Work songs: recommended masterpieces and popular tracks

Hourly wage: ¥850Kamereo

Kameleo 2014.4.2 NEW SINGLE “♪La La La♪ / Hourly Wage ¥850” / “Hourly Wage ¥850” MV

Just from the title, I thought it might be another song parodying part-time jobs, but it actually takes a very positive view of things—finding connections with others and being helpful to someone even in small parts of everyday life within part-time work.

It’s a very uplifting song that inspires the motivation to work.

Working Man OndoHatarakigi Mitsuru (Sawamura Ikki)

Working Man Ondo

A mysterious song that plays before the next-episode preview of the drama Hataraki Man, featuring Ikki Sawamura—who plays the desk editor, Kimio Narita—singing, while Papaya Suzuki and the Oyaji Dancers bust out their signature sharp moves.

When the show aired, the version was different every time, which I found really funny and memorable.

the second man from the bottomKoyama Takuji

The second man from the bottom

The final punchline is one of those unbelievable-yet-plausible stories, but still, you mustn’t hit someone just because they spilled a drink.

If he’d handled it like an adult, his life might have turned out differently.

This is a song from the time when “second from the bottom” was called “booby,” and that second-from-the-bottom spot was in the spotlight.

chefKudō Shintarō

Shintaro Kudo, Chef

Those are nice lyrics.

Instead of words, seeing the chef at work warms the heart—watching a halfhearted part-timer’s attitude turn into genuinely smiling service.

And the chef who told you “Don’t give up on your dreams” is surely a benefactor who changed your life.

HanasakaAkioka Hideharu

Hanaita / Hideharu Akioka / Seijirou

Apprenticeship as a chef is truly not something one can endure without extraordinary mental fortitude.

The title “Hanasaka” refers to the head of the kitchen—the person who oversees everything—and is a unique, singular role within the establishment.

Even when a wakita (assistant chef) finally sees their training bear fruit, they remain fundamentally in a supporting position to the head chef.

It takes long years of hardship and effort, but precisely because of that, the skills of those who become full chefs are something Japan can be proud of.

Plasterer KonetaroNiinuma Kenji

Kenji Niinuma: Konetaro, the Plastering Craftsman

Mr.

Kenji Niinuma himself already has the aura of a craftsman, like a plasterer.

Plasterers are indispensable during construction, but there are, of course, many hardships on the road to becoming fully qualified.

It’s through the daily discipline of kneading and kneading, then applying and applying, that one can hone their skills as a craftsman.

Headlights / TaillightsNakajima Miyuki

Headlights/Taillights - Miyuki Nakajima [cover]

The ending theme of NHK’s legendary hit show Project X.

The program itself was popular among middle-aged and older viewers, but this song’s relaxed feel and its encouragement that there’s still more ahead resonated with a wide range of generations.

Incidentally, in the final episode of the show, the artist themselves delivered a passionate live performance in the studio.