[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 Masterpieces] A comprehensive introduction from classic Christmas tunes to popular city-pop tracks (51–60)

AprilInagaki Junichi

Junichi Inagaki "APRIL"

AprilInagaki Junichi

A spring breakup song by Junichi Inagaki, marked by a beautiful, memorable melody and poignant lyrics.

Released in February 1986, it was also used in a Sanyo Electric commercial and left a lasting impression on many listeners.

The lyrics depict a farewell arriving with a refreshing breeze, expressing the emotional distance and misalignment between two people seeking freedom.

Inagaki’s clear, translucent vocals delicately capture the bittersweetness of parting that comes with the arrival of spring, resonating deeply with listeners.

It’s a song especially recommended for those who have felt both anticipation and anxiety at the start of a new season, or who have experienced a farewell with someone dear.

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Honesty from the bottom of my heartInagaki Junichi

Junichi Inagaki “Honesty from the Heart”

Honesty from the bottom of my heartInagaki Junichi

This song captivates with its beautiful high notes and heartfelt lyrics.

Released in June 1990, it was also used in a commercial for Meiji Dairies’ “Meiji Brick,” and peaked at No.

30 on the singles chart.

Included on Inagaki’s album “Self Portrait,” the track carries a profound message centered on sincerity and honesty.

It’s a wonderful song that makes you want to cherish the bonds and memories you share with someone important.

Perfect for a quiet winter night when you want to simply listen and immerse yourself in the music.

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The Shape of LoveInagaki Junichi

Form of Love (Junichi Inagaki cover) SONG by jacky

The Shape of LoveInagaki Junichi

Lyrics by Yasushi Akimoto.

Music by Yasuhiro Abe.

It’s a song that expresses a man’s feelings as he reevaluates the love between two people—love that had been confined by form, mired in anxiety, and forcibly searched for—and decides to live authentically.

It’s the kind of song whose repetitions keep lingering in your head.

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Beyond TimeInagaki Junichi

Junichi Inagaki “Beyond Time”

Beyond TimeInagaki Junichi

Loved across generations as a timeless classic, this song captures the hearts of many.

Its warm melody and Junichi Inagaki’s clear, transparent vocals blend beautifully with lyrics that depict eternal love and bonds that transcend time.

Included on the album “Mind Note,” released in March 1987, and also used in a Nippon Life TV commercial, the piece conveys a resolve to stay by someone’s side even through difficult times.

Inagaki’s gentle voice further amplifies the deep emotions, making it a track that lets listeners feel the power of everlasting love.

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[Junichi Inagaki’s Masterpieces] A Comprehensive Introduction from Classic Christmas Songs to Popular City Pop Tracks (61–70)

Endless LoveInagaki Junichi

Junichi Inagaki "Endless Love"

Endless LoveInagaki Junichi

Lyrics by Kazumi Yasui.

Music by Kazuhiko Kato.

It’s a love that has only just begun.

The song expresses a man’s feelings as he vows eternal love to his girlfriend after they’ve often passed each other by and finally met again.

It conveys the man’s desire to cherish their love despite the many times they’ve missed each other.

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In conclusion

The many masterpieces woven by Junichi Inagaki continue to stay close to the hearts of countless listeners even today.

His polished vocals and sophisticated city-pop sound transcend the times without fading, seeming instead to gain depth with each passing year.

Beyond the songs introduced here, he has released many other wonderful classics—so please take your time and savor Inagaki’s voice to your heart’s content.