Moody Japanese classics: recommended popular songs

Sometimes, old storiesKatō Tokiko

Sometimes Old Stories - Tokiko Kato - Porco Rosso

It’s the ending theme of the Studio Ghibli film Porco Rosso.

Tokiko Kato’s husky voice is cool and stylish.

She also sings the movie’s main theme, “Le temps des cerises,” which is a French chanson, so it has a slightly different but equally wonderful feel.

Ruby RingTerao Akira

Akira Terao – Ruby Ring (1981)

Atsushi Terao’s uniquely nasal singing voice is sexy, and the nonchalant way he sings is incredibly cool.

His sunglasses are great, too.

“Ruby no Yubiwa” was composed by Terao himself.

The idea of giving a ruby ring, a birthstone, is brimming with a sultry vibe that hints at a mature romance.

The Scent of CyclamenFuse Akira

The Scent of Cyclamen

I’m smitten from the intro.

And on top of that, there’s Akira Fuse’s looks.

He’s known for his clear, expansive voice and powerful vocal projection.

This song was released in 1975, with lyrics and music by Kei Ogura.

His vocals back then were wonderful, but Fuse’s voice as he’s aged has gained a rugged richness that’s deeply compelling.

Do whatever the hell you want.sawada kenji

Kenji Sawada – Do As You Please (1977 TMF)

The song itself is great, of course, but Julie—Kenji Sawada—just oozes sex appeal.

He had legions of passionate female fans.

I’ve never seen anyone wear a hat tilted that far to the side and make it look so good.

And his singing more than matches his sexy looks—his vibrato is on point and it’s absolutely wonderful.

Midnight PretendersAran Tomoko

Midnight Pretenders

A city pop classic by Tomoko Aran that gained global reappraisal after being sampled by The Weeknd.

As a founding member of Being, Aran weaves delicate lyrics that meld exquisitely with a melody crafted by Tetsuro Oda.

The gently drifting synthesizers and smooth, subdued bass line evoke both the glitter of the city at night and the loneliness that lurks beneath it.

Though the lovers know it’s a “deceptive affair,” a series of secret trysts, they surrender themselves to those fleeting moments—an unstable passion that tightens the listener’s chest.

It’s a timeless track whose undimmed brilliance makes its enduring love easy to understand.

Boat SongYashiro Aki

Aki Yashiro / Funauta (Boat Song)

This is one of Aki Yashiro’s signature songs.

The opening lyrics are very famous.

It’s a wonderful piece where the contrast between the male-perspective lyrics of a ‘man’s song’ and Yashiro’s gentle aura really shines.

Listening to this track puts me in a New Year’s Eve mood.

White LoversKuwata Keisuke

Keisuke Kuwata – Shiroi Koibito-tachi (Short ver.)

A heartwarming ballad that delicately paints winter scenes, transforming the bittersweet memory of a lost love into a feeling of blessing.

While looking back on a past romance, it carries a positive message about cherishing the love that was shared, resonating through Keisuke Kuwata’s warm, soulful vocals.

Released in October 2001 as his seventh single, this gem won the Gold Prize at the 43rd Japan Record Awards that same year.

Also featured in Coca-Cola’s “No Reason” campaign commercial, the song won the hearts of listeners across generations.

It’s the perfect soundtrack for spending unhurried time with someone special in a relaxed lounge, or for quietly gazing at a winter nightscape alone with a glass in hand.