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 masterpieces and popular songs (21–30)
presentInoue Yosui
Yosui Inoue’s “Present” is included as the B-side of the single “Make-up Shadow.” While Inoue is strongly associated with the song “Shonen Jidai,” that’s not all there is to him—his range is part of his talent and strength.
Incidentally, “Make-up Shadow” is also well known for being covered by Takako Uehara.
Please give me at least a little love.Inoue Yosui
This popular folk song, “Give Me a Little Love,” is packed with the charm of Yosui Inoue.
It’s irresistibly sultry, playful, and moving.
I think it’s a nostalgic tearjerker for dads, too.
It’s a perfect song to sing for Father’s Day.
Inoue Yosui’s masterpieces and popular songs (31–40)
TOKYOInoue Yosui
TOKYO is a song characterized by the collaboration of Yosui Inoue’s supple vocals with a rhythmic melody.
It makes you feel as if you’re sightseeing in Tokyo.
I find myself absorbed in it, thinking, “Tokyo must be such a wonderful place.”
Riverside HotelInoue Yosui
Riverside Hotel is the kind of song you’d want to listen to while actually staying at a hotel with your lover, dancing together at night.
Its stylish, upbeat rhythm really brings out Yosui Inoue’s unique worldview.
It’s a romantic and wonderful song.
Pegasus of the VictorInoue Yosui
As a winner, Pegasus is a song with lyrics written by Yosui Inoue when he was young, giving it a somewhat dreamy, unknown, youthfully imaginative feel.
When you listen to this song with your eyes closed, it makes you feel as if a Pegasus is flying through your mind—such a mysterious feeling♪
Into the DreamInoue Yosui
In Yume no Naka, the rhythm is upbeat, the lyrics are playful, and it’s an overall fun song.
It feels like a cheer-up anthem for adults, with Inoue Yosui’s signature flavor shining through—I think it’s a great track.
It makes you forget the unpleasant parts of reality and really makes you want to fly off into a dream.
Serenade, if anythingInoue Yosui
“Isso Serenade” is one of my favorite songs among Yosui Inoue’s more laid-back tracks.
It’s the kind of song I want to listen to slowly at night with my lover while sipping red wine.
There’s a whistling part in the middle of the song, and I think it adds a wonderful atmosphere.