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 lost in the sound and vocals (31–40)
Cycling BluesImawano Kiyoshirō
Kiyoshiro Imawano, the legendary rock ’n’ roller.
Cycling Blues is a laid-back number born from his love of bicycles, singing gently about love.
His innocent singing voice and the twang of that lightly strummed guitar are just the best.
In his book of the same name, he wrote, “Every road you ride has the blues,” showing us the joy of finding new pleasures where there seemed to be nothing.
I’m sure it’s fun to chase your own style while feeling the wind on your face.
Dummy Rock and BluesGLIM SPANKY
A track included as the first song on GLIM SPANKY’s debut mini-album, “MUSIC FREAK.” Its impact and heavyweight sound blend powerfully with Remi Matsuo’s husky vocals—electrifying.
The rhythm is simple yet satisfying, and the vibe is downright bluesy.
It’s so rich and intense that it could practically make a meal go down with “DUMMY ROCK AND BLUES” as a side… Well, a meal would be nice, but maybe a favorite drink is more fitting.
This is a number that burns away your daily worries, anxieties, and lingering frustrations.
A street corner where even lovers get wetNakamura Masatoshi
Released in 1982, this song was written by Keisuke Kuwata and is overflowing with his poignant blues sensibility.
And the performer is Masatoshi Nakamura.
Speaking of him, he’s synonymous with Showa-era coming-of-age dramas.
Evolving from his wildly popular youth into a mature actor, he received this adult blues number from Kuwata at just the right moment—what impeccable timing.
Set on Yokohama’s Bashamichi, the lyrics evoke an ineffable sense of melancholy that anyone can feel.
Though this masterpiece was sometimes labeled mood kayō, it is, after all, quintessential Japanese kayō blues.
Sōemonchō Bluesheiwa katsuji to daakuhosu
It’s a hit song by Katsuji Heiwa and Dark Horse.
It was originally produced independently and deposited with cable radio, where it gained a strong reputation.
Then, in December 1972, a major-label version was released.
Thanks to this song’s impact, Sōemonchō’s name recognition reportedly rose nationwide.
Tokyo BluesAwaya Noriko
This is a song released in 1939 by Noriko Awaya, the Queen of Blues and a pioneer of Japanese chanson.
You can really feel the era—in a good way—in the sounds and atmosphere that you can’t experience today.
Words that now feel retro were surely considered urbane back then.
Awaya’s overwhelming aura and emotionally rich delivery are so cool, and they bring out an even stronger sense of the blues.
Perhaps it also carried hopes for the development of Tokyo and Japan.
It’s a piece that conjures everyday scenes alongside hopes for the future.