A popular male singer-songwriter in Japanese music

FURUSATOYOUR FRIENDS

Your Friends – FURUSATO (Official Music Video)

People from Niigata might already know them.

The male unit YOUR FRIENDS, born in Niigata, as their name suggests, has many warm songs that quietly watch over a corner of your life.

They’re artists who combine good looks with sincerity—the kind that make you nod along even to what they say on the mic.

acornchoco

CHO-CO/Acorn Music Video

CHO-CO’s appeal lies in her grand music videos and lyrics that endlessly resonate with people of the same generation.

Many of her songs depict the struggle of facing and battling the weaknesses and doubts everyone carries, earning her a strong male following.

I especially want working adults to listen—put it on during your commute, and it will give you the strength to keep going tomorrow.

My good friendKamayatsu Hiroshi

My Good Friend – Hiroshi Kamayatsu

When it comes to singer-songwriters who left an indelible mark on the Japanese music scene, Hiroshi Kamayatsu is indispensable.

Born in 1939, he grew up under the influence of his jazz-singer father and became well-versed in a wide range of musical genres.

As a central member of The Spiders, he produced classics such as “Ano Toki Kimi wa Wakatta” (“You Were Young Then”).

In the 1970s, he launched a solo career, developing a unique musical world that incorporated experimental elements.

His striking stage performances were also part of his appeal.

Although he passed away in March 2017, his music continues to live on in the hearts of many.

He is highly recommended for those seeking a free-spirited approach unconstrained by musical boundaries.

B.LEAGUE Nishinomiya Storks Official Theme SongSākasu Fōkasu

“B.LEAGUE Nishinomiya Storks Official Theme Song” HOP STEP & GO / Circus Focus [Lyric Video]

First, let me say one thing to everyone: they’ve gone beyond just being musicians.

It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to call them a performance troupe.

Ideally, I’d recommend seeing them live rather than just watching their music videos.

On top of their excellent performance skills (with real, live sound), their talk is exceptionally sharp.

This song also has a melodious quality that evokes Western music, which is part of its appeal.

There’s no doubt that once you hear it, you’ll be hooked.

19 years oldSuga Shikao

Suga Shikao / 19 Years Old

It was released in 2006 as Suga Shikao’s 19th single.

The song was used as the opening theme for the TBS anime xxxHOLiC, and Suga wrote it about how he felt at 19, after failing his university entrance exams and going through a bitter romantic experience.

It reached No.

7 on the Oricon chart.

Morning starTōtasu Matsumoto

Tortoise Matsumoto – Myojo

It was released in 2009 as Tortoise Matsumoto’s third single.

The song was used for Suntory’s “PEPSI NEX: Let’s Sing!” campaign, and the product appears in the music video as well.

The track drew attention because the PV features Papaya Suzuki, Yusuke Santamaria, and Jun Nagura of Neptune.

for YOU。haji→

Haj→ – for YOU.

Hajime, who is active as a singer-songwriter, is from Sendai City in Miyagi Prefecture.

His second single, “for YOU,” was selected as the ending theme for ytv’s ‘Ongaku no Chikara.’ It reached No.

14 on the Oricon chart, his highest position to date.