A classic of Japanese blues. Japanese blues that lets you get drunk on the sound and vocals.
What songs come to mind when you think of the blues?
Originally, it was music born from African peoples who had immigrated to America, beginning with songs that expressed the sorrow and laments of the poor.
Compared to jazz, which is centered on instruments, I think the blues has a special appeal in that you can enjoy it mainly with guitar and vocals.
Japanese blues is very rich in flavor and is perfect for listening to at a relaxed pace!
That groove that makes you drunk on the sound and the singers’ emotive expressiveness—blues moves the heart in every era.
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A classic of Japanese blues. Japanese blues to get drunk on the sound and vocals (51–60)
Sannomiya BluesMori Yuji to Sazan Kurosu
This is a single by Yuji Mori and Southern Cross, a song set in Sannomiya, the downtown area of Kobe.
It’s a melancholy story in which a woman waits to meet a man, but he never shows up.
Incidentally, Yuji Mori and Southern Cross reunited in 1995.
Ecstasy BluesAoe Mina
When it comes to Japanese blues, you can’t leave her out.
Mina Aoe, known as the Queen of Blues, debuted with “Kokotsu no Blues,” which became a massive hit, selling over 800,000 copies.
The song portrays erotic love, singing about sinking into pleasure.
It might seem risqué by today’s standards, but even now it feels undeniably cool—there’s a certain emotional power to it.
Mina Aoe’s husky voice, delivering the lyrics carefully over a slow tempo, is also captivating.
It’s a richly flavorful track.
Definitely give it a listen.
Harbor Woman BluesMori Shinichi
This is a single released by Shinichi Mori in June 1970, which reached a peak position of No.
2 on the Oricon charts and earned him the Vocal Performance Award at the 12th Japan Record Awards.
The lyrics were written by Rei Nakanishi, who is also active as a novelist.
A film inspired by this song was also released in the same year.
crowdImawano Kiyoshirō
Singer-songwriter Kiyoshiro Imawano, beloved by many for his unconventional personality and distinctive musicality.
Though he’s a singer who represents rock and punk, he also released songs rooted in the blues, which could be called a close relative of those genres.
Among them, the one I especially recommend is “Zattō” (Crowd).
Surprisingly, Imawano’s uniquely colored voice pairs exceptionally well with the blues.
It’s a perfect pick for those who want to hear blues that carries a refined coolness while holding a subtle, wistful touch.
Island BluesMisawa Akemi, Wada Hiroshi to Mahina Sutāzu
It’s a single released in April 1963 by Akemi Misawa and Hiroshi Wada & the Mahina Stars.
The song is set on Amami Ōshima, where the lyricist Masanobu Toguchi is said to have lived as a child, and it’s notable for featuring whistling.
It was also performed at the 14th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.