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 classic and popular songs (41–50)
Flower NecklaceInoue Yosui
“Hana no Kubikazari” is a wonderful song characterized by Yosui Inoue’s sweet vocals and gentle melody.
It’s a mysterious piece that makes you feel as if you’re in another world.
I’d love to listen to this song while taking a bath with my eyes closed or when falling asleep at night.
Inoue Yosui’s classic and popular songs (51–60)
Frame of a picture of a long slopeInoue Yosui
The song Nagai Saka no E no Frame is a gentle, soothing, lovely piece.
It feels comforting, like a mother’s lullaby.
In this track, Yosui Inoue’s sweet voice particularly resonates, and I think it’s a song you can really immerse yourself in his vocals.
Alone Under the Blue SkyInoue Yosui
I like “Aozora Hitorikiri” because Yosui Inoue’s solitary, candid feelings come through clearly in the lyrics, giving the song a unique atmosphere.
As the title suggests, it’s a song I want to listen to when I want to feel alone.
The musical style is also original, and I think it’s a track that showcases the Yosui Inoue world to the fullest.
I don’t have an umbrella.Inoue Yosui
I think the song “Kasaga Nai” is very original and clearly reflects Yosui Inoue’s unique worldview.
When I listen to this song on my way to actually see my lover in the city, it heightens that feeling of I can’t wait to see them!!
BoyhoodInoue Yosui
Boyhood is a song that brings back my childlike heart and fills me with that youthful, blue-tinged feeling.
It’s a bright, upbeat piece that makes me want to listen while reminiscing about old, nostalgic memories.
For a song by Yosui Inoue, it’s rare in that I feel it reveals a pure, unadulterated emotion.
Yosui Inoueshōnen jidai
A masterpiece distinguished by vivid scenes that evoke the end of summer and a uniquely nostalgic turn of phrase.
Yosui Inoue’s gentle vocals exude a warmth that seems to seep into the heart.
Released in September 1990, the song quickly gained widespread popularity the following year after being featured in a Sony commercial.
It became a million-selling hit and was also chosen as the theme song for a Toho film.
With a mellow mood that makes you want to sit by the window at dusk and listen at your leisure, it’s the kind of song that might be perfect to share with someone special while reminiscing about your youth.
For some reason, Shanghai.Inoue Yosui
For some reason, I think “Shanghai” is a unique and great song in the way it shifts from an intermittent melody to a more flowing one.
I love how Yosui Inoue’s vocals resonate so well.
It’s a song that makes me want to actually visit Shanghai, giving me a surreal and mysterious feeling.