[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’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!”
Winter RivieraMori Shinichi
This is Shinichi Mori’s 56th single, notable for its fresh pop style.
When you think of Shinichi Mori, you think of enka—his husky, seasoned voice that really touches the heart! In this song, however, while still husky, his vocals are refreshing and light, letting you enjoy a different charm from enka.
Lyrics by Takashi Matsumoto, music by Eiichi Ohtaki.
In 2013, when Eiichi Ohtaki passed away suddenly, Shinichi Mori performed this song on a music program as a tribute.
The song tells of a man who says goodbye and leaves a woman behind.
That surge of loneliness so strong you tell yourself, “I’m not sad at all!”—haven’t many of us felt that before?
SWITCH ON (Press the heart switch)Nagayama Miho
The work opens with the sorrowful expressions of people walking through a winter city.
It’s a classic of 80s J-pop, where Takashi Matsumoto’s delicate lyrics and Kyōhei Tsutsumi’s catchy melody blend exquisitely.
Miho Nakayama’s sweet, wistful vocals, paired with the memorable melodic line, make it a song you’ll want to listen to in the cold season.
Released in August 1985, the track appears on the album “EXOTIQUE.” As a piece that symbolizes Nakayama’s leap forward as an idol singer, it remains beloved by many fans today.
It’s perfect for those moments when the winter chill makes your heart shrink and you want to regain your true self.
Press the switch on your heart—this is a song that gives you the courage to meet a new you.
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.