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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19’s famous and popular songs (1–10)
footprint(s)19
It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to call it a single that became a commercial jingle and introduced a rare rhythmic pattern for 19, creating a fresh vibe.
Many people may have heard it in passing.
While it has a strangely swaying feel, it’s also a song that many artists choose to cover.
telepathy; tacit understanding (literally: ‘heart-to-heart communication’)19
For anyone in a long-distance relationship, these lyrics are sure to hit hard.
They poignantly convey the loneliness and tenderness you only realize when you’re by yourself.
It’s a song I want you to listen to when you suddenly feel lonely and want to cry, and today it’s a classic that many different artists cover.
theme song19
I think this song will be a tailwind for anyone who hates erasing their individuality and following the path they’re told to take.
No two people are the same, so let’s live without hiding who we are! For those who feel stuck, it will be a wonderful anthem of encouragement.
That paper airplane splits the cloudy sky19
The hit song that made 19 famous.
Many people resonated with the lyrics, and I bet quite a few actually threw paper airplanes or wrote them during class.
It’s a nostalgic youth anthem and is still featured on TV shows today.
blink19
This is another track written and composed by Keigo that paints a mysterious world.
The lyrics, which express the desire to spend time side by side with a loved one and to stay close even after getting married, are still beloved by many.
It’s also a great recommendation as a wedding song.
Excessive earthly melancholy and joy19
A song with a folk vibe that brings in a UK sound.
Many listeners likely resonated with the chorus, where Kenji sings more directly about the bullying that Keigo, the main vocalist, experienced during his school days.
It’s still a track loved by many.
Three-Minute Diary19
It’s on their early album, and many people love the melody that portrays the innocence and brightness of being 19.
During live shows, watching vocalist Kenji dash around the stage and hype up the crowd makes the audience feel giddy with excitement—it’s a high-energy song through and through.