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A wonderful, moving song

Winter Songs: Classic tracks you want to listen to in winter. Songs you long for during the winter.

When you think of “songs you want to listen to in winter,” what comes to mind?

In the J-POP scene, countless winter songs are released every year, and there are so many popular hits as well as hidden gems!

Of course there are tracks that depict snow and Christmas, but even songs without explicit seasonal words—those whose sound evokes the atmosphere of winter—are captivating.

I’m sure you also have a special winter song of your own.

In this article, we introduce timeless tunes that will stir up fond memories or make you want to listen as they match the winter scenery.

From love songs to pieces that sing of beautiful winter landscapes, we hope you’ll find a track that resonates with your heart.

[Winter Songs] Masterpieces you want to listen to in winter: Songs you long for in the cold season (81–90)

Winter is starting.Makihara Noriyuki

[Official] Noriyuki Makihara “Winter Begins” (Music Video) [4th Single] (1991) / Fuyu ga Hajimaru yo
Winter is starting.Makihara Noriyuki

When it comes to winter songs, many tend to be pensive and suit softly falling snow, but Noriyuki Makihara’s “Fuyu ga Hajimaru yo” is classic Maki—catchy and exciting.

The chorus gives you an indescribable warmth.

Released in 1991 as Makihara’s fourth single, this track is packed with an adorably earnest love from a male perspective that makes your heart flutter.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to in a warm room on a winter day.

holly (Japanese holly tree, Ilex crenata)Do As Infinity

This is a song by Do As Infinity that portrays a heart chilled like winter.

It’s striking how it builds from a quiet atmosphere centered on piano and acoustic guitar to a grander development as strings gradually join in.

While the sound is relaxed, there’s a certain tension that comes through, which seems to amplify the message of the vocals.

The lyrics, which appear to focus on the fragile parts of the human heart, resonate with the kind of regret anyone might feel.

Winter, againGLAY

This song, “Winter, again,” GLAY’s best-selling single, is their 16th single released in 1999.

For those who remember when it was a hit, hearing it may stir up nostalgia—many people probably still sing it at karaoke today.

It’s a track where winter’s cold seems to press down and intensify those bittersweet feelings, the people and memories that make your chest tighten, and all the things that feel like your heart might freeze.

A number that amplifies the chill in both body and soul.

Tie a ribbon around my affectionLittle Glee Monster

Little Glee Monster – Tie a Ribbon on Tenderness / THE FIRST TAKE
Tie a ribbon around my affectionLittle Glee Monster

When it comes to winter songs, you can’t leave out tracks that bring on the Christmas feeling.

“Itooshisa ni Ribbon wo Kakete” by Little Glee Monster is a number included on their 2019 release “I Feel The Light.” From the very start it overflows with a Christmas mood that really lifts your holiday spirit.

At the same time, it carries a serene, hymn-like quality that makes it perfect for a quiet listen on Christmas night.

It’s a song where their vocals beautifully match a solemn atmosphere.

White LoversKuwata Keisuke

Keisuke Kuwata – Shiroi Koibitotachi (Full ver.)
White LoversKuwata Keisuke

There are countless winter songs, especially Christmas songs, and they instantly lift the winter mood.

This song, Keisuke Kuwata’s “Shiroi Koibitotachi” (“White Lovers”), is a classic Christmas tune that you hear often when the season comes around.

It was released in 2001 as Kuwata’s seventh single.

Every line—every single word—evokes winter, making it a piece truly worthy of being called a winter classic.

It’s a song that swells with bittersweet emotion, whether you’re happily in love right now or remembering a past romance or someone dear to you.

knit hatOfisharu Higedan Dism

The hugely popular piano rock band Official HIGE DANDism has a winter song from their indie days called “Knit Cap.” Released in 2016, it was included on their first EP, “What’s Going On?,” an album that was tied in with the anime “Eagle Talon.” The lyrics, which sing “Even after breaking up with my girlfriend, seeing a knit cap makes me think of you,” make it a poignant winter heartbreak song.

Although “Knit Cap” came out before their major-label debut, it’s already a polished, stylish track—definitely give it a listen!

[Winter Songs] Timeless tracks to enjoy in winter: songs you’ll crave when it’s cold (91–100)

I’m in love.Every Little Thing

"In Love" MUSIC VIDEO / Every Little Thing
I’m in love.Every Little Thing

A classic winter song that makes your heart dance in a world of silver.

It’s a 2008 March release by Every Little Thing.

It was issued as a double A-side single with “Fuyu ga Hajimaru yo,” featuring Noriyuki Makihara.

The lyrics, which sing of warm feelings of love even in the cold of winter, are striking, and the gentle, moving melody lingers in your heart.

Kaori Mochida’s clear, expansive vocals are truly perfect for expressing the feeling of being in love.

It’s a ballad I’d highly recommend for karaoke, too.