Moody Japanese classics: recommended popular songs

Broken RadioTokunaga Hideaki

Hideaki Tokunaga – The Broken Radio

This is a song where you can enjoy the reliably high vocals in a very pleasant way.

Even though the pitch is high, the occasional raspiness is irresistibly lovely.

I also like that the radio is used as an item symbolizing adolescence.

The chorus has a melody that really sticks in your head.

While Hideaki Tokunaga has covered songs by many artists, this particular track was written and composed by him.

The Path of Starlit Shadowschiaki naomi

Star-Shadowed Path: A Showa-Era Masterpiece — Naomi Chiaki “Quietly, I Love You”

While “Kassai” (Applause) is especially famous, this one is a hidden gem.

After the death of her husband, Naomi Chiaki retired from show business in September 1992, but “Hoshikage no Komichi” (Star-Shadow Lane) was released that December, after her retirement.

Knowing that background makes it an even more touching and gently moving song.

I LOVE YOUOzaki Yutaka

I LOVE YOU – Yutaka Ozaki (Full)

With that husky voice, heartfelt singing style, and undeniable sexiness, it’s the kind that would make any woman swoon.

Sadly, at the height of his popularity in 1992, he passed away suddenly, which sent shockwaves through the public.

Since then, his son has made his debut as a singer, drawing a lot of attention.

Love is overŌyō Fifi

Ouyang Feifei “Love Is Over”

Fei Fei Ouyang is a singer from Taiwan.

This song is about a woman who, thinking of the other person’s well-being, decides to end the relationship herself.

Both the lyrics and Ouyang’s voice and vibe make it a very adult, mature track.

A Kansai-dialect cover version by Takajin Yashiki has also been released.

dearestFukuyama Masaharu

Masaharu Fukuyama – Beloved (Full ver.)

Produced in October 2008 as the theme song for the film “The Devotion of Suspect X,” this gem of a ballad portrays deep affection and the ache of parting.

While anticipating farewell to a dreamlike presence, it sings of the fragility and beauty of continuing to love.

The pure love that Tetsuya Ishigami, a character in the story, holds for Yasuko Hanaoka is expressed through the delicate words crafted by Masaharu Fukuyama, and the song was also used in Toshiba’s LCD TV “REGZA” commercial.

As the unit KOH+ with Kou Shibasaki, it reached No.

5 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

Fukuyama later included his own version on the album “Zankyo.” It is a supreme masterpiece that accompanies adult romance—perfect for quietly savoring a drink in a night lounge.

Crystal Kingdaitokai

Daitokai – Crystal King

It’s a song that blows you away right from the opening high notes—truly an overwhelming display of vocal prowess.

Monsieur Yoshizaki, who handles the low vocals, brings a cool, mature tone.

The harmonies with the high notes are so pleasing that you’ll want to listen again and again.

Masayuki Tanaka, who sings the high parts, reportedly lost his voice temporarily due to an accident in 1989.

While his voice recovered and his former high-tone voice was lost, he has continued to move forward and remain active since then.

It’s a sad color, isn’t it?Ueda Masaki

It's a sad color, isn't it?

Masaki Ueda, a soul singer from Kyoto, is renowned for his raspy vocal tone and powerhouse singing deeply influenced by soul music—qualities that have earned him high praise even among hardcore music aficionados.

When it comes to his signature songs, it has to be “Kanashii Iro Ya Ne.” Set in Osaka, this track portrays the heartbreak of a man and a woman, showcasing the full appeal of his low-register voice.

It’s an achingly poignant song, and one I especially hope younger listeners will discover.

Be sure to check it out.

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