[Junichi Inagaki’s Masterpieces] A comprehensive showcase from classic Christmas tunes to popular city pop hits

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.
Accompanist / Piano Instructoryuri
Accompanist pianist × piano instructor × web writer. I began piano lessons at age four and, inspired by my piano teacher, decided to pursue music. I went on to specialized music programs in high school and university, where I discovered the appeal of accompanying instrumentalists and singers. Currently, alongside teaching piano, I work mainly in my home region of Aichi as an accompanist for flute, voice, choir, and more. Through lessons, my students often introduce me to trending songs, and my hobby is trying anything on the piano—Japanese and Western pop, commercial jingles, and beyond. Since 2021, I’ve also been active as a web writer, covering music and a variety of other genres.

Junichi Inagaki, who began his band activities during his university years and made his debut in 1982, has produced numerous classic songs as a leading artist in the city pop and AOR scenes.

With a gentle, embracing voice and delicate musicality, he beautifully captures the joy and heartache of love, continuing to captivate many listeners.

In this article, we’ll introduce a range of songs that showcase Inagaki’s charm—from that quintessential track that plays every Christmas season to treasured gems passed down among city pop fans from his albums.

If you’ve only recently become interested in Inagaki, be sure to check these out!

[Junichi Inagaki’s Classics] A Comprehensive Showcase from Christmas Standards to Popular City Pop Tracks (31–40)

Jelaseez NightInagaki Junichi

Junichi Inagaki [Jealousy's Night]

Jelaseez NightInagaki Junichi

Lyrics by Yasushi Akimoto; music by Kyohei Tsutsumi.

Two people slip out of the party and embrace.

Of course, it’s a love that must remain secret from others.

A romance that, long ago, gave a premonition it would turn out this way.

It’s a song about two people falling into a forbidden love.

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Once again, with passionInagaki Junichi

Junichi Inagaki [Once More, With Passion]

Once again, with passionInagaki Junichi

Lyrics by Etsuko Kisugi; music by Yasuhiro Abe.

It’s a song about a love that once burned passionately but is now nearing its end.

It expresses a man’s feelings—his wish to fall in love so fiercely once more, to love as he did before.

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SHINE ON MEInagaki Junichi

Junichi Inagaki – SHINE ON ME (Official Music Video)

SHINE ON MEInagaki Junichi

Released in March 1990 as Junichi Inagaki’s 18th single, this pop number was written and composed by Tatsuto Kuwamura.

The lyrics candidly express feelings for a loved one while sensing eternity in the shimmering afternoon light, capturing the fresh emotion of a crush turning into certainty.

Its appeal lies in the rich choral work that expands from the intro and the urban sound woven by crisp guitar cutting, all of which highlights Inagaki’s high-tone voice.

The song was also included as the opening track on the album “Self Portrait” and was performed as the opener at his 30th anniversary concert.

With a bright melody line and a refreshing, resort-like feel, it’s a perfect track for when you want to lift your spirits.

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A Night When I Want to Become the WindInagaki Junichi

A Night When I Want to Become the Wind

A Night When I Want to Become the WindInagaki Junichi

Lyrics by Yoshiaki Sagara.

Music by Hiroyuki Izuta.

It’s a song about a man who broke up with his girlfriend to be free, yet still always wants to see her.

His heart is constantly trembling.

The song honestly expresses the feelings of such a man, and the lyrics are distinctive.

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A Glass Of The SorrowInagaki Junichi

Junichi Inagaki - I tried singing 'A Glass of the Sorrow'

A Glass Of The SorrowInagaki Junichi

Lyrics by Masao Urino, music by Tetsuji Hayashi.

The phrase “A Glass Of The Sorrow” is repeated.

This phrase conveys, to the fullest, the heartache of a man who has parted from his lover.

Nostalgic, wistful feelings echo on and on, again and again.

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[Junichi Inagaki’s Masterpieces] A Comprehensive Introduction to Everything from Classic Christmas Tunes to Popular City Pop Hits (41–50)

Aphrodite of the WindInagaki Junichi

Junichi Inagaki “Aphrodite of the Wind”

Aphrodite of the WindInagaki Junichi

A bittersweet yet beautiful song by Junichi Inagaki that likens a lover from days long past to a goddess.

The 16-year-old beloved, now a phantom forever out of reach, is overlaid with the image of a goddess of beauty.

Beyond the lyrics that vividly conjure the dazzling scenery of the Adriatic Sea, what truly defines the song’s allure is Inagaki’s crystal-clear, soaring high tenor.

The track was included on the album “Shylights,” released in February 1983, and this acclaimed record won the Best Album Award at that year’s Japan Record Awards.

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Before you were born…Inagaki Junichi

Junichi Inagaki – With You Before I Was Born…

Before you were born...Inagaki Junichi

Lyrics by Yoshiaki Sagara.

Music by Akira Inoue.

It’s a song about two people spending a long night together.

He wants to talk about many things—his own weaknesses and worries—and he wants her to listen, only her.

And before they know it, the two of them drift off to sleep.

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