)
HanayukiAile The Shota
While grounding his music in R&B, Aile The Shota has pursued pop that anyone can hum along to.
Released in December 2025, the winter ballad “Hanayuki” serves as the concluding piece of a seasonal song series that has been delivered across spring, summer, and autumn.
Set against imagery of snow piling up on winter nights and frosty white breaths, it depicts fragile memories that seem like they might vanish at a touch, and the feelings that nevertheless remain in the heart.
The composition features contributors including UTA, known for work with BTS and Daichi Miura, resulting in a classic love ballad reminiscent of the 2000s.
Included on the album “REAL POP 2,” released in February 2026.
Winter MorningRyokushokushakai
A classic ballad that sets a heart swaying between bravado and true feelings against a winter backdrop.
This track, placed at the end of Ryokuoushoku Shakai’s 2020 album “SINGALONG,” was written by vocalist Haruko Nagaya during her university days, with moving to Tokyo in mind.
Its lyrics—where the small lies we tell to hide our loneliness intersect with the resolve to keep moving forward—are tenderly supported by delicate piano and string arrangements.
It’s a song that gently stays by the side of those who’ve started living on their own or are striving in a new environment.
A winter tune perfect for a quiet night when you want to face yourself.
GIFTICEx
A pop love song that delivers a heartwarming gift on Christmas night.
It’s ICEx’s fourth single, released digitally on December 25, 2024.
The gentle soundscape evokes images of snowy scenery and holiday lights.
The lyrics express gratitude to a loved one and a desire to keep spending time together, leaving listeners with a cozy, contented feeling.
If you listen to it with your partner, you might just fall even more in love.
White LoveiScream
iScream is a group formed from members selected through LDH JAPAN’s auditions, the company behind music groups like EXILE.
Among their songs, the one themed around snow is “White Love.” It portrays the romance of two people in love, with the beautiful flurry of powdery snow enhancing their winter love story.
The R&B-style rhythm and the group’s rich choral work convey the feelings one has for someone special.
It’s a winter love song filled with a message that is both heartrending and heartwarming.
Why not listen to this ballad, where a landscape of white snow unfolds before your eyes?
Merry ChristmasTani Yuuki
This song depicts a wintry love, where fluttering excitement and bittersweet longing intertwine.
It’s a December 2024 piece by Tani Yuuki that skillfully captures the protagonist’s wavering emotions amid the festive Christmas atmosphere.
The beautiful piano sound, the light, buoyant melody, and Tani Yuuki’s layered vocals leave a strong impression.
The lyrics convey raw feelings—like the frustration of not being able to confess to someone you love and the loneliness that comes from seeing happiness all around you.
If you’re struggling with matters of the heart, give it a listen.
Roundup of Hit Winter Songs Released in the Reiwa Era (41–50)
Holy Lightimase
Singer-songwriter imase, who made his major-label debut after gaining traction on TikTok and has drawn attention both in Japan and abroad.
This track, included on his November 2022 EP “POP CUBE,” was written as the Christmas campaign song for Shibuya Scramble Square and marks his first-ever Christmas song.
The lyrics intertwine the sparkle of urban illuminations with the excitement of Christmas Eve, expressing the preciousness of time spent with loved ones while picturing a glittering cityscape.
With bell tones and synth textures weaving a holiday mood, and a catchy melody that resonates pleasantly, it’s an urban-style Christmas pop tune.
Winter Giftmosao.
A song that gently embraces the bittersweet feelings of winter love.
Released in November 2020, this piece is a winter tune that conjures snowy landscapes.
Amid its unhurried rhythm, pleasant sleigh-bell tones are sprinkled throughout, guiding listeners into a dreamlike world.
Mosawo’s gentle vocals convey a deep devotion to someone special, resonating in the heart.
It’s a work that captures warm yet wistful emotions, perfectly suited to the Christmas season.
Listening to it together with the person you’re thinking of during these cold, windy months will surely raise the temperature of your love.
As a song to enjoy in winter, I recommend this track by Mosawo.