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.
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[Winter Songs] Timeless tracks to enjoy in winter: songs you’ll crave when it’s cold (91–100)
Christmas timeZARD
Christmas Time is a single released under the singer-songwriter name Barbier by Seiichiro Kuribayashi, known as a composer for artists like ZARD and TUBE.
The lyrics were written by Izumi Sakai of ZARD, who also contributed chorus vocals.
The words, which express realizing how important you were only after breaking up, evoke a bittersweet feeling.
Later, ZARD self-covered the song, and it’s included on ZARD BLEND II ~LEAF & SNOW~.
Be sure to compare the versions!
heartaimyon
Singer-songwriter Aimyon has gained widespread popularity across generations thanks to the massive hit of her 5th single, “Marigold.” Her 12th single, “Heart,” was selected as the theme song for the TV drama “Only Just Married” (Konin Todoke ni Han o Oshita Dake desu ga).
The lyrics, which evoke the image of a love that has yet to be rewarded, link with the chilly seasonal scenery and stir up a sentimental mood.
With a gentle, sprightly sound that heightens the sense of poignancy, it’s a pop tune that’s both cute and tinged with melancholy.
[Winter Songs] Masterpieces to listen to in winter. Songs you long for in winter (101–110)
youKōda Kumi
Set in a town where winter snow falls, this ballad sings of the aching feelings for a former lover far away.
Released in December 2005 as Kumi Koda’s 19th single, it became her first to debut at No.
1 on the Oricon charts.
Also featured in a GemCEREY commercial, the song is marked by Koda’s emotionally expressive vocals.
Its piano-led, gently restrained sound beautifully captures the poignancy and loneliness of love.
It’s sure to resonate with those carrying the pain of heartbreak or wishing to be reunited with someone dear.
Let’s go homeYamazaki Masayoshi
On cold winter days, you can’t help but crave a warm stew, right? Masayoshi Yamazaki’s “Ouchi e Kaerou” (“Let’s Go Home”) was used as the commercial song for House Foods’ “House Stew.” It was released in 1998 as the coupling track to the single “Boku wa Koko ni Iru,” which reached No.
3 on the Oricon singles chart.
The acoustic guitar and percussion arrangement, paired with Yamazaki’s warm vocals, make it perfect for listening in winter.
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.
Sorrow like snowHamada Shogo
One of the quintessential winter songs of the 1990s is Shogo Hamada’s “Kanashimi wa Yuki no You ni” (“Sorrow Like Snow”).
It was first released as a single in 1981, but a remade version used as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Ai to Iu Na no Moto ni” in 1992 became a massive hit.
The 1992 version topped the Oricon Singles Chart for a total of 10 weeks and sold 1.703 million copies.
Its lyrics, which sing of the loneliness and sorrow that everyone carries, likely resonate with many people.
Winter BellsKuraki Mai
The Christmas song sung by Mai Kuraki was also used as an opening theme for the anime Detective Conan.
The sound of bells ringing throughout is striking and conveys a bright, festive Christmas atmosphere.
While the overall sound is cheerful, the tempo is relaxed, evoking not only the enjoyment of Christmas but also the sense of savoring the happiness of being able to spend that time.
The lyrics evoke time spent with someone special in winter, expressing both the joy of the season and the wish to continue spending time together in the future.
