[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 (51–60)
Kanda Riverkaguya hime
With lyrics depicting the real love lives of young people that resonated widely, this became the biggest hit for Kaguya-hime, with Kosetsu Minami on vocals.
It was originally just an album track, but once it was played on the radio, a flood of listener requests poured in.
Thanks to the strong push from a famed producer, it was released as a single and is said to have ultimately sold two million copies.
“Amid the escalating student protests, when I go home, my girlfriend warmly welcomes me—can I really allow myself to lean on that kindness as things are?” The anguish of lyricist Tadao Kitajo seems to have struck a chord with the youth of the time.
White LoverMatsuda Seiko
Seiko Matsuda’s classic song that beautifully captures the winter season is included on her album “North Wind,” released in December 1980.
The lyrics, penned by Tokuko Miura, weave together the transience and fragility of love with wintry imagery.
Reflections of a tear-streaked face in a windowpane and memories of seasons gone by poignantly convey a heart aching with love.
This work, which portrays a summer fling and a winter’s love, captivated many as an emotionally rich love song.
It’s a perfect piece for those who want to recall warm memories in the cold season or who are troubled by love.
Paired with Matsuda’s clear, soaring vocals, it has long been cherished as a winter classic that resonates deeply with the heart.
A love letter written in the snowKikuchi Momoko
This is Momoko Kikuchi’s third single.
It marked her first entry into the top ten on the music show “The Best Ten,” and sold about 350,000 copies.
It became a hit second only to her signature song “Sotsugyo – GRADUATION.” Sung in Kikuchi’s cute voice, it’s about a pure unrequited love.
She rewrites a letter or email confessing her feelings over and over, but in the end can’t bring herself to send it.
If you’ve ever had that experience, you’ll probably feel, almost painfully, the purity of a love that sighs as it writes a love letter in the snow.
wintering swallowMori Masako
A classic song that delicately portrays the feelings of a woman who throws herself into a forbidden love, using the image of a swallow taking flight in winter.
Released in August 1983 as Masako Mori’s 41st single, it won the Best Vocal Performance at the 25th Japan Record Awards.
The phrase “Hyururi hyururirara,” which evokes the sound of a cold wind, and the resolute choice to burn out together with her beloved have resonated with many listeners.
The lyrics strikingly contrast the chill of winter with the heat of passion, making it a must-listen for those consumed by a bittersweet love.
Combined with Mori’s lustrous vocals, it has remained a deeply moving winter classic beloved for many years.
[Winter Songs] Showa-era masterpieces. Popular songs you want to hear in winter (61–70)
Blue ChristmasMatsuda Seiko
Seiko Matsuda is a quintessential idol singer in the Japanese pop scene.
Among her many hits, the Christmas-themed song that stands out is Blue Christmas, included on the 1982 album Golden Ribbon.
It portrays a scene of spending Christmas Eve alone, feeling lonely, and sings of a bittersweet yearning while waiting for the person she loves to appear.
With bell chimes and clear, shimmering strings ringing through the sound, her vocals unfold with both strength and fragility.
A beautiful yet fleeting story that resonates as a moving Christmas song.
Kantarō the North Wind Kid
It’s a classic song beloved across generations as a representative winter children’s song of the Showa era! Since it first aired on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” in 1974, it has been rebroadcast many times and has secured its place as a national winter anthem.
Its lively rhythm and Masakazu Sakai’s vocals are distinctive, and the simple, catchy melody is part of its charm.
Featuring a personified north wind as the main character, the lyrics comically portray the harshness of winter, making it very popular with children.
It’s also interesting that lyricist Takao Ide wrote it with the winter scenery of Lake Matsubara in Nagano in mind.
In 2012, a monument to the song was erected at Lake Matsubara, underscoring its value as a cultural heritage.
When you want to feel the arrival of winter, be sure to give it a listen!
Goodbyeofukōsu
This is a classic Off Course song about a winter heartbreak.
Since its 1979 release, it has been covered by many artists and featured in the drama “Mr.
Kinpachi in Class 3B, Season 1” as well as in commercials for Daihatsu.
Lovers facing a breakup as the snow pours down—yet, thanks to Kazumasa Oda’s clear, straightforward voice, the scene never becomes overly somber, which is quite remarkable.
Even if the parting was painful, don’t you feel that listening to “Sayonara” somehow makes it easier to sincerely wish the other person happiness?
In conclusion
The winter songs born in the Showa era are all gems that beautifully capture the warmth and bittersweetness people feel in the cold. These timeless winter classics, while evoking nostalgia, must have also felt fresh to younger music listeners. Along with their nostalgic atmosphere, they allow us to rediscover the brilliance that winter songs possess.