A poignant winter classic. A winter song that seeps into the heart on cold days.
Do you ever have those moments when, as it gets colder, you suddenly feel lonely for no clear reason?
You might find yourself craving someone’s warmth or wanting to see your partner more than usual—perhaps you’ve felt that too.
In this article, we’re introducing bittersweet songs that feel especially dear in winter scenes.
Why not listen to some poignant winter tunes that make you think of someone special or a partner you can’t meet?
We’ve picked out deeply relatable, heartrending songs—from new releases to timeless classics.
Be sure to listen with your winter days.
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Poignant masterpieces of winter: winter songs that touch the heart in the cold season (81–90)
wintering swallowMori Masako
This gem of a ballad, which eloquently sings of the aching melancholy of painful love, is a masterpiece that showcases Masako Mori’s outstanding vocal prowess.
Its poetic world is striking: the feelings of a woman who has thrown herself into a forbidden romance are overlaid with the image of a lone swallow that defies the seasons and makes its home out of place.
Mori’s limpid voice intertwines with the heartrending melody, where sorrow and passion cross, creating a deeply moving song.
After its 1983 release, her tearful performance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen drew widespread attention, and the song earned her the Best Vocal Performance award at the 25th Japan Record Awards.
Even among enka songs that give voice to bittersweet longing, this work stands out for its richly expressive phrasing.
It’s the perfect piece for those moments when you want to pour your emotions into the song and sing your heart out, as if setting your soul free.
Promise of the Snow DomeKis-my-ft2
A heartwarming ballad by Kis-My-Ft2 that gently wraps the bittersweetness of winter.
Lyrics that depict a two-person world like a snow globe will make anyone in love feel a sweet ache.
Released in November 2013, the song was used in a Seven-Eleven Japan commercial and as an insert song in the drama “Kamen Teacher” starring Taisuke Fujigaya.
It sold about 306,000 copies and ranked 20th on the Oricon year-end singles chart.
It’s the perfect track for those chilly nights when you want to snuggle up with someone special.
Recommended not only for those in love, but also for anyone who wants to feel the warmth of someone dear.
Choudai na (feat. Okiishi)MIMI
MIMI’s song gently wraps the loneliness of winter.
Her translucent, heartfelt voice and melody capture the listener’s heart.
It delicately portrays the inner world of those carrying solitude and loneliness, together with a yearning for warmth.
The collaboration with Okiishi is superb, with their two artistic visions intertwining beautifully.
Released on January 25, 2024, this track fully showcases MIMI’s musicality.
Centered on piano, it’s a heartwarming and refreshing piece that conveys a touch of melancholy while also feeling endearingly sweet.
On a winter night, when you find yourself longing for someone’s warmth, give it a listen—it will surely stay close to your heart.
White LoveSPEED
You can’t leave out “White Love,” sung by SPEED, the four-member girls’ group that defined the late ’90s, as a quintessentially fleeting winter song! Released at the height of their popularity in 1997 as their fifth single, it set a record by surpassing 2 million copies sold.
It’s a winter love song about longing for a partner who lives far away, and listening to it makes you ache to see your loved one.
It’s a masterpiece among masterpieces that melts together pure feelings with a touch of insecurity, capturing the shimmering heart of young love.
Because it’s a cold night…TRF
A winter song released in 1993 by TRF, Japan’s first rave unit produced by Tetsuya Komuro.
It’s a classic that’s been passed down for years and will definitely make you want to hum along.
Filled with passionate feeling and lyrics that tug at that longing-for-someone mood.
Brimming with positive energy that seeps into cold nights… it’s always the best, no matter when you listen.
There’s even a story that the key phrase of the song came to him while riding a bicycle, and the track was finished in about five minutes.
It’s a winter tune that stays close to that strangely uplifting feeling even when the snow is falling, shining with passionate love.
Winter and Springback number
A winter song that portrays the ache of the season.
It was released digitally in January 2024.
In true back number fashion, the worldview—melding the pain of heartbreak with the hope that melts like spring snow—really hits home.
The imagery that layers falling, piling snow with lingering feelings of love is especially beautiful, and it feels packed with back number’s charm.
In the music video directed by Iyori Shimizu, Eanna Ishii’s performance is also a highlight.
It’s a song that stays close to anyone trying to move past a breakup, so taking your time with it at karaoke is highly recommended.
Heart-wrenching winter masterpieces: Winter songs that seep into the soul on cold days (91–100)
hugiri
A poignant ballad that nestles alongside gracefully falling snow.
Featuring iri’s sultry vocals, this piece was written as the campaign song for JR SKISKI 2023–2024 and released in January 2024.
While portraying lost days and connections on the verge of breaking, it conveys unwavering feelings through the beauty and fragility of snow.
Despite its simple lyrics, it shines with iri’s poetic expressiveness.
It’s the kind of song you’ll want to listen to softly on a long winter night while gazing out the window—one that will surely stay close to your heart.