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

Harbor Yoko, Yokohama, YokosukaDaun Taun Bugiugi Bando

Harbor Yoko, Yokohama, Yokosuka

An impressive song title and narration like lines from a drama.

Sound effects like whistles and sirens.

And above all, “Hey you, what are you to that girl?!”—a shockingly great line in a masterpiece.

I’ve never heard another song like this, before or since.

A must-listen.

Shadows of Youthchūrippu

Shadows of Youth

It has a certain wistfulness and has been described as a song that can be taken as either a beginning or a farewell.

According to its creator, Kazuo Zaitsu, it’s simply that “romance turned into love.” There isn’t any particularly striking phrase, and it’s somewhat abstract, but even so, it can be called a “love song” that gets its message across.

Strawberry Statement Once Againbanban

Strawberry Statement Once Again

This is the song by the folk band Banban, which Hirofumi Banba—who is still active today—was a member of, that reached number one on the Oricon charts for the first time.

The lyrics and music were written by Yumi Arai (now Yumi Matsutoya).

The song is set against the backdrop of the student movements of the time.

Reading the lyrics gives you a clear sense of the era’s social context.

Between the Sky and YouNakajima Miyuki

Between the Sky and You - Miyuki Nakajima [cover]

It’s one of Miyuki Nakajima’s signature songs, also used as the theme song for the drama “Ie Naki Ko” (Homeless Child), scripted by master writer Shinji Nojima and starring, among others, Yumi Adachi.

I used to often hum the line: “If it makes you smile, I’ll even become evil.”

Riverside HotelInoue Yosui

Yosui Inoue - Riverside Hotel

A singer-songwriter who represents Japan.

Their unique lyrical worldview and bewitching, richly nuanced voice are full of mature allure, and their appeal never fades as they continue to lead the music scene.

Riverside Hotel is one of Yosui Inoue’s classic songs.

Many people might also think of the TV drama starring Masakazu Tamura.

Photograph of the HeartKuni An Wataru

Wataru Kuniyasu (Wataru Kuniyasu) – Photograph of the Heart

It’s the ending theme song of the anime Mister Ajikko.

I think it’s a wonderful piece woven from nostalgic lyrics and melody.

It might not quite resonate with students or other young people, but for those who feel fondness for the past or reflect on days gone by, it’s a beautiful, poignant number that really touches the heart.

La La LaDaikoku Maki

2017-07-08 Date “Ra Ra Ra”

This is the legendary hit by Maki Ohguro that was used as the theme song for the drama “Aji Ichimonme,” which featured former SMAP member Masahiro Nakai, Nenji Kobayashi, Shingo Yanagisawa, and others.

We all used to sing along to the chorus, “La La La, after all,” at live shows.