A popular male singer-songwriter in Japanese music

Over JeansKyarameru Pakkingu

Caramel Packing “Over Jeans” music video

First, I want to tell everyone about them.

This unlikely duo might seem like they wouldn’t mix, yet they match perfectly.

If I had to describe their appeal, it’s the gap.

Beyond songs that evoke the J-pop golden era of the 2000s, there’s a gap in their voices, a gap in their MC styles, a gap in their personas.

Open the lid and you’ll find a pair defined entirely by contrast.

You can see it in the music video too—it just makes you want to keep listening to their sound.

Pelliculefukashigi/wonderboy

Fukashigi/wonderboy – Pellicule (Official Music Video)

Not knowing it is practically a survival tactic.

This is the signature song of a genius who never saw the spotlight.

Many famous artists have been moved by it and influenced by it.

Though he was only 24, he died in an unexpected accident before achieving his dreams, and this song can be said to embody, through his own life, the fragility of existence.

I won’t fall in love anymore.Makihara Noriyuki

[Official] Noriyuki Makihara “I Won’t Fall in Love Again” (Music Video) [5th Single] (1992) Noriyuki Makihara / Mou Koi Nante Shinai

It’s a song that sings about lingering feelings for a lover in a very refreshing way.

It’s the kind of song you want to listen to quietly alone during the chilly, lonely seasons of autumn and winter.

The chorus features those distinctly Makihara-like phrases that feel very refreshing.

The high vocals and crisp, clean sound go together perfectly.

I’ll walk home.Saitō Kazuyoshi

Let's Walk Home - Kazuyoshi Saito

It was released in 1994 as Kazuyoshi Saito’s fourth single.

The song was used as the opening theme for Fuji TV’s children’s program Ponkikkies starting in April 1994, and it was popular across a wide range of ages, from children to adults.

Even years after its release, it continues to be featured in many commercials and is one of Kazuyoshi Saito’s signature songs.

DOKOKEN-U

KEN-U – DOKO

A song whose chorus just won’t get out of your head.

It’s a bittersweet track that makes you want to drive the highway from sunset to midnight.

The mature, masculine sexiness is irresistible.

Doesn’t it make you want to take your favorite woman for a drive by your side?

HOMEShimizu Shota

Shota Shimizu 'HOME' MV

He is a Japanese pop and R&B singer-songwriter who handles songwriting, composition, and even arrangement.

With vocals that are sometimes powerful and especially delicate, he is a rare presence in Japan, capable of everything from richly expressive singing to rap.

This song is his debut track, born from the inspiration of his vocal prowess.

Easy★RiderOkuda Tamio

Tamio Okuda “Easy★Rider” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

It was released in 1996 as Tamio Okuda’s sixth single.

It was used as the theme song for Nissan’s Wingroad commercials and became a long-running hit.

The song was written during a tour of the same name, and around the time it was released, he was also producing PUFFY.