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) (21–30)
Instantaneous concept19
After moving to Tokyo and dating a woman, some of you may have gone through a bit of a lull in the relationship.
It’s a song that portrays a man’s heart—he might tease her or invite her over to his place where he lives alone, but in the end, he still wants to be together.
Dandelion -Tanpopo-19
The fact that their last single only shows running feet in the music video really hits me.
It’s the only one where the two of them don’t appear, and because they disbanded without ever performing it, fans even call it a legendary song.
It carries a strong message about living with strength so you can fly far away like a dandelion.
19 (Juke) Greatest and Popular Songs (31–40)
That paper airplane, splitting the cloudy sky19
A hugely popular song that even generations who weren’t born at the time can hum along to.
It’s been covered so many times that you can choose it without worrying, “Will everyone know this?” During the chorus, let’s all sway left and right together and have a relaxed sing-along!
Endless Road19
A song I’d recommend to men in their early 40s is Hatenonai Michi.
It’s a classic by the folk duo 19, who were hugely active in the 2000s.
Since it was a nationwide hit, many of you may remember it.
While the track is notable for its cutting-style guitar, the vocal line itself is crafted as catchy J-pop.
The chorus does feature falsetto, but the range is easily reachable in chest voice as well, so it’s not difficult as long as you choose an appropriate key.
Give it a try.
that paper airplane19
A male folk duo, 19’s second single, released in March 1999.
The original singers’ voices are very simple and friendly, and the melody is easy to remember, so even if you sing this song at karaoke, there probably won’t be many parts you find difficult.
Just be careful not to let the brief falsetto part right before the chorus sound weak—switch your voice smoothly as you sing.
If you relax and let the falsetto come out gently without forcing it, you should be able to sing it nicely!
someone important; a precious/cherished person19
This song is packed with passionate friendship.
Its approachable lyrics and rhythm are part of its charm.
I think it would make a delightful gift as a token of friendship.
Fruitless Road19
It’s a song that expresses gratitude when setting off on a journey, being seen off by everyone.
The feeling of actually boarding a plane and getting ready to depart builds into the chorus, creating a mysterious effect where it sounds as if it’s quietly saying, “Thank you, everyone.”