Enthralling mood kayō: A collection of classic Showa-era songs
Suddenly, but what kind of image do you all have of “mood kayō” (mood ballads)?
If you’re from a younger generation, you may not have even heard of the genre “mood kayō” in the first place.
Born in the postwar era, mood kayō is, as the name suggests, a form of kayōkyoku (Japanese popular song), but its definition is actually quite ambiguous.
You could say it’s a genre that values sentiment—indeed, the very “mood”—more than strictly musical elements.
This time, we’re focusing on this uniquely alluring, adult music born of the Shōwa era—mood kayō—and have gathered some representative classics.
Whether you’re a young music fan curious about Shōwa-era kayōkyoku or someone who lived through those times, please enjoy!
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Enthralling mood kayō: A collection of Showa-era classics (21–30)
Until we meet againOzaki Kiyohiko
A smash hit released on March 5, 1971.
When you think of Kiyohiko Ozaki, doesn’t this song come to mind? When singing it, if you focus on the resonance of the low notes in the verse (A-melody) and the sense of release in the chorus, it becomes a real crowd-pleaser and feels great to sing.
Kiyohiko Ozaki’s low register has a very deep resonance—what you might call an “ikebo” (a cool, attractive voice).
To produce this kind of sound, try to resonate the inside of your mouth fully and imagine the voice coming from your entire mouth; you’ll get a deeper tone.
Also, for high notes on the vowel “i,” keep the shape of your mouth the same and increase the speed of your breath.
Try to stay relaxed as you sing.
Touch of loveSawa Hiroshi to TOKYO99
Starting with a lively, undulating rhythm and a light touch, this quintessential mood kayō piece brings together a well-defined mixed chorus that envelops a richly moisturized, beautiful voice.
Branded as an “ecstasy voice” that touches your heart, the vocals are truly electrifying.
Wakkanai BluesHara Mitsuru to Shaneru Faibu
This nasal, distinctive singing style and phrasing, along with the chorus’s rhythm that rhymes with “Wakkanai,” have a uniquely catchy quality you won’t forget once you hear it.
It’s a song that grows on you the more you listen—sure to hook anyone who’s opened the door to mood kayō (Japanese mood ballads).
bus stepTaira Koji
It was released in 1972 as Koji Taira’s seventh single.
For Taira, in his third year since debut, it became his first major hit, and the bus stop featured in the song was the bus terminal at Shibuya Station’s east exit.
In 1982, it was used in a Meiji Chocolate commercial and became one of Taira’s signature songs.
At the tavernEri Chiemi
It wasn’t an explosive hit when it was released in 1974, but it gradually started selling and became a long-running bestseller.
When I listen to this song, although I only know what the media has reported, I can’t help but think of Ken Takakura, who divorced due to circumstances.
I wonder if he felt the same way—how he didn’t attend the funeral of his ex-wife, who passed away at a young age, but went near the funeral hall and prayed for her soul from afar.