Moody Japanese classics: recommended popular songs

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.

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.

Ti AmoEXILE

EXILE / Ti Amo

A story of forbidden love portraying a bittersweet, mature romance.

EXILE’s earnest vocals beautifully capture the feelings of a woman consumed by her relationship with a married man.

The melancholic love depicted alongside the passionate melody is sure to strike a chord with many listeners.

Released in September 2008, the song was also featured in a commercial for Meiji Seika’s Meltykiss chocolate, and went on to win the Grand Prize at both the 50th Japan Record Awards and the 41st Japan Cable Radio Awards that same year.

The music video, set in 1920s Shanghai, superbly brings the work’s world to life.

It’s the perfect track for a late night in a lounge, gazing at the soft glow of candlelight and dreaming of adult romance.

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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Ryo

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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.

A street corner where even lovers get wetNakamura Masatoshi

A street corner where even lovers get wet

The biggest hit song by the renowned actor Masatoshi Nakamura, “Koibito mo Nurueru Machikado.” Even from the title, it feels pretty sexy.

The melody is quite sensual—not lewd, but exuding a mature allure.

It’s a smooth, nighttime-appropriate track for grown-ups.

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Ryo

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