[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 you want to listen to in winter (31–40)
Carol of the North WindOginome Yōko
A song known as a classic Showa-era winter tune was released in October 1987.
It was also used as the theme song for the TBS drama “Cheers to the Baby!” and reached No.
2 on the Oricon charts.
With lyrics that liken the pain of heartbreak to a north wind and Yoko Oginome’s delicate vocals, it resonates deeply with listeners.
The cold of winter and the changing seasons symbolize the end of a romance, and while the song nostalgically recalls happier times, it also portrays the loneliness and solitude of reality.
It’s a perfect track to listen to quietly on a cold winter night in a warm room, reflecting on your own love story.
Sha-la-laSazan Ōrusutāzu
A moody Christmas song by Southern All Stars, also known as “Southern,” released as a double A-side with “Gomen ne Charlie.” The fact that it came out in 1980 really makes you feel how quickly time flies—and how amazing Southern are.
It’s also unusual that the duet with Haru Yoko becomes the single as is.
The mature lyrics—which can be read as “Since it’s Christmas night, I’d rather not think about anyone but you”—completely seal away Kuwata’s usual sense of humor.
I think this Christmas song is a classic in the tender, mellow side of Southern!
Embraced by the wintry windKoizumi Kyoko
This is Kyoko Koizumi’s 20th single, which was also used as the theme song for a film she starred in.
The lyrics and music were written by Toshihiko Takamizawa of THE ALFEE—what a star-studded collaboration! THE ALFEE later released their own self-cover, and the song has been covered by various artists both in Japan and abroad.
It’s a track anyone who has experienced unrequited love—being unnoticed, unable to convey their feelings—can relate to.
It might even make you recall youthful romances and feel a sting in the back of your nose.
freezing rainHino Mika
Originally released in 1977 as Akio Kayama’s debut single, “Hisame” (“Freezing Rain”) was covered by Mika Hino in 1982, and this smash hit earned her first appearance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
The song portrays the poignant feelings of a woman who can’t forget her former lover and tries to drown her sorrow in alcohol.
Ever since Akio Kayama’s original release, it has been a constant favorite on cable request lines and even won the Japan Record Awards’ Long Seller Prize.
Its enduring popularity is also evident from the stream of covers by renowned artists such as Kiyoshi Nakajō, Kaori Kozai, and Akina Nakamori.
A town where snow fallsTakayoshio
Yoshio Takao, a pioneer who brought chanson music to Japan, released “Yuki no Furu Machi o” in 1952.
It drew attention after being used as an insert song for the serial radio drama “Eriko to Tomo ni,” broadcast on NHK Radio in 1951.
Centered on the theme of a cold winter’s day, the song features a warm melody that gently enfolds feelings of heartache and loneliness.
It’s a piece where his tender voice resonates, keeping company with a season tinged with a certain melancholy.
Why not let the sound of the strings soothe you as you picture a nostalgic landscape?
LOVE (I want to hold you)sawada kenji
This is Kenji Sawada, also known as Julie’s, 25th single.
At the 1978 NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, it achieved the rare feat for the time of closing the show with a pop song.
The lyrics were written by Yu Aku, renowned as one of the great lyricists of Japanese popular music.
Even among Kenji Sawada’s fans, it’s widely praised as a masterpiece, with many saying, “The lyrics are just so good.” That said, the song portrays an adulterous love.
Many listeners at the time were likely shocked by the sensual vocals that repeatedly deliver frank expressions of affection.
Winter AlbumMatsuda Seiko
Seiko Matsuda, known as a quintessential idol singer of the 1980s and a singer-songwriter whose popularity rose to the level of a social phenomenon.
The song “Fuyu no Album” included on her second album, North Wind, features a stylish ensemble and a gently sung melody that evokes winter scenery.
Its lyrics, which conjure up the image of sharing a space with someone you love, warm the heart precisely because it’s the cold season.
For those of that generation, it’s an unfading winter classic that likely brings back memories of their youth.
Winter TaleFō Kurōbāsu
This 1972 classic captivates with imagery that layers a snowy landscape over a chill of the heart.
Performed by The Four Clovers, it was used as the theme song for a Nippon TV drama broadcast the same year.
With lyrics by Yū Aku and composition/arrangement by Kōichi Sakata, the melodious ballad beautifully conveys the wintry atmosphere and the loneliness of parting.
The lyrics, depicting a farewell at a train station and a woman wandering in search of love, resonate deeply with many listeners.
It’s the perfect song for winter nights spent alone or for moments of reminiscing about someone special.
A masterpiece of Showa-era winter songs that gently pierces the heart with a sense of nostalgia.
Lovers in MidwinterMatsuda Seiko
Seiko Matsuda is an idol singer who represents the Showa-era kayōkyoku.
Included on her 1982 album “Candy” is “Mafuyu no Koibitotachi” (“Midwinter Lovers”).
It depicts a love story unfolding at an ice skating rink, expressing a heart-fluttering romance.
The beautiful sound centered on piano and strings evokes a crystal-clear winter landscape.
It’s a soothing song featuring her cute vocals as she sings about a girl falling in love.
Be sure to listen closely to the love story of the two who adore each other.
On the night when the rain turned to snowAsaka Yui
A classic song that depicts winter scenery and a wistful love is included on the album “HERSTORY,” released in December 1988.
With lyrics by Keiko Aso and music by Naoto Kine of TM NETWORK, it delicately captures the stillness of a winter night and the tremors of the heart.
The gentle melody line and the subtle arrangement by Akira Inoue create a dreamlike atmosphere that conveys both the chill and warmth of winter at the same time.
Released around Yui Asaka’s early twenties, the piece can be seen as a song symbolizing her transition from idol to mature woman.
Its evocative, retrospective theme leaves a strong impression, making it a track you’ll want to savor quietly on a winter night.