[2026] Upbeat winter J‑Pop: Energetic winter songs
As winter approaches each year, lots of winter-themed songs get released, and you start hearing winter songs more often on TV and around town.
While the charm of winter songs lies in their ability to evoke a wintry atmosphere, that image tends to mean there are a lot of ballads.
So for those who feel, “I want to listen to songs that get me pumped even in winter!!,” this article rounds up a bunch of upbeat, light winter tracks all in one go!
From timeless classics to the latest releases, we’ve gathered lively tunes that will lift your spirits—be sure to give them a listen!
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[2026] Up-tempo Winter J-POP: Hype Winter Songs (71–80)
Holidays ft. Earth, Wind & FireMeghan Trainor
“Holidays” is a song by American singer-songwriter Meghan Trainor.
Featuring the renowned funk band Earth, Wind & Fire—who are also well known in Japan—it was included on her 2020 Christmas album, A Very Trainor Christmas.
It’s a funky, soulful track with an upbeat rhythm that makes you want to move, and it’s a perfect fit for the festive Christmas atmosphere.
Santa ClausELLEGARDEN
A memorable track featuring a wistful melody that evokes the arrival of winter and a driving, fast-paced rhythm.
It’s included on ELLEGARDEN’s album “DON’T TRUST ANYONE BUT US,” released in April 2002.
Takeshi Hosomi’s emotional vocals convey a bittersweet longing for his lover.
The simple gifts delivered through Santa Claus overflow with tenderness and symbolize the couple’s relationship.
The lyrics, which hint at a temporary parting, communicate a sense of sorrow and loneliness.
This song’s charm lies in the contrast between its upbeat sound—like it could blow away the winter chill—and its heartwarming lyrics.
It’s a perfect track for making Christmas memories with your partner on a cold winter night.
Wonderful HolidayTakeuchi Mariya
The song featured in Kentucky Fried Chicken’s Christmas commercial is Mariya Takeuchi’s “Suteki na Holiday.” Whenever this song comes on, it just makes you crave fried chicken.
Originally the B-side to her 2001 single “Nostalgia,” it has been used in the commercials since 2000 and, as of 2022, continues to be used for many years.
The track evokes images like those in Europe and the U.S., of spending time with family in a room with a fireplace, and its orchestral arrangement and bell tones heighten the Christmas atmosphere.
BRAVO! Nippon: A Fantasy of Snow and IceHikaru GENJI
“BRAVO! Nippon ~A Fantasy of Snow and Ice~” brings back memories of the 90s J-POP boom.
Released in 1994, the song became a support campaign anthem for the Lillehammer Olympics and can be said to have colored that winter.
The beautiful melody paints a fantasy world of snow and ice, seeming to transform the winter chill into a gentle warmth that nestles close to each person’s heart.
Savor the lyrics brimming with dreams and hope as you listen, and let them illuminate tonight’s winter sky.
White Marchsumika
Sumika is a four-piece rock band with a soft, mellifluous voice and hook-filled lyrics that has garnered strong support, especially among younger listeners.
White March, included on their second album Chime, is a pop tune chosen as the theme song for JR East’s JR SKISKI 2018–2019 campaign.
Its translucent sound and brisk arrangement bring a festive sparkle to winter events, especially Christmas.
With a catchy melody and ethereal tones that evoke wintry landscapes, it’s a refreshing yet warmly comforting winter song.
In conclusion
We’ve introduced a bunch of up-tempo winter songs all at once.
They ranged from long-beloved winter classics to tracks released in recent years.
Winter songs tend to be slow ballads, but if you’re in the mood for something lively that will lift your spirits, be sure to check out the songs featured in this article!