[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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Outside, it’s a night of white snow.yoshida takurou
It’s a classic that beautifully paints a winter scene.
Takashi Matsumoto’s delicate lyrics and Takuro Yoshida’s soul-stirring voice create a perfect harmony.
The lyrics, depicting a heartbreaking farewell in the falling snow, will resonate deeply with listeners.
Included on the album Rolling 30, released in November 1978, this song has since appeared in various versions on later albums and has become a live favorite.
The fact that many artists—such as Diamond✩Yukai and Akiko Wada—have covered it also speaks to its enduring appeal.
On a cold winter night, when you feel like looking back on memories with a loved one, give it a listen.
You’re sure to spend a moving, heartwarming time.
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.
My lover is Santa ClausMatsutōya Yumi
When it comes to Christmas songs, this is the one! Many people probably think of it first.
Included on Yumi Matsutoya’s 10th original album released in 1980, this track has now become a winter classic.
It has been passed down through performances by popular artists such as Seiko Matsuda and Hitomi Shimatani, and new covers have continued to be released even into the 2020s.
As Christmas approaches, you’re sure to hear Yumi Matsutoya’s voice all around town.
Even as various artists release new Christmas songs every year, its popularity never fades—truly a legendary piece.
Snow CountryYoshi Ikuzo
A song that seeps into the listener’s heart like falling snow.
Released in February 1986, this number is known as one of Ikuzo Yoshi’s signature works.
It beautifully depicts the snowy countryside and a bittersweet love, becoming a huge hit that reached No.
1 on the Oricon charts.
Yoshi’s warm vocals gently envelop hearts shivering in the winter cold.
This piece also marked a turning point for Yoshi—who had been strongly associated with comic songs—helping him establish himself as a bona fide enka singer.
It’s a perfect listen on a cold winter night when you find yourself thinking of someone.