An emo song for winter. A winter tune that resonates with the heart.
What kind of emotionally stirring, moving songs do you like?
This article introduces emotive songs recommended for winter.
With snowy landscapes and crisp, chilly air, those scenes and temperatures together may make the music resonate even more deeply in your heart.
We’ve picked a variety—from quintessentially chill, emotive vibes to fragile, heartrending tracks.
Perfect for moments when you want to immerse yourself in winter music.
Take your time with the lyrics and try listening while reflecting on your own experiences.
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- A classic winter song you often hear recommended on TikTok.
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- Winter songs with lyrics that really hit home. Winter tunes you’ll want to listen to closely.
Emotional winter tracks. Heartfelt winter songs (11–20)
hot milknishina
It’s a song that wraps the pain of heartbreak and the journey of self-acceptance in a gentle melody.
You can picture the protagonist sipping hot milk at night, looking back on a past love.
The lyrics convey the courage to accept a breakup and face oneself.
Nishina’s tender, fragile vocals are sure to sink in emotionally.
The track was used as the theme song for ABEMA’s drama “Koi-ai Drama na Koi ga Shitai in NEW YORK” and was released digitally in November 2022.
It’s a song that keeps you company on solitary winter nights.
Winter TaleKetsumeishi
It’s a four-on-the-floor dance number by Ketsumeishi that lets you feel both the exhilaration of snowboarding and the wistfulness of winter at the same time.
Released as a single in November 2007, it made waves as their first winter-themed song.
Also included on the album Ketsunopolis 6, this track’s comfortable beat heightens the thrill of the glide.
The lyrics layer images of falling snow over memories of a past love, and RYOJI’s melodies sink deep into the heart.
It’s not just sad—there’s a warm sense of hope that makes it truly lovely.
Perfect for gazing at snowy scenery from the lift or carving down the slope in rhythm.
Give it a listen as BGM to color your memories on the slopes.
Holy Lightimase
Singer-songwriter imase, who quickly rose to prominence starting from TikTok.
This track is included on the digital EP “POP CUBE,” released in November 2022.
It was written as the campaign song for Shibuya Scramble Square’s “SHIBUYA SCRAMBLE XMAS.” The sound of bells and sparkling synths vividly portray a city Christmas scene.
Lyrics tinged with greedy wishes and a sense of exhilaration add color to the heart as the holiday season approaches.
With a soothing voice that blends gently into a winter night, including falsetto, it’s a perfect pop tune for background music on a drive or a date.
broad daylightKing Gnu
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.
powder snowRemioromen
When it pops up on TikTok in winter, you can’t help but hum the chorus, right? This piece by Remioromen stands out with its fleeting yet powerful melody.
Like softly falling snow, the lyrics portray the difficulty of truly connecting and the pain of missed connections, tightening the listener’s chest.
Even so, it carries a heartfelt wish to keep thinking of the other person, leaving you with the feeling of searching for warmth amid the winter cold.
Released as a single in November 2005, it drew attention as an insert song for the drama “1 Litre of Tears.” It’s also included on the album “HORIZON,” and is one of their signature tracks.
The chorus, which feels like an outpouring of emotion, is perfect for belting out at karaoke.
As BGM for videos enjoying winter scenery, it’s sure to create a touch of bittersweet mood.
Winter Snow MagicHirai Dai
A romantic number by Dai Hirai—an artist strongly associated with summer—that feels like it’s under a winter spell.
The grand arrangement featuring strings and his warm vocals dramatically color the feelings of two people pledging their love in the cold season.
Many listeners will likely find comfort in the imagery of savoring happiness with a loved one amid a landscape blanketed in snow.
Released first as a digital pre-release in December 2013 and later included on the mini-album “The Light,” which came out in January 2014, this song’s sweet world of confirming eternal love is perfect for setting the mood on a couple’s special night.
Winter emo tracks: Heart-piercing winter songs (21–30)
SNOW SMILEShimizu Shota
This heartwarming winter song portrays the joy of two people who live far apart finally reuniting, and the bittersweet parting that eventually follows.
Released in November 2014 as Shota Shimizu’s 17th single, it also became well-loved as an insert song for Ikspiari’s projection mapping show “Christmas Carol Clock.” The music video, featuring Nana Komatsu and Kentaro as a couple, drew attention for its sweet-and-sour storyline.
Blending R&B and pop, the sound perfectly suits the crisp winter air.
It’s a recommended track not only for those in long-distance relationships, but for anyone who wants to feel someone’s warmth in the cold season.