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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A poignant winter classic. Winter songs that touch the heart in the cold season (21–30)
A town where snow fallsAimer
It’s a winter song that lets you feel both the hush of falling snow and the warmth glowing within.
Against a winter landscape wrapped in silence, it carefully portrays the wistful feelings of thinking about someone dear you can’t meet right now.
Aimer’s husky, resonant voice echoes gently like powder snow drifting through the cold air, softly enveloping the listener’s heart.
The track was included on her third single, released in February 2012, and was also used as the first ending theme for the drama “Ghost Whisperer Season 3.” Later featured on the classic album “Sleepless Nights,” it’s an early masterpiece—an affecting ballad perfect for quietly listening to on long winter nights.
Snow Song – yukiutaMyuk
Inspired by “The Grateful Crane,” this song portrays a heartrending farewell with a loved one.
The lyrics, which employ a distinctive, folk-like melodic phrasing and archaic expressions, beautifully capture both the chill of a snowy landscape and the pain of the heart.
Released by Myuk in December 2025, the track drew major attention, surpassing a cumulative 30 million plays on social media even in its demo stage.
Its sound, blending acoustic warmth with digital textures, feels contemporary yet somehow nostalgic.
It’s the perfect number for a quiet night with steady snowfall, when you want to immerse yourself alone in the world of the lyrics.
As her first self-composed song in about two years, it’s a track brimming with her charm—be sure to give it a listen.
painted skyMarushii
A delicate, heart-wrenching rock ballad that vividly captures indelible memories and the bittersweetness of farewell.
Released in May 2020 by the Fukuoka-based band Marcy, this song has remained a beloved classic through word of mouth among listeners.
It was also chosen as the theme song for the web drama “New World Makers,” where its dramatic sound enriched the story’s world.
The down-to-earth lyrics, spun from vocalist Ukyo Yoshida’s own experiences, will seep deep into your heart on a winter night when you can’t help but chase an unforgettable silhouette.
Let yourself feel the warmth that gently embraces even the pain of heartbreak.
Before it turns whiteRyuya Miyase
Set to a light, jazzy pop sound, this winter song celebrates the arrival of the season and budding romance.
Actor Ryubi Miyase wrote the lyrics under the name “Ryubi Miyase,” infusing them with a desire to vividly capture both the cityscape before it turns completely white with snow and the moments spent with a loved one.
The track was newly written as the opening theme for Miyase’s first leading drama, “First Love of the Snowdrop,” which began airing in October 2024.
It was released for streaming to coincide with the broadcast and was packaged as a long-awaited first single in December 2024.
With stylish chord progressions and a sweet, soothing vocal, it’s perfect for nights when you want to sink into a romantic mood.
It’s a must-listen for anyone who wants to enjoy a winter romance while reflecting on the drama’s storyline.
ebb and flowRAY
A ballad that evokes the stillness of the ocean floor and emotions that ebb and flow like the waves.
Ray’s crystal-clear vocals resonate as if delicately tracing inexpressible heartache and confusion.
Released as a single in February 2014, it was used as the latter opening theme for the anime Nagi no Asukara.
The lyrics, which mirror the complex human relationships depicted in the latter half of the story against a winter backdrop, tighten your chest while also carrying a gentle warmth, giving the song a mysterious allure.
Its beauty stands out even more when listened to in the cold winter air.
It’s a track that quietly stays by your side when you want to spend a quiet night lost in thought or face the emotions deep within your heart.
My Desire ～Beyond Winter～Sing Like Talking
A single by SING LIKE TALKING, a band that carved out a unique place with a sophisticated AOR sound.
With powerful lyrics that feel like pushing through the winter cold and a vibrant, popping rhythm, this song is also known as a tribute to TOTO’s legendary drummer, Jeff Porcaro.
Released in 1992, it became widely known as the theme for Nissan’s Largo commercial.
It’s included on the acclaimed album ENCOUNTER, which topped the Oricon charts, and can be considered a number that symbolizes the band’s golden era.
It carries a soaring warmth that thaws even the iciest season, making it perfect for winter drives.
Chikuzen Sato’s expansive vocals are sure to give you the courage to turn even the cold wind into an ally.
hot milknishina
A song I want you to listen to on long winter nights is “Hot Milk.” It’s a track by singer-songwriter Nishina, created as the theme song for episode 1 of the drama “I Want a Love Like a Romance Drama in NEW YORK.” It depicts someone spending a long night alone, thinking about an ex.
The content is quite heartrending, but Nishina’s gentle voice seems to warm the heart when you listen.
Also, I’d like you to pay attention to the conclusion the protagonist reaches at the end of the song.
