[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)

Snow Falling in OkinawaMiyazawa Kazufumi

Kazufumi Miyazawa - Snow Falling in Okinawa (Live)

Snow Falling in OkinawaMiyazawa Kazufumi

Included on the 2001 album “MIYAZAWA.” Born in 1966.

A singer-songwriter and actor from Yamanashi Prefecture.

It’s a stylish and cool number whose rhythm and opening—evoking Okinawan music somewhat like his band THE BOOM’s “Shima Uta”—shift into a bossa nova melody.

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[2026] Masterpieces to Listen to on a Snowy Day: J-pop Snow Songs and Winter Songs (121–130)

Christmas EveYamashita Tatsuro

Nana Eikura stars in Tatsuro Yamashita’s “Christmas Eve” special movie-version PV

Christmas EveYamashita Tatsuro

Heralding the arrival of winter, this song has been a cherished treasure loved by many listeners since its release in December 1983.

Its crystal-like melody, reminiscent of snow, quietly settles in the heart.

The lyrics, simple yet deeply evocative, become a warm light to accompany long winter nights.

Since being featured in a JR Tokai commercial in 1988, it has become a long-selling hit whose sales rise every Christmas season.

Please enjoy this work that reflects the tender moments of the cold season and the faint stirrings of love.

As one of Tatsuro Yamashita’s signature songs, it has become a staple of Japanese Christmas music—sure to be the perfect match for your mood.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Tears of SnowSonar Pocket

Sonar Pocket “Namida Yuki” [MV Full]

Tears of SnowSonar Pocket

A single released in 2017.

A three-member music group from Nagoya formed in 2005.

The gentle, slow-tempo rhythm that flows softly and the lyrical, mellow melody line weave together a sound over which the members’ vocal ensemble fits perfectly, resulting in a nicely polished track.

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On a snowy daykaguya hime

Kaguya-hime, on a snowy day, 2005

On a snowy daykaguya hime

Included on the 1972 album “Hajimemashite.” A three-member folk group that debuted in 1970.

It’s a number sung over a mid-tempo groove, with a memorable melody backed by a wet, melancholic guitar tone.

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