RAG Musicartist
Lovely artist

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

Answer songs are created as responses to original songs.

This is a unique genre that draws attention as “sequels to songs,” featuring many love songs and narrative-driven tracks that often center on differences in perspective between men and women.

In addition to music’s charm of allowing countless interpretations—one for every listener—one of the joys of answer songs is the new discoveries they offer: realizing, beyond what you felt from the original track, that there were such feelings and stories behind it!

We’ll introduce not only the classics but also relatively new tracks, carefully picked along the way.

You might just get hooked on the worldview that connects artists’ intentions!

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A classic of answer songs. Songs that weave feelings—love songs (41–50)

I want to see you.sawada chikako

A poignant ballad marked by Chikaco Sawada’s gentle vocals that tenderly embrace the deep sorrow of losing a loved one and the aching hope of reunion.

From beautiful memories with a lover to a sudden parting—and the powerful love that still remains in the heart—are expressed through delicate lyrics and melody.

Released in June 1990, this track was single-cut from the album “I miss you.” It was used as the ending theme for TV Asahi’s “Tonight” and in a Nisshin Flour Mills commercial, gradually gaining attention and ultimately becoming a million-seller.

For those who have lost someone precious in life or who hold someone far away in their thoughts, it will surely resonate deeply.

A classic answer song. Songs that weave feelings: love songs (51–60)

God doesn’t cut corners.Tachikawa Toshiyuki

The original song is Daiji MAN Brothers Band’s “Sore ga Daiji” (“That’s What Matters”).

The answer song to this big hit is sung by the group’s former vocalist, Toshiyuki Tachikawa.

At first glance, the lyrics seem completely the opposite of “Sore ga Daiji,” almost as if they negate the original.

However, according to Tachikawa himself, it’s merely a paradoxical expression, and it ultimately arrives at the same conclusion.

The album that includes this song also features a 2016 version of “Sore ga Daiji,” so it might be interesting to listen to them side by side and compare.

MomotaroEharamasahiro

Masahiro Ehara – Answer Song to the Nursery Rhyme 'Momotaro'
MomotaroEharamasahiro

The original song is the children’s song “Momotarō.” You can’t help but be surprised—who knew a song like this existed? It’s an answer song to a famous nursery rhyme, and among the many answer songs out there, this one is an especially quirky outlier.

It sings, in a style “like ET-KING” (according to the artist), about how the pheasant felt when Momotarō invited him to join his party.

Playback Part 2Yamaguchi Momoe

Playback Part 2, released in 1978 by Momoe Yamaguchi—who could be called a legend of the Showa era—remains a beloved classic that we still hear often today.

Interestingly, the lyrics of the second verse include the line “Do whatever you want,” a nod to Julie’s song Katte ni Shiyagare (Do as You Please).

The song’s protagonist is a woman who’s walked out after a fight with her man, yet she still sings—sensually—of a love that clings to this selfish man.

OUR SONGSECRET 7 LINE

The original song is “YOUR SONG” by the same group.

It was released six months after the accident as an answer song to “YOUR SONG,” which was written and composed by a member who passed away in a traffic accident last year.

Considering that background, the title “OUR (ore-tachi no)” feels like a very meaningful phrase.

Promise ~forever~sumire

Sumire / 「Promise ~forever~」Music Video
Promise ~forever~sumire

The original song is by Dai Hirai, “Promise.” Thanks to the connection from appearing in the music video for “Promise,” the track was produced under the direct supervision of Dai Hirai himself, who created the original.

With new lyrics and a fresh arrangement, it has been completed as a dramatic ballad.

Suddenly, SinbadSazan Ōrusutāzu

When it comes to creating arrangements, nobody surpasses Southern All Stars.

The title forcibly mashes together ‘Nagisa no Sindbad’ and ‘Katte ni Shiyagare.’ The song is said to pay a slight homage to the style of The Peanuts.

It feels like a remix of hit songs rolled into one.