Hit and popular songs by 19 (Juke)
Let me introduce songs by 19 (Juke), a male folk duo that disbanded in 2002.
At the time, alongside Yuzu, they brought a folk current to the J-pop scene and are said to be the pioneers of the neo-folk genre.
They also enjoyed huge popularity, appearing twice on the NHK New Year’s Eve Music Festival (Kohaku Uta Gassen) and providing an official cheer song for the Sydney Olympics, but sadly they disbanded.
After the breakup, member Kenji Okahira became well known for his activities with 3B LAB.☆S.
Now, please enjoy the songs of 19, who helped bring folk music back into the spotlight.
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Hit and popular songs of 19 (Juke) (11–20)
Grandpa Bear19
A song about Kenji’s grandfather.
The final lyrics, dedicated to a grandfather who lived through the Meiji to Heisei eras, are brief yet deeply expressive, making it very easy to picture.
For those who have had a similar experience, it may truly strike a chord.
Odakyu Kakio19
A song that makes me remember the room and the town I lived in for so long, right before moving.
Rather than an anthem, it’s a track tinged with guilt, so when you want to sink into a sad mood or recall the past, give it a listen—the lyrics gradually seep in.
It’s also recommended for those times when you want to cry, feel refreshed, and face forward again.
great nature19
You might still have some memory of going out with your dad or mom when you were a child and having them secretly buy you a snack or something.
With its pop vibe, this song brings happiness as it takes you on a journey through those old memories.
background romance19
A song that desperately tries to look both backward and forward, with bits of self-talk woven in.
Though it’s a single, it tends to be treated as minor, but isn’t it a track where you can take your time savoring Kenji’s unemotional vocal delivery? If you listen to it, I recommend a night that pairs well with a drink.
The sound I want to convey19
Even if you’re chatting on LINE these days, in the end you still want to hear the voice of the person you like, right? At times like that, you suddenly feel like calling them.
This song makes you want to pick up the phone—both when you want to call the person you like and after you’ve hung up.
gasoline19
An early song that wasn’t performed very often live.
Many people might relate to the image of going to see someone you like while trying to save on gas.
It’s also a song that makes you realize, “Gas is cheaper than train fare!” A classic that has been covered many times.
Hit and popular songs of 19 (Juke) (21–30)
Beigoma (spinning top)19
This is also one of their early songs, and since the lyrics are simple, it’s a track where everyone does call-and-response during the chorus at live shows.
It feels like everyone links arms over each other’s shoulders, swaying and singing together, and seeing Kenji and Keigo singing happily like that warms your heart.