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 (1–10)
orionYonezu Kenshi
Released in 2017, this was Kenshi Yonezu’s sixth major-label single, and it was used as the ending theme for the second cour of the first season of the anime March Comes in Like a Lion.
While the verses convey a calm, steady delivery, the chorus shifts dramatically, pouring out a raw, straightforward, heartrending plea.
It’s a winter song that really tugs at the heartstrings!
Because you are hereUru
It’s a song that pours out overflowing feelings for a loved one.
It was chosen as the theme song for the drama “Theseus no Fune” (Theseus’ Ship) and became a hot topic as a masterpiece that matched the show’s story.
The person you picture as your loved one—family, a partner, and so on—will differ from person to person.
Still, the emotions for a loved one depicted in this song, and the strong longing to see them again, are sure to move anyone’s heart.
While there aren’t many specifically wintry images, the overall mood of the song is perfect for winter.
A bittersweet yet deeply moving track I highly recommend.
broad daylightKing Gnu
Hakujitsu, which became a huge hit as the theme song for the drama Innocence: Wrongful Conviction Lawyer.
It was included on rock band King Gnu’s 2020 album CEREMONY.
When we make a major mistake in life, there are times we wish we could turn back time.
But time can’t be rewound, and we can only keep walking toward the future.
This song portrays those painful feelings and our fragility.
It’s a winter classic that makes you reflect on what life is and gives you courage by reminding you that you’re not alone.
Christmas songback number
It’s a heartbreaking love song delivered with powerful high notes that naturally draw you into its musical world—a massive hit by the rock band back number, known for producing countless classics.
This masterpiece captures the aching feelings of being dumped just before Christmas, resonating deeply in the heart.
powder snowRemioromen
The heartrending lyrics really bring tears to your eyes.
As the title suggests, the bluesy vibe makes it perfect for winter.
It was their eighth single overall, released in 2005.
Chosen as an insert song for the Fuji TV drama “1 Litre of Tears,” its popularity surged, and total sales surpassed 850,000 copies.
They even performed this song for their first appearance at the 60th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen in 2009.
It’s a beloved, quintessential winter classic in Japan.
Snow WhiteMarushii
Marcy is a rock band that captivates listeners with songs depicting every kind of love story.
In 2020, they released “Shirayuki.” The song portrays the bittersweet feeling of recalling moments spent with a loved one on a cold, snowy day.
The band arrangement, enriched with sweeping strings, conveys a passionate sense of “I still can’t forget.” It’s a ballad soothed by the gentle, comforting voice of Ukyo Yoshida, wrapping loneliness and anxiety in warmth.
If you find yourself thinking about someone you still love even after a breakup, give it a listen.
A town where snow fallsNEW!Aimer
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.