A classic Japanese folk song passed down through generations of acoustic performances
A special feature on Japanese folk songs.
Folk music originally began as arrangements of traditional songs and spread in the United States.
From around the 1960s, it was also embraced in Japan, and, reflecting the times, songs with strong anti-war and anti-government messages were delivered.
Entering the 1970s, it became especially popular with more accessible, mainstream themes and reached a peak of commercial success.
Although Japanese folk has evolved to incorporate various elements, it retains an acoustic allure and a wistful mood, with lyrics that stand out and resonate.
By all means, take your time and immerse yourself in Japanese folk music!
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Classic Japanese folk songs passed down through solo performances (21–30)
Parting at 22kaze
Released in 1975 (Showa 50).
This is a duo formed after Kaguyahime disbanded, featuring Shozo Ise and Kazuhisa Okubo from the band Neko.
It’s a song that Shozo Ise wrote aiming for a hit, depicting the steps of a woman’s feelings leading up to choosing a breakup.
Interpretations vary, but during a time when student movements were still unsettled, many young men of that era weren’t interested in things like long-term plans or stability.
As a result, after five years of dating, the woman couldn’t trust the man and chose to marry someone who was thinking about the future.
So while it feels like a heartbreak song, it’s not quite heartbreak—it’s a song about parting.
My good friendyoshida takurou
This is a song composed by Takuro Yoshida and made a big hit by Hiroshi Kamayatsu; even people who don’t know Takuro Yoshida likely know the song itself.
With a vibe of “old friends,” “times we laughed together,” and “each of our lives,” the lyrics resonate more deeply as you grow older.
Also, the key changes and rises in the latter half, which lifts your spirits and makes your chest swell the more you sing it.
When singing, focus on the drum sound, ride the rhythm, and hit the opening accents firmly.
Sing it at karaoke or in a snack bar and you’ll probably earn some respect.
Outside, it’s a night of white snow.yoshida takurou
With lyrics by Takashi Matsumoto and music by Takuro Yoshida, it’s a story depicting a breakup between a man and a woman in a café.
The lyrics alternate between the perspectives of the man and the woman, using symbols like snow, cigarettes, and tears to delicately portray the complex emotions of a selfish man and a woman who accepts everything, as well as their world drifting apart.
It’s a song that continues to be performed live.
It feels far more natural to “narrate” than to “sing.” Because the tempo is a bit quick, I think it’s easier to ride the rhythm and sing if you shape each phrase in an arch right from the opening.
Don’t rush—sing as if you’re speaking the lyrics.
Tell me an eternal lieyoshida takurou
This is a masterpiece that Miyuki Nakajima wrote for Takuro in 1995 as a message to a “middle-aged man without dreams,” into which she infused the sentiment, “Let me keep dreaming forever,” and “You must not lie about facts, but it’s okay to lie about the truth.” It has a refreshing feel, so from the start, lift your eyebrows and facial muscles and sing with a bright spirit! For the fast passages, the beginning is crucial.
If you pronounce the first sound clearly, the words should flow naturally.
Be mindful of expressiveness and sing with a smile, tinged with heartache!
summer vacationyoshida takurou
This is a beloved classic by Takuro Yoshida that continues to be cherished as a folk song symbolizing the Japanese summer.
Like flipping through a childhood picture diary, nostalgic scenes—straw hats, sudden evening showers—rise vividly in your mind.
Although it was once subject to various interpretations, it’s said to be based on the artist’s personal memories, including recollections of a teacher he adored in his youth.
It first appeared as a live recording released in June 1971, later became established in its studio version on the album “Genki Desu,” and was issued as a single in March 1989.
Covered by many artists over the years, this song is perfect for times when you want to reclaim a sense of innocence you may have forgotten as an adult.
Its unfading melody is sure to resonate gently in your heart.