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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] Timeless tracks to hear in winter: songs you long for in the cold (131–140)

Merry ChristmasTani Yuuki

Merry Christmas – Tani Yuuki [MV]
Merry ChristmasTani Yuuki

This song depicts a wintry love, where fluttering excitement and bittersweet longing intertwine.

It’s a December 2024 piece by Tani Yuuki that skillfully captures the protagonist’s wavering emotions amid the festive Christmas atmosphere.

The beautiful piano sound, the light, buoyant melody, and Tani Yuuki’s layered vocals leave a strong impression.

The lyrics convey raw feelings—like the frustration of not being able to confess to someone you love and the loneliness that comes from seeing happiness all around you.

If you’re struggling with matters of the heart, give it a listen.

White LoveiScream

iScream “White Love” (Music Video)
White LoveiScream

Formed by the Grand Prix winner and finalists of the audition “LDH Presents THE GIRLS AUDITION,” iScream is a three-member music group.

The lead track White Love from their album i -Special Edition- released on November 23, 2022, was created as the group’s first winter song.

The lyrics evoke scenes of spending winter with someone special, warming the heart even in the cold season.

Featuring piano and a transparent, ethereal sound, it’s a pop tune that colorfully adorns winter.

Christmas on a starry nighttsuji ayano

Ayano Tsuji – Christmas on a Starry Night (Music Video)
Christmas on a starry nighttsuji ayano

Singer-songwriter Ayano Tsuji.

Be sure to check out her 2005 release “Hoshifuru Yoru no Christmas” (“Christmas on a Starry Night”) as well.

It’s a Christmas-themed song that depicts deepening love with someone special on a beautiful, star-lit night.

While Ayano Tsuji is strongly associated with ukulele-and-vocal performances, this work incorporates piano and other instruments, resulting in a more luxurious sound.

That fresh departure from her usual style may well have contributed to the song’s success.

Happy surprisenaniwa danshi

Naniwa Danshi – Happy Surprise [Official Music Video] YouTube ver.
Happy surprisenaniwa danshi

Naniwa Danshi is an idol group whose members shine across a wide range of fields, from variety shows to dramas.

The song they released in 2022, “Happy Surprise,” showcases their sweet looks, vocals, and dance performances that captivate fans.

It portrays a winter romance tinged with the chill of the season, depicting special moments spent with someone dear.

An idol song where lyrics that deliver a surprise evoking the opening of a party intertwine with their prince-like choral work.

Lend an ear to the heartwarming words that will warm the season when the snow falls.

snow moonYamada Ryosuke

Ryosuke Yamada – “snow moon” [Official Music Video]
snow moonYamada Ryosuke

A winter mid-tempo ballad that captivatingly conveys a sweet yet bittersweet love story woven into a snowy landscape, expressed through a delicate singing voice.

Set for release in February 2025, this track will also be included on the album “RED.” With vivid, wintry imagery, it delivers sincere affection for a cherished person, carried by a clear and beautiful vocal.

It’s a wonderful song that gently keeps you company on winter nights when you’re thinking of someone you love or during quiet moments spent reminiscing about precious memories.

Tonight’s ChristmasKawasaki Takaya

Taka-ya Kawasaki - Tonight's Christmas [OFFICIAL LYRIC VIDEO]
Tonight's ChristmasKawasaki Takaya

Takaya Kawasaki’s second single, “Tonight’s Christmas,” is a beautiful Christmas song that lets you savor an acoustic sound.

With acoustic guitar and piano, the track vividly captures the atmosphere of a special night.

Kawasaki’s gentle vocals and straightforward lyrics are wonderful, spreading the warmth and euphoria of Christmas as you listen.

Embracing a bittersweet love with tenderness, this song is sure to become a new classic Christmas tune of the Reiwa era.

Why not set the mood for a cozy Christmas night with this track?

Surf Paradise, Ski ParadiseMatsutōya Yumi

Surf Heaven Ski Heaven / Surf Tengoku, Ski Tengoku (2022 Mix)
Surf Paradise, Ski ParadiseMatsutōya Yumi

Known by the nickname “Yuming,” singer-songwriter Yumi Matsutoya has released numerous hit songs, from her own original works to tracks she’s written for others.

Her song “Surf Tengoku, Ski Tengoku,” included on her 10th album SURF & SNOW, was used as the theme song for the film Take Me Out to the Snowland.

Its lyrics, which heighten the anticipation of winter’s snowy landscapes, set hearts dancing alongside an urban ensemble.

Despite never being released as a single, it has become a staple winter song and stands as a representative number of the 1980s.