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.
- Top 19 Popular Songs Ranking [2026]
- Top 19 Karaoke Hit Songs Ranking [2026]
- Top 19 Graduation Songs, School Entrance Songs, and Popular Tracks [2026]
- Popular Love Songs & Romance Tracks Ranking [2026]
- [Showa Era] A roundup of nostalgic folk song classics and popular tracks you’ll want to sing at karaoke
- [A Cheer for Myself] A pep song dedicated to you who are doing your very best
- [Tearjerker] Songs that make your heart tremble with tears & moving tracks with lyrics that touch the soul
- A classic, bittersweet youth song. Recommended popular tracks.
- A coming-of-age song that was a hit in the ’90s. A classic and popular track in Japanese music.
- Tear-jerking youth songs: recommended classics and popular tracks
- [Hit Songs of 1999] A roundup of timeless tracks that dominated the charts!
- Tear-jerking J-pop from the ’90s. Hit songs and real tearjerkers.
- A heartbreak song that was a hit in the 90s. Classic and popular tracks in Japanese music.
Hit and popular songs of 19 (Juke) (21–30)
toes19
Among 19’s songs, this one hasn’t been officially released, but it has been performed on TV and elsewhere.
Keigo is the main vocalist, and its mysterious atmosphere makes the melody feel soothing.
It’s a highly recommended, healing track to listen to at night—perfect for helping you fall sound asleep.
Smile19
Despite its handclaps and upbeat vibe, this song wasn’t performed very often live.
“Don’t stop—keep running!” The lyrics give you a push and fill you with energy.
Maybe the importance of smiling hasn’t changed from past to present.
It’s a track included on a mid-period album.
Graduation Life19
Although this song was never officially released, it was often performed live and on the radio.
Written by Kenji when he was in junior high school, its lyrics—poured out from a pure, unfiltered perspective—remain popular among fans to this day.
While audio recordings exist, it’s also known for having no surviving video footage.
The sun was shining on us.19
One of the summer songs that was also used as a theme for high school baseball.
Even from the later period, its punk sound carries Kenji’s signature brightness, making it a track that bridged his solo work and band days.
Despite being about heartbreak, it’s recommended for anyone who wants to keep things bright with a summer song!
Spring flows19
Do you remember your first love from childhood? It’s a song that paints a faint, tender romance—complete with those bittersweet missteps we all go through.
Even the little gestures you made, embarrassed yet drawn to the person you liked, are surprisingly things you remember even after you grow up.
I hope you’ll listen to it while flipping through a photo album.
Sing a Song19
Amid overlapping events, the lyrics—filled with a wish that we won’t be changed or dyed by them—bring tears to your eyes.
It’s a cheering song that calls out, “Let’s stay together, let’s gather no matter what happens,” and even live, Kenji’s vocals and Keigo’s guitar solo create the atmosphere.
A.D. forward to the year 2000 →19
A song that was often performed last at live shows.
Its lyrics gently stay close to people who are looking back and hanging their heads, and many may say they were saved by the empathy it offers.
Keigo’s slightly relaxed vocals and Kenji’s emotion-laden singing send a strong message: Let’s live facing forward!