A medley of crowd-pleasing classics. Iconic Japanese songs and recommended popular tracks.

The Bride of SetoKoyanagi Rumiko

Seto no Hanayome / Sound Travel 2017

In the 1970s, Rumiko Koyanagi sang it and it became a big hit.

As a graduate of the Takarazuka Music School, she had outstanding vocal ability despite being an idol.

Even now, she has an ageless beauty and remarkable singing voice.

She is a true entertainer, still going strong in her career.

The High-Class Mermaid of the ShoreKoizumi Kyoko

Sophisticated Mermaid of the Shore (Kyoko Koizumi) cover ♪ Chinami (Dan Ishida and New Burikko)

The song with which Kyoko Koizumi topped the Oricon chart for the first time.

She made her debut appearance at that year’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

The lyrics were by Yasuharu Kan, and the composition/arrangement by Koji Makaino—a powerhouse hit-making duo of the time.

Kyon Kyon, an eternal idol.

Love stories happen suddenlyOda Kazumasa

Love Story Suddenly – Kazumasa Oda

This is one of Kazumasa Oda’s signature songs, used as the theme for the romance drama “Tokyo Love Story,” which starred Yuji Oda, Honami Suzuki, Yosuke Eguchi, and others, and made the phrase “Kanchi” memorable.

It’s a quintessential nostalgic hit from the ’90s with an irresistible sense of melancholy.

MasqueradeShonentai

Masquerade (A Cappella)

It was the debut single of Shonentai, the model honor-student idol group from Johnny’s known for both their singing and dancing, and they even performed at that year’s Kōhaku.

At Kōhaku, Yuzo Kayama mistakenly called the song “Kamen Rider.” It’s a classic oldie with a great, catchy vibe.

A Good Day to Set Out on a JourneyYamaguchi Momoe

Momoe Yamaguchi - Good Day to Set Out on a Journey

Even if you’re not from Momoe Yamaguchi’s generation, many people probably know this song.

Although its theme is “departure,” it doesn’t convey a sense of “toward a bright future.” After all, it says “a good day,” yet it’s “with a companion on the road” (i.e., being taken along).

Shinji Tanimura, who wrote the lyrics, has also remarked that he feels it’s odd for the song to be treated as a celebratory one.

TOMORROWMayo Okamoto

Mayo Okamoto TOMORROW HD

This is a famous song by Mayo Okamoto that was used as the theme song for the family drama “Second Chance,” starring Misako Tanaka, Hidekazu Akai, and Tsuyoshi Domoto.

The phrase “You can grow stronger with every tear” is always wonderful whenever I hear it.

It’s an old favorite that gives me courage.

Come, spring.Matsutōya Yumi

Yumi Matsutoya – Come, Spring

Originally famous as one of the great songs, it was sung by many people as a charity song in response to the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake.

It is also often used at graduation ceremonies, but in both cases, I feel the image is less about parting and more about eagerly anticipating new encounters.