[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)
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.
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.
[Winter Songs] Showa-era masterpieces. Popular songs you’ll want to listen to in winter (41–50)
AnnaKai Band
A title written with a woman’s name in kanji makes a strong impact! This is Kaiband’s 13th single.
Although there’s no mention of who inspired “Anna,” it’s said that the first verse was conceived in a bar in Hakodate and the second in a bar in Shibuya—both born in drinking spots.
Perhaps there was a beautiful woman in a wonderful bar who made them want to turn the moment into lyrics.
The feelings of a man thinking about a woman he parted with seep in deeply, carried by Yoshihiro Kai’s vocals that exude a mature composure.
It’s said that the intro guitar was played by Shogo Hamada, who happened to be at the recording session!
Christmas EveYamashita Tatsuro
Tatsuro Yamashita’s 12th single overall, released in December 1983.
It’s no exaggeration to say this masterpiece has become a staple of Japanese Christmas songs.
Even today, it’s a track you’re sure to hear when the holiday season comes around.
The song itself is fantastic, of course, but what I’d like you to pay special attention to is the choral work.
The layered vocals are all performed by Yamashita himself through multitrack recording, and considering the recording environment at the time this song was made, I can’t help but marvel, thinking, “I’m amazed they managed to pull this off!”
