Classic winter ballads. Recommended winter ballad roundup [2026]

broad daylightNEW!King Gnu

King Gnu – Hakujitsu

When we watch the snow falling hard, a bittersweet yet beautiful melody comes to mind.

It’s a signature song by King Gnu, released digitally in 2019 and written as the theme for the drama “Innocence: False Accusation Lawyer.” The lyrics depict a heartfelt wish to have an irreparable past and one’s mistakes concealed beneath pure white snow.

No matter how much we regret, time won’t turn back; all we can do is keep walking through the continuous present—a painful truth most of us have felt at least once.

Begun by Daiki Tsuneta at the end of 2018, the track went on to set astonishing streaming records.

It’s also an indispensable winter soundtrack on TikTok.

Listening to it in the cold air might be a good chance to face your own heart.

Snow’s waymarkerNEW!Matsutoya Yumi

The Snowy Guiding Direction

This work left a strong impression on me along with the warm stew visuals from winter TV commercials.

It’s a classic ballad released digitally ahead of singer-songwriter Yumi Matsutoya’s December 2020 album, “Shinkai no Machi.” The song was written specifically for House Foods’ “Hokkaido Stew” commercial.

Even when you feel you might lose your sense of direction in a world of pure white snow, you can still clearly feel the presence of someone precious—portraying deep trust and love.

The characteristically dramatic melody and enveloping vocals that are so Yuming strike right at the heart.

It’s a song that makes you feel a warmth, as if a light is kindled in your heart just by thinking of someone, even in the bitter cold.

A piece to savor on a quiet snowy night while thinking of someone dear.

BetelgeuseYuuri

Yuuri “Betelgeuse” Official Music Video

Yuuri’s song themed around the red supergiant shining on Orion’s shoulder, a constellation of winter.

The lyrics liken human bonds to the stars, making you feel as if you’re gazing up at the night sky.

The beautiful harmony of piano and strings creates a warm atmosphere that evokes the ties with someone dear.

Released in November 2021, the track was also used as the theme song for a Fuji TV drama.

It’s a piece you’ll want to listen to on a cold winter night with a partner or family.

Wrapped in its gently resonant melody, why not take a moment to feel the bonds you share with those you love?

snowNEW!Inoue Sonoko

Yuki

Sonoko Inoue is a singer-songwriter who delicately weaves the shifting emotions of the teenage years.

This work, where her voice soaks into the heart, is included on her memorable first album “Hello,” released in March 2016.

Created at the milestone of her high school graduation, this ballad that closes the album is characterized by a simple, piano-centered production.

The breaths that echo in the quiet and the way she seems to savor the words she couldn’t say tighten the listener’s chest.

Its world, where winter’s chill overlaps with the ache of love, is truly a song meant to be “listened to.” Precisely because the arrangement strips away flashy ornamentation and makes use of space, the heartrending emotions are conveyed directly.

On a quiet night as snow falls softly, take your time and listen alone.

Mont BlancIkuta Erika

Mont Blanc

“Mont Blanc,” Erika Ikuta’s first winter song, is a ballad that portrays the feelings of a protagonist spending a quiet Christmas night.

With its nostalgic melody and delicate lyrics, her warm voice—perfect for the cold season—gently embraces the listener.

Released as a digital single on November 13, 2024, it is a new work in her solo career.

Lyrics by Ryota Kato, music by Satomi Kawasaki, and arrangement by Akihisa Matsuura.

Arriving just one month after her previous release, “Kakurenbo,” this piece showcases her growth as an artist.

It may be the perfect listen for solitary winter nights or moments when you think of someone dear.

Holy ChristmasOnda Masanori

'Holy Christmas' / Masanori Onda

This is a song by Masanori Onda that beautifully fuses the wintry atmosphere with the bittersweet pain of heartbreak.

Set on a snowy Christmas night, it portrays the protagonist’s feelings as they reminisce about a breakup, conveyed through delicate vocals.

Released in November 2023 and shared on Onda’s YouTube channel, the track has captured the hearts of many listeners.

It’s a piece that fully showcases Onda’s charm, known for his sweet yet heartrending voice.

Perfect for those who find themselves recalling past loves amid the special ambiance of Christmas.

Also recommended as background music for a quiet winter night alone or a mellow Christmas party.

loveUru

[Official] Uru “Ai”

This is a ballad by Uru that gently depicts a wavering heart’s anxiety and loneliness, and the warm feelings that lie beyond.

Even while fearing pain, the heart’s path of continuing to care for someone is spun with straightforward words and melody, resulting in a simple yet emotionally resonant piece that slowly spreads warmth deep in the chest.

Arranged by Shingo Sekiguchi—known both as a guitarist and a producer—the delicate sound that highlights Uru’s soft vocals leaves a strong impression.

It’s included as the coupling track on her 16th single, “Platform,” released in November 2025.

In contrast to the title track, which serves as the opening theme for the TV anime “Eikyū no Yūgure,” this song unfolds a more introspective and personal worldview.

It’s a piece that gently keeps you company on a quiet winter night alone.

When you’re carrying loneliness in your heart or thinking of someone dear, listening to it lets a gentle warmth slowly seep through.