Recommended for people in their 70s! A curated selection of Japanese songs to listen to and sing during the cold winter

The Camellia Sasanqua InnŌkawa Eisaku

Sazanka Inn EISAKU OKAWA 1982

Sazanka no Yado, a signature song by Eisaku Okawa, one of the leading enka singers of the Showa era, was released in 1982 and became a huge hit, selling over 1.8 million copies.

With its poignant melody and lyrics themed around the forbidden love of an affair, it has continued to be cherished by many.

In particular, for those experiencing a sorrowful romance or carrying the bitter memories of a broken heart, its wistful tone, like a warmth that thaws the chill from within, will resonate deeply.

On a cold winter night, immerse yourself in the world of its lyrics and feel Eisaku Okawa’s warm voice and the profound message of love.

Fallen leaves in the snowFuse Akira

Fallen leaves in the snow

In this season when the winter cold makes our hearts shrink, why not let yourself be wrapped in the warm singing voice of Akira Fuse? Released in October 1976, this gem is a song for which Fuse himself wrote both the lyrics and the music.

Its lyrics delicately portray emotions that shift with the changing seasons, and the beautiful harmony woven by his soaring voice resonates deep within.

Also featured in a Suntory “Gold Label” commercial, the song struck a chord with many and reached No.

1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

On a cold winter night, it might be nice to listen quietly in a warm room and look back on life.

It’s a wonderful piece that speaks gently to listeners in their seventies.

Tsugaru Strait – Winter SceneIshikawa Sayuri

Tsugaru Strait – Winter Scene

Since her debut in 1973, Sayuri Ishikawa has produced numerous hit songs and has led Japan’s music scene in both name and substance.

Released in 1977, “Tsugaru Straits—Winter Scene” is renowned as a standout masterpiece in her career.

Its lyrics portray the poignant beauty felt during a journey from Aomori to Hokkaido, and her voice—combining tenderness with strength—blends perfectly with the song, conveying both loneliness and warmth.

For those with ties to Aomori or Hokkaido in particular, this piece is sure to resonate deeply.

Before winter comeskami fuusen

Before Winter Comes (’77) Paper Balloon KAMI FUSEN

Highly recommended for those seeking a heartwarming classic for the winter season.

This song, which poignantly sings of a breakup with a lover and the wish to meet again, became a major hit upon its release in November 1977.

Set to a melody with a hint of folk-song flavor, it beautifully depicts scenes from the end of summer to the arrival of winter.

The lyrics evoke nostalgic landscapes—slopes, seaside vistas, and streets dyed in cosmos pink—making it perfect for moments when you want to bask in memories.

As a signature song by Kamifusen, listening to it will warm your heart along with a wave of nostalgia.

wintering swallowMori Masako

wintering swallow

Released on August 21, 1983, Masako Mori’s signature song “Ettō Tsubame” is memorable for its sad yet beautiful melody themed around winter, and lyrics that delicately portray the feelings of a woman in a heartrending love.

Many listeners may have empathized with the image of someone consumed by love and sharing in the pain of being with the one they adore.

Winter often brings a vague sense of loneliness.

Every so often, it might be nice to feel the cold winter wind on your cheeks and look back on memories of a bittersweet romance from long ago.

Lingering Snowiruka

Dolphin [Iruka] / Nagori-yuki [Lingering Snow] (Single Version) Official Audio with translation

Set against an unseasonal snowfall, this song portrays two people at the moment of parting.

Its understated delivery carries a poignant emotion that resonates with many listeners.

Iruka’s gentle, beautiful voice delicately expresses the sorrow and lingering attachment of farewell.

Released in 1975, it became a major hit.

Loved across generations, it has come to be cherished as a song that symbolizes early spring in Japan.

It’s familiar to people in their seventies as well, often prompting reflections on their youthful days.

Listened to on a cold winter’s day, it warms the heart, evoking nostalgia while also inspiring a sense of new hope.

Traveler of the NorthIshihara Yūjirō

Ishihara Yujiro "Traveler of the North"

Yujiro Ishihara—a multi-talented figure who made a tremendous impact on Japan’s entertainment world as an actor, singer, and founder of Ishihara Promotion.

Released in 1987, his final single during his lifetime, “Kita no Tabibito” (Northern Traveler), stands out as one of the most memorable among his many classic songs.

After its release, it topped the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and sold 1.25 million copies.

Painting a picture of the grand northern landscapes and the bittersweet feelings of a traveler, the song has continued to be loved across generations.

Its melody and lyrics, which evoke bygone days and distant memories, are a perfect fit for long winter nights when one is prone to nostalgia.