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 song masterpieces passed down through live singing with guitar (31–40)
Beach of MemoriesZa Wairudowanzu
Released in 1966 as The Wild Ones’ debut single, it became a massive hit, selling over one million copies.
It’s a refreshing song that evokes the image of the seashore and is also popular for karaoke.
A classic that has been covered by many artists, both male and female.
The season the sun gave usaoi sankakujougi
It was released in 1972 as the second single by Aoi Sankaku Jōgi.
The song was used as the theme for the youth drama “Tobidase! Seishun,” which aired on the Nippon TV network, and it earned them the New Artist Award at the 14th Japan Record Awards.
They also made their first appearance on NHK’s 23rd Kōhaku Uta Gassen with this song.
Our FailureMorita Doji
Although it was a track included on an album released in 1976, it suddenly came into the spotlight as the theme song for a 1993 TV drama and was released as a single that same year.
Even after the song became a hit, the folk singer Doji Morita never appeared on television and remains shrouded in mystery to this day.
Despite its desperately dark tone, this enigmatic song carries a strangely comforting atmosphere.
Say that you’re alive.Tomokawa Kazuki
Kazuki Tomokawa is one of those artists who remain utterly indifferent to chart hits and continue to sing message-driven folk songs.
He is a folk singer with many agitational songs, and “Say You’re Alive” is one of his most representative works.
Street Corner of BetrayalKai Band
It was released in 1975 as Kai Band’s second single.
After their debut, this song became their first to enter the Top 10, and its sales gradually increased after release, resulting in a long-running hit.
With this song, they won the Excellent New Artist Award at the 8th Japan Cable Awards.