Pick-up of famous lyricists who left their mark on the history from Showa-era kayokyoku to J-POP!
When we recall the masterpieces that have colored the history of Japanese popular music and have been loved for so long, it’s the wonderful lyrics—awakened alongside the melodies—that linger in listeners’ hearts.
They give us a powerful push forward, put into words worries we can’t tell anyone…
No matter how great a melody is, many hits owe their success to the lyrics being what they are.
This time, we’re shining a spotlight on the renowned lyricists who brought such remarkable words into the world—along with their signature works.
Picking Famous Lyricists Who Left Their Mark on Showa Kayō to J‑POP History (1–10)
Sora-fune (Space Ship)Nakajima Miyuki
Miyuki Nakajima is a singer-songwriter from Sapporo, Hokkaido, who is active across a wide range of genres, including folk and pop.
Since her debut in 1975 with the single “Azami-jō no Lullaby,” she has produced numerous classics such as “Jidai” and “Sora to Kimi no Aida ni,” the theme song for the TV drama Homeless Child.
With “Chijō no Hoshi,” the theme song for NHK’s Project X: Challengers, she set an astonishing record by staying on the Oricon charts for 174 consecutive weeks.
She is the only solo artist to have topped the singles chart in four different decades, and she received the Medal with Purple Ribbon in 2009.
She is also known for providing songs to many prominent artists.
Many listeners have surely been moved by her lyrics, which keenly depict the subtleties of human emotion.
Here we go! Phantom Thief GirlMaeyamada Kenichi
Kenichi Maeyamada rose to prominence from his anonymous activities on video-sharing sites and has now established a solid reputation as a music producer.
After graduating from Kyoto University, he began working in earnest around 2007, and in 2011 he made his major-label debut as a singer under the name Hyadain.
He has churned out hits across a wide range of genres, from J-pop to anime songs, including Momoiro Clover Z’s “Ikuze! Kaitō Shōjo.” His tracks, which make extensive use of multitrack recording and key changes—techniques he says he taught himself—have an unforgettable, addictive quality.
He has also earned high acclaim as a creator, winning honors such as GQ Men of the Year 2012.
His one-of-a-kind sensibility, effortlessly bridging internet culture and commercial music, is perfect for anyone seeking a thrilling, stimulating sound.
Sakura, Bloom!Aida Tsuyoshi
Drawing on his experience in music production, Takeshi Aida has worked on numerous idol songs and kayōkyoku.
After a tenure at Sony Music, he became a lyricist and wrote many classic tracks that supported SMAP’s early years, including “Makeruna Baby! ~Never give up,” released in 1992.
He has also earned high acclaim in the enka field—his 2012 single for Takao Horiuchi, “Warau wa Kusuri,” was a winner at the 45th Japan Lyricist Awards.
His craftsmanlike approach—tailored to each singer’s individuality and emphasizing how words sit on the melody—resonates across genres.
He’s recommended for those who enjoy rhythmically satisfying lyrics and want to experience the diverse worlds woven by a master of words.
ReunionAyase
Starting his career as a Vocaloid producer, Ayase—now also known as the composer for the globally acclaimed music duo YOASOBI—has garnered widespread attention.
Debuting as a Vocaloid producer in 2018, his 2019 release Yoru ni Kakeru became a social phenomenon, surpassing 500 million total streams.
In 2023, he won the Best Composer Award at the 65th Japan Record Awards for Idol, further cementing his highly regarded talent.
Active across various fields, including writing songs for LiSA, Ayase captivates listeners with his lyricism, which vividly depicts story worlds and holds audiences spellbound.
backlightVaundy
Vaundy is a multi-artist who handles everything himself, from songwriting and composition to artwork.
His genre-defying sound, which blends rock and hip-hop, offers new discoveries with every listen.
He debuted in 2019 with the digital single “Tokyo Flash,” quickly drawing attention for its sophisticated sound.
In 2021, he also won at the MTV VMAJ, and as a lyricist he showcases sharp sensibilities in works like “Backlight,” which he provided for Ado.
His lyrics, which capture everyday scenes from a unique perspective, resonate deeply with those of us living in the present.
His music, which transcends genre boundaries, is recommended not only for trend-savvy listeners but also for those who value lyrical messages.
applauseYoshida Akira
Mr.
Osamu Yoshida has an unusual career: after graduating from an art university, he worked as a designer and, prompted by an open call in a magazine, stepped into the world of lyric writing.
He began his activities around 1969 and is also known as the lyricist of Naomi Chiaki’s classic song “Kassai” (Applause).
His works—such as “Beni Tonbo,” with its cinematic depictions that feel like a scene cut from a drama and its piercing portrayal of the protagonist’s emotions, and Yasuko Naitō’s “Otōto yo” (My Younger Brother)—have surely left a deep imprint on listeners’ hearts.
It is remarkable that he has remained at the forefront for more than half a century, receiving the Medal with Purple Ribbon in 2007 and winning the 57th Japan Lyricist Award in 2024.
Tears of the MagnoliaYamada Hiroshi
Taking the opportunity of entering the Popular Song Contest, Hiroshi Yamada began studying under Goro Matsui and set out on the path of a lyricist.
He has worked across a wide range of genres from J-pop to kayōkyoku, and the ending theme for the anime Yu Yu Hakusho, “Unbalanced Kiss,” remains a beloved hit among many fans.
In Kana Uemura’s “Toilet no Kamisama” (Toilet God), which won the Lyrics Award at the 52nd Japan Record Awards in 2010, he co-wrote lyrics that depict love for family, moving audiences across Japan to tears.
Yamada himself performs in a band as a player and backing vocalist, and his word choices—imbued with a singer’s sensibility—are a major part of his appeal.