Great songs recommended for men. Masterpieces and popular Japanese songs that resonate with the heart.

Whenever I arrive, it’s always raining.yoshida takurou

Whenever I arrive, it’s always raining.

A signature number by Takuro Yoshida, a leading figure in Japan’s folk scene, this classic overlays the desolate emotions at the end of a journey with the image of unceasing rain.

It was originally released in July 1972 as a song provided to the rock band The Mops, and shortly thereafter was included on Yoshida’s own landmark album “Genki Desu.” The lyrical worldview—finally reaching your destination only to find the rain still falling—vividly reflects the futility and fatigue we encounter in life.

Rather than flashy drama, it carries a quiet, simmering intensity that settles in the heart and closely accompanies the listener’s inner world.

On a silent night punctuated by the sound of rain, or when you’re worn out by daily life and want to pause and reflect, why not give it a careful listen?

Why do I feel so sad?yoshida takurou

Why do I feel so sad?

Have you ever felt a sudden wave of loneliness while walking alone through the city late at night? This song, included on the album “Ningen Nante,” released in November 1971, is one that gently stays by your side in such wistful moments.

It’s said that Takuro Yoshida wrote it in one go after returning home from Shinjuku and listening to James Brown, riding that emotional momentum.

The band sound featuring Kazuhiko Kato and others sinks deeply into a lonely heart.

In 2017, it was used as the ending theme for TV Tokyo’s drama “Pense,” bringing it renewed attention.

Try listening to it quietly at night, sipping a drink by yourself.

This timeless work will gently soothe your tired soul.

Poem of Imagesyoshida takurou

Poem of Images

This is the landmark debut single released by Takuro Yoshida—who revolutionized Japan’s folk scene—in June 1970 on Elec Records.

An abundance of words, packed in almost like a syllabic overflow, rides the melody with a calm yet powerful resonance.

Rather than offering definitive answers, the lyrics keep posing questions about society and human relationships, revealing something new with every listen.

Also included on the album “Seishun no Uta,” the song was covered by Shogo Hamada in 1997 and later chosen as the theme song for the 2021 animated film “Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko.” Beloved across generations, this work gently stays by your side—especially when you find yourself at a crossroads in life or in a quiet night when you want to reflect deeply on yourself.

C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h.ONE OK ROCK

ONE OK ROCK – C.h.a.o.s.m.y.t.h. [Official Music Video]

This is a stirring rock number by ONE OK ROCK that portrays the fiery bonds between friends charging toward their dreams.

While looking back on the youthful days they spent together, it vows that each will shine on the path they’ve chosen, powerfully pushing listeners forward.

Even if they grow apart, the memories in their hearts remain unfading treasures—an encouraging message that gives courage.

Included on the October 2011 album “Zankyo Reference,” this song is perfect to listen to while cheering on friends as they leap into a new world and salute each other’s efforts.

As an anthem that blows away anxiety and loneliness and helps you face forward, it’s definitely worth checking out!

Gray and Blue (+Masaki Suda)Yonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – Gray and Blue (+Masaki Suda)

This is a track whose beautiful, fleeting sound and lyrics—portraying the aching feelings of two childhood companions who grow apart as they become adults—strike straight at the heart.

Included on singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu’s album BOOTLEG, released in October 2017, the song also drew major attention for featuring actor Masaki Suda as a guest vocalist.

It contrasts the past, when they laughed together without a care, with the present, as they each walk their own path.

Its message—suggesting a bond that remains deep inside no matter how much time passes—gently encourages men setting out for different places.

After graduation, when you feel anxious or lonely about a new life ahead, why not listen to it while reminiscing about an old friend?

budKobukuro

Kobukuro – Tsubomi

Released in March 2007 as the 14th single, this masterpiece was newly written as the theme song for the drama “Tokyo Tower: Mom and Me, and Sometimes Dad.” Created by Kentaro Kobuchi in memory of his late mother, the song won the Excellent Work Award at the Japan Record Awards and was also selected as the entrance march for the 80th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament.

Like a tiny bud before it blooms, it warmly portrays the power of growth even in an unfinished state, along with heartfelt gratitude to the loved ones who always cheered us on.

It is a gentle song that, when you remember someone precious you can no longer meet, lets you feel that they are still watching over you from somewhere.

THE OVERUVERworld

UVERworld　『THE OVER』

The 22nd single, released in August 2012, was chosen as the theme song for the drama “Kuro no Onna Kyōshi” and reached No.

2 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.

The lyrics convey a strong determination to keep moving forward while confronting one’s own weaknesses and insecurities.

When you stumble at work or struggle with relationships, listening to this song gives you the courage to “surpass yourself.” Its sound—woven from heavy guitar riffs and emotional vocals—stirs the listener’s heart, to the point where tears may almost fall.

It’s a song that stands by those who have experienced setbacks or are facing a wall right now.