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 listen to in winter: Songs you’ll long for in the cold (11–20)
ebb and flowNEW!RAY
A ballad that evokes the stillness of the ocean floor and emotions that ebb and flow like the waves.
Ray’s crystal-clear vocals resonate as if delicately tracing inexpressible heartache and confusion.
Released as a single in February 2014, it was used as the latter opening theme for the anime Nagi no Asukara.
The lyrics, which mirror the complex human relationships depicted in the latter half of the story against a winter backdrop, tighten your chest while also carrying a gentle warmth, giving the song a mysterious allure.
Its beauty stands out even more when listened to in the cold winter air.
It’s a track that quietly stays by your side when you want to spend a quiet night lost in thought or face the emotions deep within your heart.
Winter TaleNEW!Murashita Kōzō
A hidden gem by Kozo Murashita that lyrically captures the chill felt on a late autumn street corner and the void left by a love that has ended.
It’s a ballad included as the B-side to the single “Odoriko,” released in August 1983, and also featured on that year’s acclaimed album “Hatsukoi ~Asaki Yume Mishi~.” Though it never had a notable tie-in, the lyrics—evoking images like a clock tower and fallen leaves—and Murashita’s warm vocals quietly settle into the listener’s heart.
Eschewing flashy production in favor of an acoustic resonance that seeps in, this piece is perfect for a cold winter night when you want to sit alone with your memories.
Its bittersweet yet beautiful story may gently wrap your chilled heart in warmth.
A winter fairy is melting a snowmanKimura Kaera
With a glittering synthesizer tone resounding through the intro, can’t you instantly picture a wintry scene the moment you hear it? Sung by Kaela Kimura, this song introduces fantastical motifs like winter fairies and snowmen, drawing listeners into a picture-book-like, wondrous world.
Released as a single in December 2010, it played in living rooms across Japan as an NTT DoCoMo commercial song at the time.
It was also featured in a LINE MUSIC commercial in 2017, making it a beloved winter classic that transcends eras.
It was her first release after giving birth as well, and beneath its cuteness you can feel a strong sense of resolve.
The dance beat that makes you want to move your cold, huddled body is perfect for car rides on the way to the slopes or for livening up winter events.
Snow Magic FantasySEKAI NO OWARI
It’s a grand-scale winter song packed with the loneliness, sparkle, and excitement evoked by the season of winter.
The lyrics, which convey a feeling like “I’d die if I could be with the one I love,” express a straightforward and powerful passion.
Chosen as the CM song for JR East’s winter campaign ‘JR SKI SKI,’ it also drew attention for the surreal world presented in its music video.
powder snowRemioromen
When you think of Remioromen, this quintessential song “Konayuki” comes to mind.
It became a hit as an insert song for the drama “1 Litre of Tears.” It’s also a popular winter karaoke staple, with scenes of everyone belting out the chorus together being a common sight.
The song beautifully parallels the sight of powdery snow fluttering down, melting, and disappearing with the subtleties of human emotion—wishing to clear away frustration and indescribable feelings in pure white snow—making it one of the classic songs of winter.
booby prizewanuka
This song delicately portrays the loneliness felt in the cold and the aching feeling of thinking about someone.
It is Wanuka’s 17th digital single, released in December 2023.
The piece beautifully weaves together winter scenery and the subtleties of human relationships.
It’s recommended for moments when you recall a lover or a friend, or when you’re waiting for someone—anytime you feel the solitude of winter.
It’s a moving track that showcases Wanuka’s sensibility and deeply resonates with the heart.
[Winter Songs] Timeless tracks to enjoy in winter: Songs you’ll long for in the cold season (21–30)
white snowKuraki Mai
A winter ballad whose delicate imagery—like the whiteness of visible breath and a warm light glowing in the cold—touches the heart.
It’s the 25th single by singer-songwriter Mai Kuraki, who has produced numerous classics, released in December 2006.
Chosen as an ending theme for the TV anime Detective Conan, the piece uses music-box and string tones to beautifully evoke the hush of falling, piling snow.
It is included on the album ONE LIFE as well as on best-of compilations, and has long been cherished by fans as a winter staple.
The lyrics poignantly overlay lingering feelings and the pain of lost love with white, icy snow.
It’s a song you’ll want to savor on a night of gently falling snow, in a quiet room.
Mai Kuraki’s clear, translucent voice makes this a masterpiece that gently washes the heart.