aiko’s classic and popular songs
Here’s an introduction to the music of aiko, the female singer-songwriter known for popular songs like “Kabutomushi” and “Boyfriend.” Active since 1998, her charm lies in the coexistence of sweet, cute lyrics—much like her appearance—and a striking coolness that contrasts with them.
She often employs jazz-inspired chord progressions, and this sophisticated musical sense is another key to her popularity.
There’s also a story that her father was a friend of Hiroshi Madoka, and when she said as a child that she wanted to become a singer, Madoka told her, “Don’t do it—you’ll have a hard time.” Please enjoy her wonderful songs with this playlist.
Aiko’s classic and popular songs (1–10)
milkaiko
In front of the mirror, I’m practicing to be a cute, well-put-together girl so I can be my best self around the person I love.
Isn’t that something everyone’s experienced in the rituals of romance? This is a piece that sings about that feeling of love we’ve all likely felt at least once—when he appears in your dreams and you can’t get him out of your head.
Andromedaaiko
This is one of aiko’s most overwhelmingly popular songs.
Even if you’ve never heard the original, many people may have heard it at karaoke.
It’s such a classic that just looking at the lyrics brings the melody to mind and makes you want to hum along.
“Even if you were standing at the intersection, I might not be able to find you anymore.”
fireworksaiko
It’s one of aiko’s biggest hits and can be considered a signature song.
It was also the song she performed for her first appearance on Music Station.
Thanks to its melody and popularity, it’s widely known across generations and was even adopted as the departure melody at Temma Station on the Osaka Loop Line.
bagaiko
This is the 15th single, a song that captures the cute feelings of a girl in love.
In the music video, aiko sings playfully, expressing how being in love makes every day fun, yet she’s impatient to become mutual, wanting to know how the other person feels.
It’s a very aiko-like work.
Love sicknessaiko
This song sings of a searing pain that burns the chest as the flames of love blaze higher, as if being consumed by an illness.
It’s the opening number of Aiko’s 2000 album “Under the Cherry Tree.” The lyrics put into words raw emotions—feelings so intense you cry in silence, a body changing through a fateful encounter.
For anyone burdened by the agony of loving someone too much, a mix of dependence and longing, this track will surely strike a chord.
Masanori Shimada’s arrangement, with piano and guitar intertwining, makes the poignancy all the more vivid.
boyfriendaiko
A popular song by aiko that portrays the peak of a relationship before it becomes official.
The image of the two confirming their love atop a tetrapod is striking.
The lyrics delicately express the feelings of someone in love, and aiko’s cute yet powerful vocals are captivating.
Released in September 2000, it reached No.
2 on the Oricon weekly chart.
The initial limited edition’s lyric booklet featured playful gimmicks like a “singing dog,” which also made headlines.
It’s a recommended track for those newly in love or for moments when you want to look back on memories with someone special.
Listen to this song, and you’ll surely find yourself wrapped in the feeling of being in love.
nape (of the neck)aiko
Their 14th single in total on a major label.
A regretful love song addressed to a former lover.
The relaxed piano accompaniment and the distinctive melody in the chorus leave a strong impression.
The closing lyric, “Not once have I ever forgotten you—your slightly grown-out nape, your awkward smile,” really hits home.
Good nightaiko
This song by aiko, who keeps releasing all kinds of love songs, is a breakup song.
“Bye, good night” is what aiko says when she hangs up the phone, and she imagined the scenario of a final “bye, good night” as she and her lover end a call.
It’s a relatively low-key ballad, but if you listen while picturing her bursting into tears after hanging up, it quietly seeps into you all the more.
bow knotaiko
This song features a gentle melody that seems to embrace a bittersweet longing for love, along with warm, inviting soundscapes.
It carefully portrays a woman’s feelings as she wavers between the desire to grow closer to someone and the gap with reality.
Released as a single in April 2003, it was also included on the album “Akatsuki no Love Letter.” The track was used as the Kyushu-region limited TV commercial song for Glico Dairy’s “Café au Lait.” It’s perfect not only for those troubled by love, but also for moments when you want to feel the bond with someone special.
Packed with aiko’s charm, this piece may make you want to fall in love, too.
plus-minusaiko
It’s a rare song that starts with a guitar riff.
The lyrics vividly express a girl’s feelings when her love becomes overwhelming and uncontrollable.
It fits one of aiko’s signature traits: even when the lyrics are heavy or sad, the melody is poppy and bright.