Top 10 Popular Japanese Winter Songs
Hi there. It’s Mr. Wada back on duty. I would like to introduce popular Japanese winter songs this time.
Seasonal songs
Spring
10 Popular Japanese Sakura Songs
Top Japanese Spring Songs
New Japanese Graduation Songs
11 Classic Japanese Graduation Songs
Top Japanese Rain Songs
Summer
Popular Japanese Summer Songs
Winter
Top 5 Popular Japanese Christmas Songs
Top 5 Popular Japanese Christmas Songs part 2
Contents
Top 10 Popular Japanese Winter Songs
Like I’ve previously introduced about seasonal songs, there are popular winter songs in Japan as well. Here is some reference for you.
Tsugarukaikyo Yukigeshiki (津軽海峡・冬景色) by Sayuri Ishikawa
Year released: 1977
The only entry of enka (Japanese country song)! This represents the severe cold of Aomori (Northern Japan). I like its melody-line personally. Catchy and kinda rock, in fact some rock bands copy this song.
Kanashimi wa Yukino yoni (悲しみは雪のように) by Shogo Hamada
Year released: 1992
The very first hit song of a veteran solo musician. Intro sounds a bit like Every Breath You Take by Police though. (different overall?)
Huyu ga Hajimaruyo (冬がはじまるよ) by Noriyuki Makihara
Year released: 1992
A semi-hit song by a popular solo singer though through the radio, karaoke chart, it is considered one of most popular winter songs.
Romance no Kamisama (ロマンスの神様) by Komi Horose
Year released: 1993
If you have skied in Japan, you may have heard it and thought like ‘why is this song always being played at ski?’. To give you a clear answer, a ski gear company called Alpen used this song on its TV commercial in the early 90s’ and it became a huge hit and an anthem for skiers. Like it or not, it is not avoidable when it comes to ski. Heh heh.
Samui Yoru Dakara (寒い夜だから…) by TRF
Year released: 1994
A dance group from the 90’s. Like their summer song Ez Do Dance, it’s pop and catchy.
DEPARTURES by globe
Year released: 1996
A big hit of 1996 by the same producer/composer of TRF songs. Clearly it was the time of Japanese dance music. It’s still popular at karaoke.
Yuki no Hana (雪の華) by Mika Nakashima
Year released: 2003
It is an all-time popular karaoke song as well. Not as big sales as other her songs but it is still on the radio in winter.
Kona Yuki (粉雪) by Remioromen
Year released: 2006
They are a three-piece band from the 2000’s. Like their another song March 9th is counted a classic graduation song, this has turned a classy winter song as well.
Yuki (Yukiyakonko) (雪{ゆきやこんこ})
Year released: 1911
A classic kids song. Every Japanese kid may learn and sing it in a music class.
Takibi (たき火)
Year released: 1941
Takibi means bonfire. The lyrics are like kids stop at a bonfire on the way home, etc. Not a dangerous song at all.
Lastly
How do you find it? Winter songs aren’t only for Christmas and holidays. I would like to share more seasonal songs another time. Stay tuned.
See you around!
My normal cut-off point for anything at all is 1990. However, here the pre-1990 entries… well, as a wise man once said, I’m not feelin’ it. I’m thinking of banning all senior citizens and kiddie-brats from singing in public. I like the Shogo Hamada video, but the song itself is nothing special. I think I’m going to have to go with DEPARTURES (Akh! Why do Japanese band insist on SHOUTING their names?). Catchy, but I’m not about to try it at karaoke. For the same reasons I avoid Take on Me by A Ha.