[2026] Upbeat winter J‑Pop: Energetic winter songs

Holy Moly Holy Nightchanmina & SKY-HI

CHANMINA & SKY-HI – Holy Moly Holy Night (Official Music Video)

A track that updates a vintage big band sound with a modern twist.

Chanmina and SKY-HI teamed up to release it as a digital single in December 2020.

The horn section and walking bass that evoke the ’60s feel great, resulting in a glamorous finish perfect for a sophisticated party.

Beneath the dazzling melody lies a weave of complex emotions and irony about spending a night alone, giving it an appealing depth beyond simple brightness.

The song is also included on SKY-HI’s album “Hachimenroppi,” where you can enjoy the duo’s exquisite back-and-forth.

Perform it at a home party with friends or at karaoke, and the place will light up instantly!

ZeppelinAshita no jokē

Asunojokei – Zeppelin [Official Music Video]

This track, featured on Asunojokei’s album “Think of You,” released in August 2025, is memorable for its music video filmed in the bitter cold of Hokkaido in winter.

While entirely shouted, it features an original sound that embraces J-pop-like melodies.

The lyrics, which portray the strength of life and feelings for others, resonate deeply.

Centered on post-black metal and blackgaze, the sound fuses elements of shoegaze and post-rock to build a one-of-a-kind world where intensity and lyricism coexist.

A production anecdote notes the band’s dedication to crafting guitar tones that express the “sound of winter” for this work, conveying their strong aesthetic sensibility.

It’s a song you’ll especially want to hear in winter—one that encourages the will to live powerfully amid the cold.

Winter Moon Winter StarsGLAY

Winter Moon Winter Stars

A GLAY song that evokes the chill of winter while kindling a flame in the heart.

Featured on the album “FREEDOM ONLY,” this track portrays the anxieties and loneliness of modern society while powerfully singing of human bonds and hope.

Its lyrics vividly depict the beautiful contrast between a bleak winter nightscape and the warmth of human sentiment.

Released in October 2021, the song is packed with GLAY’s passion for music.

It was performed during the GLAY ARENA TOUR 2021–2022, captivating fans.

A heartwarming winter song to listen to when you feel overwhelmed by the cold or want to connect with someone.

MemoriesMAN WITH A MISSION

MAN WITH A MISSION 『Memories(FUYUMATSURI ver.)』

MAN WITH A MISSION is a rock band that has been active at music festivals of all genres since the 2010s.

Their 2016 release “Memories” was selected as the 2015 JR East “JR SKISKI” commercial song.

It features a one-of-a-kind sound that blends dance music with rock.

A driving beat resounds alongside their rich choral work.

This rock track depicts forging ahead on a new path in a world blanketed with pure white snow.

Its energetic vibe is uplifting enough to blow away feelings of parting or loneliness.

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mutō

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Bitter VacationMrs. GREEN APPLE

Mrs. GREEN APPLE “Bitter Vacation” Official Music Video

This song features a lively guitar sound and centers on the theme of escaping the bustle of everyday life.

The lyrics depict the stress of modern society and feelings of self-doubt, while gently conveying a positive attitude toward overcoming them and the importance of rest.

It’s marked by Mrs.

GREEN APPLE’s signature refreshing melodies and a message that resonates with the heart.

Released as a digital single in November 2024, it was chosen as the theme song for the film Saint Young Men THE MOVIE: Holy Men vs.

the Demon Army, which premiered in December of the same year.

It’s a track that will lighten your heart when you’re weary from busy days or feel like you’re losing yourself.

Tokyo Winter Session feat. Yuu Setoguchi, Natsuki Enomoto, Sota Mochizuki, Akari Hayasaka, Haruki Serizawa, Mio Aida (CV: Hiroshi Kamiya, Haruka Tomatsu, Yuki Kaji, Kana Asumi, Kenichi Suzumura, Aki Toyosaki)HONEY WORKS

HoneyWorks 'Tokyo Winter Session feat. Yu Setoguchi, Natsuki Enomoto, Sota Mochizuki, Akari Hayasaka, Haruki Serizawa, Mio Gouda (CV: Hiroshi Kamiya, Haruka Tomatsu, Yuki Kaji, Kana Asumi, Kenichi Suzumura, Aki Toyosaki)'}

HoneyWorks’ “Tokyo Winter Session” is a song about spending winter events like Christmas and New Year’s with someone you love.

Released in 2017, the track was used as the ending theme for the anime “Our Love Has Always Been 10 Centimeters Apart.” The song also features a star-studded cast of voice actors, including Hiroshi Kamiya, Haruka Tomatsu, and Yuki Kaji, who voiced the characters.

Its dialogue-style lyrics, which feel like real interactions between people in love, and the heart-pounding effort to convey one’s feelings make it feel like you’re watching a story just by listening.

It’s a song that fills winter romance with excitement and fluttering anticipation.

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SAKI

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Santa-san -ZZ ver.-Momoiro Kurōbā Zetto

Momoiro Clover Z “Santa-san -ZZ ver.-” -TRAILER-

In a freezing cold winter, let’s heat up our bodies and hearts with an upbeat, high-energy number.

While tender ballads suit the season too, why not get pumped with Momoiro Clover Z’s hype track “Santa-san -ZZ ver.-”? Momoiro Clover Z is the energetic and cute J-POP girl group beloved even by rock fans—a true live idol group known for their real-vocal performances.

Whether you play it at a party or dance along together, this song is pure fun.

Let’s power through this winter with it!

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nikki

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