[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)

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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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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Everyday’s Valentine ~Yearning with Burning Feelings~Inagaki Junichi

Junichi Inagaki – Everyday’s Valentine ~Yearning with Burning Longing~

Everyday's Valentine ~Yearning with Burning Feelings~Inagaki Junichi

It’s a mature song with a moody atmosphere, featuring a melody line reminiscent of slow-tempo fusion, and Junichi Inagaki’s vocals sounding intriguingly enigmatic over it.

It’s included on the 1983 album “J.I.”

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

A Ballad for YouInagaki Junichi

Junichi Inagaki - A Ballad for You

A Ballad for YouInagaki Junichi

A gemlike ballad that weaves a heartrending love.

Yasushi Akimoto’s lyrics and Kyohei Tsutsumi’s composition blend beautifully, and Junichi Inagaki’s clear, translucent vocals resonate deep in the heart.

Released in October 1987, the song is also known as the theme for the film “Love Is a Crossover.” While bearing the pain of heartbreak, its pure wish for the other person’s happiness is deeply moving.

It’s a melody and lyrics that seep into the soul—perfect for listening alone on a long winter night.

A captivating track that makes you want to hum along while thinking of someone dear.

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terminal stationInagaki Junichi

Junichi Inagaki “Terminal Station”

terminal stationInagaki Junichi

A heartwarming ballad woven from Yasushi Akimoto’s lyrics and Toshiaki Matsumoto’s composition.

While depicting a love story at the moment of parting, it expresses the bittersweet feelings held in a man’s heart.

Included on the May 1992 album “SKETCH of HEART,” this song is known as one of Junichi Inagaki’s signature tracks.

It also gained popularity in China, achieving cross-border acclaim, with a cover released by superstar Leon Lai.

It’s recommended for times when you want to heal the pain of heartbreak or reflect on a past love.

Junichi Inagaki’s emotionally rich voice is sure to resonate with your heart.

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