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.
- [Classic Showa Kayō Hits] The captivating Showa-era pop songs beloved even by younger generations
- [2026 Edition] Songs Loved by People in Their 60s: Classic Hits from Their Youth
- Cool songs from the Showa era. Masterpieces from Showa that shine with sensuality, passion, and rugged charm.
- Heart-touching, tear-jerking masterpieces from the Showa era
- Great songs recommended for people in their 80s: a collection of tracks with lyrics that touch the heart
- Evokes the charm of the good old days. Showa-era inspirational songs that are still loved today.
- A collection of iconic, cool Showa-era kayōkyoku classics sung by male vocalists
- Showa-era nostalgic songs: Popular ranking
- So nostalgic it feels new? Showa retro classics that colored Japan’s period of rapid economic growth
- Showa-era masterpieces roundup: A must-listen collection of nostalgic oldies and hit songs
- [Feeling Despair] Classic Showa-era Songs with Dark Lyrics
- Good songs recommended for people in their 60s: classic and popular Japanese tracks
- Coming-of-age songs for your 50s: heart-thumping × heartwarming classics and popular tracks [2026]
Pick-up of famous lyricists who left their mark on the history from Showa-era kayōkyoku to J-POP (21–30)
Get WildKomuro Mitsuko
Mitsuko Komuro is a lyricist who wrote many songs for TM NETWORK, including Get Wild (released in 1987) and BE TOGETHER, which is widely known through Ami Suzuki’s cover.
At the time, the media sometimes featured her together with TM NETWORK’s charismatic keyboardist, Tetsuya Komuro, as the “Komuro siblings.” However, they actually aren’t related by blood—it’s just a coincidence that they share the same surname, which is a bit surprising! By the way, outside of TM NETWORK, she also wrote the lyrics for access’s Higher Than Dark Sky; her lyrics pair perfectly with techno!
Crossing Amagi PassYoshioka Osamu
Osamu Yoshioka was a figure who made major contributions to the lyricist community, serving as vice president of the Japan Songwriters Association, among other roles.
He was also active as a scriptwriter for broadcast programs, handling both composition and poetry for the Tokyo Broadcasting System radio show “Ballad of the Night.” Because Sayuri Ishikawa’s “Amagi-goe” is often cited as his signature work, he is strongly associated with enka, but he was a lyricist who worked across a wide range of genres, including popular songs, children’s songs, and anime songs.
His work in children’s songs is especially noteworthy: he wrote many timeless classics beloved across generations, such as “Omocha no Cha-Cha-Cha” and “Awatenbō no Santa Claus,” securing his place in history as a distinguished lyricist.
In conclusion
Thinking that many of the famous songs born from the Showa through the Heisei and Reiwa eras were crafted by the lyricists introduced this time makes me want to once again pay tribute to their remarkable work.
Even if you haven’t really thought about who writes the lyrics for the music you listen to every day, please take this opportunity to pay attention to lyricists!