Classic winter ballads. Recommended winter ballad roundup [2026]
Winter tends to make us yearn for connection and feel sentimental, and combined with the beauty of winter scenery, ballads fit the season perfectly.
In fact, many popular winter songs are ballads, and this article rounds up just such beloved winter ballads.
We’ve gathered a wide range of tracks—from timeless standards and classics to winter songs by today’s popular artists.
Whether it’s Christmas, a quiet winter night alone, a day on the slopes, or a winter drive, find the perfect song to match your mood for any winter scene.
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Classic Winter Ballads. Recommended Winter Ballad Compilation [2026] (61–70)
wishsumika
It’s a bittersweet ballad that says even a cold winter can feel warm when you’re with someone important.
It’s a song by the Kanagawa-born rock band sumika, released in 2019 as their fourth single.
The track was written as the theme song for the drama “Ossan’s Love -in the sky-.” Kenta Kataoka’s straightforward vocals pair perfectly with the lyrical message, striking straight to the heart.
The grand arrangement—rock band sound colored with strings—is another highlight.
It’s a masterpiece you’ll want to sit with and listen to closely.
sign; mark; symbol; omenMr.Children
The theme song chosen for the socially conscious drama “14-year-old Mother,” which portrays a girl who becomes pregnant in middle school, is Mr.Children’s “Shirushi.” Released in 2006 as their 29th single, it reached No.
1 on the Oricon Singles Chart.
Since it came out in November as winter approached, it’s also popular as a ballad people want to listen to in the winter.
The lyrics are striking in that they can be taken either as a love song about deepening affection or as a tragic song about two people facing a breakup.
pure whiteBikkeburanka
This song became a hot topic when it was featured as an insert track in the drama ‘We Can’t Become Beasts’ (Kemonare).
It’s a work by singer-songwriter Vickeblanka, released digitally in 2018.
Sometimes it feels as if sadness has wiped everything away, doesn’t it? Yet this is a poignant but powerful ballad that sings about overcoming that and moving forward on your own two feet.
The beautifully resonant piano tones are especially striking.
For example, listening to it after a breakup might really bring you to tears.
Silent EveKarashima Midori
Midori Karashima is renowned not only for her beautiful melodies but also for lyrics that vividly capture the nuances of love.
Released in 1990, this song has long been cherished as a Christmas classic.
Its massive success was such that haiku poet Madoka Mayuzumi even designated the phrase “listening to Karashima” as a winter seasonal word, cementing its status as a standard.
It served as the theme song for the 1990 TBS drama “Christmas Eve,” and its emotionally resonant lyrics evoke a sense of nostalgia and memories of the people you listened to it with.
Snow in Love, Sky I AdoreCHEMISTRY
This is a winter song by CHEMISTRY that was used as the CM song for Nissin Cup Noodles Milk Seafood “Milk Christmas.” It’s a medium-tempo ballad that, while recalling a past romance, makes you realize once again that the person by your side now is the most important.
The past tends to be romanticized, and once you get caught up in it, you can end up neglecting the person who matters to you now.
In times like that, listen to this song and think about who is truly important to you.
DEPARTURESglobe
Set to a gently moist, soothing melody, this song fully showcases globe’s allure.
KEIKO’s poignantly resonant vocals evoke the sensation of your heart trembling in the winter chill.
The lyrics are infused with hope for a new beginning and a longing for eternal love, striking a deep chord with listeners.
Released in January 1996 and featured as the commercial song for JR East’s “JR SKISKI” campaign, it became a major hit, reaching No.
2 on the Oricon year-end singles chart.
It’s a track we especially recommend to those who feel the loneliness of the cold season or who have experienced parting from someone dear.
Entrust me with eternity.DEEN
In a season that brings the chill of winter, heartfelt ballads feel just right.
DEEN’s songs are characterized by melodies that evoke scenes of snow quietly piling up and warm, soothing vocals.
The lyrics depict a poignant desire to convey unchanging love, even when apart—feelings that many can relate to.
Released in November 1993, this track was also used in an NTT DoCoMo pager commercial.
It achieved major success, debuting in the Top 3 on the Oricon chart.
It’s the perfect song to listen to on a winter night while thinking of someone special.
Let its heartwarming melody wrap around you and enjoy a truly lovely moment.