[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] Upbeat Winter J‑Pop: Hype Winter Songs (41–50)
One day in winterSUPER EIGHT
Released in October 2012 and included on SUPER EIGHT’s album “8EST,” this song stands out for its flow: it starts calmly, then bursts into an upbeat rhythm in the chorus to sing about the determination and hope that take root in the cold winter air.
The moody, wintry sound combined with a warm melody creates a track that resonates deeply with listeners.
With lyrics about spreading broken wings and aiming for the light, it gently encourages those who strive to move forward even in the harsh chill of winter.
When you feel like you’re about to be defeated by the cold season, why not warm your heart by listening to this song?
Kiss Me, WinterFIVE NEW OLD
A song that beautifully fuses winter’s wistfulness with warmth has arrived from FIVE NEW OLD.
With its stylish, up-tempo groove and poignant melody, this track holds the power to melt hearts frozen by the cold.
Released in November 2023, it has drawn significant media attention, including being selected as the campaign song for FM Yokohama’s winter campaign “Hot Winter Magic.” It’s the perfect pick for those seeking heartwarming music in the cold season or a track to listen to alone on a winter night.
Let FIVE NEW OLD’s charm color your winter evenings with this captivating piece.
1999Hitsuji Bungaku
Hitsuji Bungaku is a rock band whose sound, tinged with a certain nostalgia, irresistibly draws the ear.
Younger listeners often call it “emo,” but for those a bit older, that same emotional pull makes sense precisely because the music feels vaguely familiar.
Their song “1999” is one such track—a number that conjures nostalgia and a faintly fleeting, ephemeral mood.
It’s a Christmas song that isn’t a love song, singing about Christmas in 1999.
In the intro, vocalist Moeka Shiozuka’s voice also carries a hint of Christmas—something solemn, almost sacred.
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” 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.
Santa-san -ZZ ver.-Momoiro Kurōbā Zetto
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!
Happy surprisenaniwa danshi
The seven-member idol group Naniwa Danshi has been on a roll, with their debut single, “Ubu LOVE,” released in 2021, recording one of the highest first-week sales for a debut single.
Their third single, “Happy Surprise,” which was chosen as the CM song for the Sunstar Ora2 me series “Kuchimoto Beauty de Smile!” in which they themselves appear, kicks off with a pop, string-featured intro that really lifts your spirits.
The melody, which brings to mind dazzling scenery, seems perfect for heightening the excitement of Christmas.
With cute lyrics that evoke precious moments with a lover, it’s a bright, festive pop tune that will color your Christmas with joy.
God of RomanceHirose Kōmi
Beginning with its popularity as a TikTok dance, Kohmi Hirose’s “Romance no Kamisama” is loved across generations.
Released in 1993, the song gained popularity after being featured in commercials for Alpen.
Although it’s famous as a winter song, it actually contains no words that evoke winter! The lyrics depict the joy of meeting one’s destined partner.
Still, as a singer often called the Queen of Winter, Hirose delivers a warm love song that’s perfectly suited to the cold season.