The soul’s cry woven into Japanese elegies: unraveling supreme masterpieces that resonate with the heart.
The world of Japanese laments that sublimate sorrow and wistfulness into beautiful melodies.
From the desolate scenes woven by RC Succession led by Kiyoshiro Imawano, to the soul-stirring poetic realm of Agata Morio, and even the transparent feelings sung by the VOCALOID GUMI.
Timeless masterpieces that have continued to stay close to people’s hearts speak of heartbreak, loneliness, farewells…
They carry the cries of the soul felt in many moments of life.
Alongside vocals that quietly seep into the heart, they invite you into a deeply moving world.
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The soul’s cry embedded in Japanese elegies: Unraveling supreme masterpieces that resonate with the heart (21–30)
why,or why notŌshima Kei
It was Rekka Katakiri’s major-label debut song and was used as the ending theme for the TV anime Higurashi When They Cry.
Its clear, beautiful melody and lyrics written entirely in English can only be described as exquisite.
If you like, please read this translation of the lyrics.
Then, with the feelings embedded there in your heart, listen to the song once more.
Elegy of the North WindKobayashi Akira, Kitakaze Aika
Akira Kobayashi is indispensable when talking about Showa-era kayōkyoku.
His trademark powerful “Akira-bushi” singing voice suited songs set against melancholy northern landscapes.
This ‘Elegy of the North Wind’ is included on the 1982 album Wandering: Chapter 12.
The soul’s outcry woven into Japanese elegies: Unraveling sublime masterpieces that resonate with the heart (31–40)
Sanya BluesOkabayashi Nobuyasu
The debut single by Nobuyasu Okabayashi, the legendary singer-songwriter known as the “God of Folk.” Released in 1968.
Set to acoustic guitar, it poignantly voices the raw feelings of manual laborers living in Tokyo’s San’ya district.
Spring of the Original Genius BakabonKōrogi ’73 / Koromubia Yurikago-kai
The ending theme of the 1975 anime Ganso Tensai Bakabon.
Even now, when people turn 41, some still say, “I’m the same age as Bakabon’s dad.” It’s surprising that the deeply melancholic lyrics were actually written by the original creator, Fujio Akatsuka.
hippopotamusnokoinoko
It aired on “Hirake! Ponkikki” starting in April 1980.
Despite being a song from a children’s program, its lyrics centered on the transience of life, leaving viewers feeling profoundly sad first thing in the morning.
After its single release, it appears not to have been included on any albums to this day.
Informationuisshu
One of the many singer-songwriters to emerge from the Yamaha Popular Song Contest (commonly known as Popcon).
They are a sister duo.
This song is their debut single, released in 1972.
The lyrics, which liken the feelings of a broken heart to a funeral, really strike a chord.
Ishikari River ElegyMitsubishi Michiya
This is a song set on Hokkaido’s Ishikari River, released in 1961 by Michiya Mihashi, a popular singer who epitomized the Showa era.
Mihashi produced an astonishing 18 million-selling hits over his lifetime, and this was one of them, reportedly reaching total sales of 1.5 million copies.