[2026] Masterpieces to Enjoy on a Snowy Day: J‑Pop Snow Songs and Winter Tunes

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.
Editor-in-Chief, RAG MUSICHane Keisuke
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. After working in a music studio and handling wedding sound, joined the RAG MUSIC editorial team in 2016. Experienced with a variety of instruments: marching band in elementary school, clarinet in junior high school wind ensemble, and drums in a band from high school onward. Drawing on my own musical activities and the experience gained through my work, I produce daily articles, including various song introductions, features on music festivals around the country, and live reports. In music, I enjoy not only rock from Japan and abroad but, lately, a wide range of J-pop as well.

There are countless songs about winter, but when it comes to songs themed around snow, which ones come to mind?

I’m sure you can think of a few—songs that capture the thrill of winter’s arrival, or pieces that overlay falling snow with feelings of love.

There are so many different kinds.

In this article, we’ll introduce a range of tracks you’ll want to listen to when it starts to snow.

Each song carries its own feelings and messages, so try finding the one that perfectly matches your mood.

[2026] Masterpieces to Listen to on a Snowy Day: J‑Pop Snow Songs and Winter Songs (111–120)

For whom does the snow fall?Sakiya Kenjirō

Kenjirō Sakiya – For Whom Does the Snow Fall MV

For whom does the snow fall?Sakiya Kenjirō

The B-side track to the single “I Don’t Think It’s Too Late,” released in 1994.

Born in 1962.

A singer-songwriter from Hiroshima Prefecture.

This is his first Christmas song.

Carried by a mid-tempo rhythm and a melodious, pop-tinged arrangement, his emotionally rich vocals resonate deep in the heart.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

snow umbrellaKudō Shizuka

Shizuka Kudo / Snow Umbrella [Official Video]

snow umbrellaKudō Shizuka

A single released in 2008.

A singer and actress born in 1970 from Tokyo.

Miyuki Nakajima, who provided the song, later self-covered it on her own album after its release.

It’s a slow-tempo, lyrically resonant piece with a deeply evocative melody, and her vocals seep into the heart.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

First snowMatsuyama Chiharu

Chiharu Matsuyama / First Snow

First snowMatsuyama Chiharu

A single released in 2017.

Born in ’55.

A singer-songwriter from Hokkaido.

Set to a mid-tempo, slightly playful rhythm and a pop melody that evokes the laid-back, pastoral feel of reggae, the resonant, clear vocals make for a delightfully pleasant listen.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

White KissSuzuki Suzuki

White Kiss – Suzuki Suzuki [Official Music Video]

White KissSuzuki Suzuki

It’s a bittersweet love song that portrays a winter romance.

Set in a snowy town, the scene where two people who had been apart reunite is especially memorable.

The lyrics are sprinkled with foreshadowing—like the “scarf” and the “left pocket”—that makes you want to listen again and again.

Suzuki Suzuki’s clear, transparent vocals settle softly on the heart like falling snow.

Released in November 2021, the song gained particular popularity on TikTok.

It’s a romantic track perfect for listening to with someone special on Christmas night.

It might also be nice to hold hands with your partner and listen while walking through the city.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Winter IllusionAcid Black Cherry

Acid Black Cherry “Fuyu no Maboroshi” MV

Winter IllusionAcid Black Cherry

As expected of Acid Black Cherry, this is an incredibly cool track with a flavor only they can pull off.

Even winter’s chill and melancholy turn sexy in Acid Black Cherry’s hands, and a whole story unfolds.

The music video is compelling too—it’s a winter rock tune worth watching.

Raise the rankinglower

Murakami Shinpei

Report a problem

The pale snow meltsZARD

ZARD – As the Pale Snow Melts

The pale snow meltsZARD

The B-side track to the 2004 single “Kyou wa Yukkuri Hanasou.” Used in the commercial for Gekkeikan “Tsuki.” A music unit centered around Izumi Sakai, who made her debut in ’92.

Over a slow-flowing rhythm and a quiet, lyrical melody line, her halting vocals evoke the image of silently falling snow.

It’s quite poignant.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

HELLOSCANDAL

SCANDAL – Hello

HELLOSCANDAL

SCANDAL is a four-piece rock band that has led the post-2000s girls’ band scene in J-POP, performing live overseas since their indie days.

The new song HELLO, included on their third best-of album SCANDAL, features an arrangement that begins with a striking guitar arpeggio, giving it a lyrical feel.

Its message—that we can become stronger because of the presence of someone important—paired with imagery that evokes snowy landscapes, is sure to move listeners.

With a translucent, lingering chorus melody, it’s a rock tune that conjures the feeling of winter.

Raise the rankinglower

Hoshino Takashi

Report a problem