[Winter Songs] Classic Showa-era masterpieces. Popular songs you’ll want to listen to in winter.
In the Showa era, countless classic and hit songs were born and cherished by many listeners.
Winter, in particular, was a season packed with events like Christmas and New Year’s, and filled with dramatic themes such as snowy landscapes.
In this special feature, we introduce some of the finest winter songs from the Showa period.
We hope that those who experienced the era in real time will feel nostalgic, while those who did not will find it fresh and enjoyable.
Please enjoy!
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[Winter Songs] Showa-era masterpieces. Popular songs to listen to in winter (1–10)
STILL LOVE HER (A Lost Landscape)TM NETWORK
“STILL LOVE HER (The Lost Scenery),” which was also used as the ending theme for the anime City Hunter 2, is beloved by many as a quintessential winter song.
Included on the album CAROL ~A DAY IN A GIRL’S LIFE 1991~, released in December 1988, the track is known as one of TM NETWORK’s signature songs.
Built on a synthesizer-driven, ballad-like arrangement, it features a memorable harmonica solo by Naoto Kine.
The lyrics, depicting scenes of London, weave in lingering feelings for a lost love and bittersweet emotions, skillfully incorporating wintry images like winter sunlight and December constellations.
This heartwarming song has continued to be cherished by listeners over many years as a piece that you want to hear during the cold season.
Tsugaru Strait – Winter SceneIshikawa Sayuri
Sayuri Ishikawa’s universally recognized signature song, released in 1977 as her 15th single.
It was the track that marked her transformation from an idol debutante into a full-fledged enka singer, earning her the Vocal Performance Award at the Japan Record Awards among many other honors and securing its place as a major hit.
Depicting the feelings of a woman heading north, the song has been covered by numerous famous artists such as Sachiko Kobayashi and Masayoshi Yamazaki, and has also been covered overseas in Mandarin and Taiwanese versions—spreading across the sea and winning hearts throughout Asia.
snow-cappedTeresa Ten
This is a single released in October 1974 by Teresa Teng, known as the Diva of Asia.
With lyrics by Michio Yamagami and music by Kosho Inomata, the song was performed on music programs such as “Hachiji da yo! Zen’in Shugo” and “The Best Ten,” and has long been cherished as a winter classic.
It depicts a woman gazing at fine snow quietly piling up outside the window while burning a love letter in the fireplace.
The lingering attachment to a lost romance—and the aching resolve to move forward nonetheless—is conveyed with rich emotion through Teresa Teng’s clear, translucent voice.
This gently enka-tinged melody that seeps into the heart is sure to resonate deeply with anyone who has experienced parting from someone dear.
[Winter Songs] Showa-Era Classics: Popular Songs You’ll Want to Hear in Winter (11–20)
snow-cappedMatsuyama Chiharu
A beloved winter song by Chiharu Matsuyama, a singer-songwriter from Hokkaido, first released to the world on his 1978 album “Arukitsuzukeru Toki” (When You Keep Walking).
It opens with the quiet image of white snow falling steadily, and gently sings of the feelings that well up while alone in a cold room.
There’s nothing in particular to be sad about, yet the restrained, powerful lyrics leave an impression as they convey the earnest wish to simply hold someone dear.
In 1997, it was remade as the B-side to the single “Christmas,” and was also used in a commercial for Corona heating appliances.
It’s a piece that stays close to you on a silent winter night, when the falling snow mirrors your thoughts, offering quiet companionship as you think of someone special in a warm room.
December RainArai Yumi
This song, which captures the loneliness of winter and the bittersweet longing for a love that has passed, is a gem that represents the early work of Yumi Arai.
Released in October 1974 and included on the album MISSLIM, it features a restrained band performance as its foundation, while the beautiful choral work by Tatsuro Yamashita and Taeko Onuki leaves a strong impression.
There is even an anecdote that Yamashita agreed to join the recording on the condition that he handle the chorus arrangement.
Set against a winter scene of December rain, a quiet nostalgia for days that will never return rises to the surface.
It’s a song you’ll want to listen to softly by a window streaked with cold rain, when you feel like immersing yourself in memories of the past.
North TavernHosokawa Takashi
A classic song that portrays an encounter and romance in a northern tavern.
Released in March 1982 as Takashi Hosokawa’s 18th single, it was created by the duo of Rei Nakanishi and Taiji Nakamura, and leans more toward a light, pop-kayō style than traditional enka.
It depicts a man and woman seeking warmth on a chilly night, set to a heartwarming melody.
The song became a major hit, ranking fifth on Oricon’s annual chart for 1982.
It’s a tune perfect for long winter nights, best enjoyed while pleasantly tipsy and taking it slow.
Its singable phrases and conversational vocal style are a perfect match.
Highly recommended for anyone spending the cold season while picturing nostalgic Showa-era scenes.
From the northern innMiyako Harumi
Despite being released in 1975, this timeless masterpiece has continued to be loved across generations, even being used as the theme song for a Nissin Donbei commercial aired in 2021.
As Harumi Miyako’s 67th single, the song became a massive hit, selling over 1.4 million copies and achieving the unprecedented feat of winning both the Japan Record Award and the Japan Cable Radio Award.
The lyrics poignantly express the loneliness of longing for a lover who isn’t there—and likely never will be.
Harumi Miyako’s voice, evoking a woman’s bitter regret, pierces straight to the heart.