Winter songs I’d recommend to teenagers who are living through their youth right now
Among teenagers likely born between fiscal years 2005 and 2014, the ones currently experiencing their youth in real time are what we call Generation Z.
In Japan, many people probably began choosing music on their own around 2018, when the era shifted from Heisei to Reiwa.
Thanks to the rise of subscription services, we can now listen to a wide range of music regardless of generation, while new classics continue to emerge.
So this time, we’ll introduce winter songs—especially tracks released in the Reiwa era—that we recommend to teens!
Winter songs (1–10) I’d recommend to teenagers who are living through their youth right now
Dear SantaKoresawa
With the rise of subscriptions enabling cross-generational music experiences, new masterpieces are emerging one after another.
Koresawa’s songs are characterized by an addictive voice, pop melodies, and lyrics that capture everyday scenes from a unique perspective.
This work is a song that portrays the feelings of entrusting wishes for truly valuable things—beyond material desires—to Santa Claus.
It’s a recommended winter song for teenagers who, in the winter season, want to reflect on themselves and consider what truly matters.
Winter and Springback number
A beautifully rendered depiction of youth’s end and the start of a new season, back number’s new song weaves delicate words to portray winter’s arrival announcing the end of love and spring’s coming that brings self-acceptance.
The lyrics, which overlay the changing seasons with the journey from heartbreak to discovering one’s own worth, are sure to resonate deeply with listeners.
Released digitally on January 24, 2024, the track features the emotive vocals and melodies characteristic of back number.
It’s a song especially recommended for teenagers experiencing the joys and pains of love.
A heartwarming winter song that heals the wounds of heartbreak and gives you the courage to take a new step forward.
SubtitleOfficial HIGE DANDism
It’s a song written as the theme for the Fuji TV drama “silent,” an emotional winter ballad that seeks warmth amid the cold of the season.
Digitally released in October 2022, the track exemplifies Official HIGE DANDism’s musical exploration and range of expression.
It reflects the importance of deepening human connections through words and a belief in the power of language, delivering a strong message to listeners.
It’s the perfect track for spending time with someone special on a winter night.
Christmas EveYuri
A song that skillfully weaves together the wistfulness of winter and the hope of Christmas resonates in the heart alongside Yuri’s clear, translucent vocals.
The protagonist’s feelings as they long for a lost love overlap with the scenes of Christmas Eve, leaving a deep impression on listeners.
The music video is directed by Elizabeth Miyaji and stars actress Sara Minami.
For those who have experienced love and parting, there are many relatable moments, making it a track you’ll want to listen to alone on a winter night.
illuminationNEW!&TEAM
This is a winter track by &TEAM, a global boy group, included on their album “Yukiakari,” released in December 2024.
The lyrics, which depict a wish to be with a loved one on a holy night wrapped in illuminations, reflect a more mature side that seeks to express feelings not only through words but through actions.
Its light arrangement—pop beats layered with sparkling synths and sleigh bells—beautifully captures winter scenery and the bittersweetness of youth.
Created as the winter installment of a song series themed around the four seasons, this piece is a perfect Christmas song for romantic moments with a partner or festive parties with friends.
I promiseKing&Prince
A beautifully crafted winter love song has arrived from King & Prince.
Also featured as Seven-Eleven’s 2020 Christmas commercial song, this track sings of the resolve to keep searching for the one you love, even in a crowd.
Released on December 16, 2020, the single sold 567,000 copies in its first week and topped the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
It also achieved the remarkable feat of surpassing 300,000 first-week sales for six consecutive releases since their debut.
In the music video, five different love stories unfold, expressing both heartache and the strength of love.
It’s a romantic, hope-filled winter song, perfect for warming the heart in the cold season.
silentSEKAI NO OWARI
A bittersweet love song perfect for the cold season has arrived.
Released in December 2020, this track was also chosen as the theme song for TBS Television’s Tuesday drama “Kono Koi Atatamemasu ka.” The lyrics portray the protagonist’s feelings of loneliness amid silence, vividly depicting someone spending Christmas night alone.
This work, which could be called an anti-Christmas song that depicts the pain and solitude of a love that has ended, has resonated with many listeners thanks to its beautiful melody and profound lyrics.
As a classic winter song by SEKAI NO OWARI, it has become a beloved track across generations.