A masterpiece of an answer song. A song that weaves feelings—a love song.

This year’s cherry blossomsflumpool

This year's cherry blossoms

It’s a classic filled with warm cheers for those leaving their hometowns and taking a new step, a beautiful song that naturally stirs a positive mindset.

Released on the December 2009 album “What’s flumpool!?”, it was also used as the opening theme for “Minna no Koshien.” Created as an answer song to their debut track “Hana ni Nare,” this piece has comforted many as an anthem of support for the season of departures.

As spring arrives—whether you’re starting a new chapter in life or striving toward new goals—it will give you a strong push forward.

Tomorrowuingusu

Paul McCartney – Tomorrow

The original song is the Beatles’ “Yesterday.” This globally famous track actually has an answer song.

The group that sings “Tomorrow” is the rock band Wings, which is Paul McCartney’s band after the Beatles.

Since Paul McCartney was the one who created “Yesterday” in the first place, you could say that, in effect, the answer song is by the man himself.

Sequel: Each Has Their Own TruthMidorikawa Shobō

Sequel: Each Has Their Own Truth — Midorikawa Shobō

The original song is by the same singer, titled “Everyone Has Their Own Truth.” The original is about a father who cheats and gets divorced, while this one is about the daughter who goes off the rails because of that—an unprecedented connection between two songs.

The single release includes both tracks together, but the album does not include “Sequel: Everyone Has Their Own Truth.” It seems there are very few ways to find out what happened to the daughter who was left behind.

Badge of AdulthoodShima Daisuke

Badge of Adulthood

The original song is an answer song that should truly be called a sequel to the same singer’s “Otoko no Kunshō.” While “Otoko no Kunshō” is a song about boyhood, this one feels like a song about that boy after he’s grown up.

Many people likely admire a way of life where, even as you grow and become an adult, the things that matter most never change.

Liaratarayo

Atarayo – Liar (Music Video)

This song portrays the end of a romance and the emotional path that follows.

The lyrics, illuminated by Atarayo’s delicate sensibility, skillfully express the aching feeling of being unable to forget someone even after parting.

It also carefully depicts the complex shift in emotions as feelings for a loved one gradually turn into resentment, resonating deeply with listeners.

Included on the EP “Yoake Mae,” released in October 2021, the track is also known as an answer song to the band’s signature piece, “October, I’ll Forget Your Quiet Self.” Recommended for those carrying the pain of heartbreak or in the mood to reflect on a past love.

July 7Char

July 7 [Masaharu Fukuyama]

It took a full 38 years from the original song “Kizetsu Suru Hodo Nayamashii” by the same singer to the release of its answer song.

This track really conveys the depth of Char’s history as an artist.

Masaharu Fukuyama, who composed it, apparently intended not to say that the song was an answer to “Kizetsu Suru Hodo Nayamashii,” but the person himself noticed anyway.

My grandchild has grown up.Ōizumi Itsurō

[MV] Itsuro Oizumi / My Grandchild Has Grown Up (full ver.)

Eight years have passed since the smash hit “Grandchild,” and this song is filled with the wish that the now-grown grandchild will continue to live steadfastly and grow into a compassionate adult.

It’s a lovely, soothing song whose gentle vocals are endlessly heartwarming.