Inoue Yosui’s classic and popular songs
Let me introduce you to the works of Yosui Inoue, a heavyweight of the J-pop world and a defining artist of the Showa era.
Speaking of Yosui Inoue, he has many famous songs such as “Shonen Jidai” (A Boy’s Summer), “Riverside Hotel,” and “Yume no Naka e” (Into a Dream).
In particular, many people may have sung “Shonen Jidai” during elementary school music class.
Inoue, whose music is deeply ingrained in the Japanese music scene, was apparently a well-known Beatles fanatic in his student days, and some of his songs show that influence.
Incidentally, his real name is the same as his stage name, “Yosui,” but it’s read as “Akimi.” He changed the reading to “Yosui” for his stage name, reportedly to create a strong impact to rival Takuro Yoshida—his contemporary and sort of rival—whose name “Takuro” had a striking ring to it.
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Inoue Yosui’s famous and popular songs (11–20)
careInoue Yosui
This song was used in a Pocari Sweat commercial.
It’s sung by Yosui Inoue, one of Japan’s most iconic singer-songwriters.
His distinctive sensibility shines through the pop melody.
Listening to it somehow puts you in a good mood.
Just one favorInoue Yosui
“One Wish” is a song by Yosui Inoue, included on his 1982 album LION & PELICAN.
The album also features tracks like “Riverside Hotel,” and Inoue has said that many of its songs are ones he often performs live.
The track has a lively, bouncy shuffle beat, and the characteristically humorous lyrics are memorable.
It also depicts the sound of bells ringing at Christmas, and together with the music’s vibe, it puts you in an upbeat, festive mood.
Coffee RumbaInoue Yosui
When it comes to Latin-inspired Japanese music, this one is indispensable.
Originally a famous Venezuelan song, it was given Japanese lyrics in 1961 and has been sung by many artists since.
The worldview of the lyrics and Yosui Inoue’s vocal delivery match exquisitely, making it a mysteriously delightful track.
Summer FestivalInoue Yosui
A song from the 1970s, when Yosui Inoue was active as a folk singer.
It’s crafted as a summer festival song suffused with a minor-key sense of melancholy, sung with just a single acoustic guitar.
Rather than a love song, the lyrics recall childhood summer festivals and contemplate one’s hometown.
Traveler,Inoue Yosui
If you heard this song without any prior context and felt like you’d heard it somewhere before, you’re probably quite well-versed in the Showa era—or from the generation that lived through it.
“Tabibito yo” was the B-side to Yuzo Kayama’s 1966 single “Yozora o Aoi de,” and the version introduced here is included on Yosui Inoue’s 2001 cover album “UNITED COVER.” Choosing the B-side rather than the A-side—now that’s impeccable taste.
The original, composed and arranged by Kayama himself and sung in a folk style with The Launchers, is reimagined by Inoue in a J-pop style, fully transfiguring it into the world of Yosui Inoue.
The melody is simple, the pitch easy to grasp, and the vocal range relatively narrow, so it should be quite manageable to sing without much difficulty.
mobile phoneInoue Yosui
Even if you say “mobile telephone,” it might not immediately resonate with younger people.
It’s a general term for telephones you can use while on the move—car phones, cell phones, PHS, and the like—and this song titled “Idō Denwa (Mobile Telephone)” captures the distinctive atmosphere of the 1990s, when the idea of carrying a phone gradually became ingrained for many.
Released in 1994 as Yosui Inoue’s 39th single, it was also used as the tie-in theme for the TBS drama “Yume Miru Koro o Sugitemo.” It’s a J-pop track that uses the so-called “hachiroku” (8-beat, 6/8 feel) rhythm, arranged by the one and only Takeshi Kobayashi.
While the overall vocal range isn’t particularly high, the pitch fluctuations are somewhat pronounced.
Moving from the calmly sung A section, through the gradually building B section, into the expansive, soaring chorus—delivering those contrasts can be a bit challenging.
It might help to practice each section separately.
Inoue Yosui’s masterpieces and popular songs (21–30)
self-loathingInoue Yosui
“Self-Disgust” is a ballad with a wistful melody, included on Yosui Inoue’s third album, Ice World, released in 1973.
As the title suggests, this song expresses feelings of loathing toward oneself, making it a perfect choice to sing when you’re feeling frustrated with yourself over studies or work.
With its gentle, ephemeral, whisper-like vocal style, it’s easy to sing even if you don’t have much vocal power, and it’s also recommended early in a karaoke session when you want to conserve energy.
