A classic Japanese folk song passed down through generations of acoustic performances

Let’s get married.yoshida takurou

Takuro Yoshida “Let’s Get Married” YouTube

Released in 1972 (Showa 47), this is a song by Takuro, the well-known “god of folk.” At a time when anti-establishment songs and men’s long hair had given folk music a negative image, this song came out and ushered in an era when folk was accepted.

It’s a bright wedding song that swept away the previous image.

Although he appears on television nowadays, back then Takuro stuck to his principle that only people who truly understood his music needed to listen, and he would not perform on TV.

In Francine’s CaseShintani Noriko

In Francine’s Case — Noriko Shintani

This is an anti-war folk song created by a Japanese person moved by the incident in France in 1969, where a 30-year-old woman named Francine committed self-immolation to protest the Vietnam War and the Biafran famine.

During that era, there were many folk songs appealing against war and nuclear weapons.

Noriko Shintani’s calm, expressionless singing, on the contrary, leaves a strong impression.

Across this wide fieldMoriyama Ryoko

This Wide, Open Field – Ryoko Moriyama

Released in 1967 (Showa 42).

Apparently, she wanted to become a jazz singer, but perhaps due to the times, she had many folk song hits.

This song is her debut single.

In it, she offers all the beauty of a vast grassland and nature, asking the person to please write her a letter.

Naturally, one might assume the recipient is a man, but given the era, it might be better to interpret it more broadly as someone she has feelings for, without limiting the gender.

Later, it was also sung on NHK’s “Minna no Uta.”

spring’s dry windIzumiya Shigeru

spring's dry wind

A classic folk song released in 1973.

With a powerful voice and masterful wordplay, it portrays a protagonist who struggles to survive while being buffeted by society.

Included on the album “Light and Shadow,” it is known as one of Shigeru Izumiya’s signature works.

The song is so beloved that there are cover versions by other artists such as Keisuke Kuwata and Masaharu Fukuyama.

Its encouraging lyrics will give you a push before stepping into a new environment.

It’s the perfect track for moments when you want to rally yourself while feeling the arrival of spring.

Words of FarewellKaientai

Ohashi Trio / Words of Gift

It’s a single released by Kaientai in 1979, also famous for becoming a huge hit as the theme song of a TV drama.

With its powerful yet poignant melody and lyrics that give you courage, it has become a staple at events like graduation ceremonies.

CheersNagabuchi Tsuyoshi

Kanpai (from “Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi ALL NIGHT LIVE IN Sakurajima 04.8.21”)

A song known as a warm anthem that celebrates life’s milestones.

Its powerful vocals gently embrace and encourage those stepping onto a new stage in life.

Included on the album “Kanpai,” released in September 1980, it was later cut as a single and became a hit.

It’s cherished as a staple sung at weddings and graduation ceremonies.

The lyrics carry a wholehearted message of support for people who follow the path they believe in, no matter what difficulties they face.

Listen to it before taking the first step into a new chapter, and walk the path you’ve chosen with courage and hope in your heart.

A Lonely RoomTakagi Asaya

Masaya Takagi album 'TRUE LOVE' ♪♪ A Lonely Room

It was released in 1973 as Masasa Takagi’s debut single.

In May 1973, Takagi participated in the 5th Yamaha Popular Song Contest and won a prize with this song, marking her debut.

The song sold over 400,000 copies and earned her the Oricon Newcomer Award.