[Winter Love Songs] A curated selection of timeless classics and the latest tracks that offer both warmth and heartbreak

Christmas songback number

back number – “Christmas Song” Music Video

From the intro, back number’s straightforwardly titled “Christmas Song” ramps up the holiday mood.

Speaking of back number, they’re known for love songs—especially from a male perspective—and their tracks are captivating in a way that makes women think, “I want to be loved like this!” Even though it doesn’t include overt phrases like “Merry Christmas,” it’s a love song that hits differently: it captures a man’s feelings as he envies the Christmas atmosphere and overthinks things—making it distinct from typical Christmas songs and deeply moving.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

utatane

Report a problem

Mermaid in FebruaryAKB48

2gatsuno Mermaid

This AKB48 song paints a romantic scene that makes you want to head to the chilly seaside in lingering-February cold.

It’s memorable for lyrics that liken carefree frolicking by the winter ocean to a mermaid, turning even the cold spray of the waves into shared memories.

Performed as a unit song with Azuki Yagi on vocals at a theater show in December 2024, it was later included on the album “AKB48 ~studio recordings collection~ AKB48 18th Stage ‘Koko Kara da,’” released in December 2025.

This work is a bittersweet love song that captures feelings of affection so strong they make even selfish behavior seem adorable.

It’s the perfect track for gazing out at the quiet winter sea and sinking into a sentimental mood.

Snow Ghostflumpool

flumpool “Snow Ghost” Music Video

This song features a wistful melody that conjures up wintry scenes, and lyrics about thinking of a former lover in a snow-dusted Tokyo that tug at the heart.

Arranged by Tomi Yo, the dramatic band sound overlays a past romance with snow’s phantom images, letting a gentle warmth emerge amid the loneliness.

It’s a digital single released in December 2025 by the Osaka-born rock band flumpool.

The music video features Mao Ioki from Nogizaka46, a collaboration sparked by their co-appearance in the drama “MADDER: I’m the Culprit of That Case,” which also drew attention.

On a February night when you long for human warmth, why not listen to this piece and sink into quiet reflection?

Snow Magic FantasySEKAI NO OWARI

SEKAI NO OWARI “Snow Magic Fantasy”

As the title suggests, the word “fantasy” fits perfectly—SEKAI NO OWARI’s “Snow Magic Fantasy” gives you that fantastical feeling right from the start.

Released as a single in 2014, this song is a pop love tune that truly captures the essence of the SEKAI NO OWARI world.

It pairs beautifully with midwinter illuminations and falling powder snow.

Winter can feel cold and lonely, but if you’re looking for a winter love song that lifts your spirits, this is the one I recommend!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

utatane

Report a problem

snowdropNEWS

snowdrop

In this season when the biting cold makes you yearn for warmth, there’s a hidden gem by NEWS you should hear.

Released only on the regular edition of the single “EMMA” in February 2017, this song is a love ballad that blends wistfulness and warmth, inspired by the image of a white flower blooming on a snowy night.

It was performed during the “NEWS LIVE TOUR 2017 NEVERLAND,” where its story-like, beautiful staging captivated fans.

Ryo-Suke Nakanishi’s delicate arrangement and the members’ vocals exquisitely capture winter’s quiet and the subtleties of love.

Listen to it on a Valentine’s night when you long for someone’s touch, or when you want to quietly reflect, and you’ll feel a gentle light kindling in your chilled heart.

It’s a precious song that keeps you company through long winter nights.

orionYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – Orion, Kenshi Yonezu

Many people, regardless of gender, love Kenshi Yonezu’s love songs.

This track, “orion,” is also highly popular because it was used as the ending theme for the anime March Comes in Like a Lion.

The song beautifully weaves together the iconic winter constellation Orion with themes of romance; when you close your eyes, you can almost see the constellation softly emerging.

It would be lovely to listen to it while gazing up at the winter night sky, looking at Orion.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

utatane

Report a problem

February is cryingtsuki to adabana

Moon and Ephemeral Blossoms — “February Is Crying” (Official Music Video)

This song is included on Tsuki to Adabana’s first EP, “Live Houses and You,” released in August 2020 by the Hyogo-born rock band.

It’s a guitar-driven rock track that blends urgency with melancholy, vividly conjuring scenes of dry late-winter air and a city waiting for dawn.

The lyrics go beyond simple romance to portray respect and jealousy toward an admired person, as well as the inner conflict over a relationship that might break if you get too close—something that really tightens the listener’s chest.

The music video was released in July 2020 and drew attention, especially within the live house scene.

Try listening as you overlay it with that feeling of holding back because you care too much, in the chilled air just before spring arrives.

Capturing both the fragility and intensity of February, this work is sure to resonate with your most complex emotions.