Masterpieces that sing about various lives. Recommended popular songs.

For me to be myselfOzaki Yutaka

Yutaka Ozaki — For Me to Be Myself

This song was written as the theme for the NHK morning drama series “Gegege no Nyobo.” The drama was a big hit, and the word “Gegege” even became a buzzword.

“Gegege no Nyobo” tells the life story of Mura Nune, the wife who supported the free-spirited manga artist Shigeru Mizuki.

It was a touching story overflowing with mutual “thank yous” between husband and wife.

Like the drama, this song is also filled with gratitude.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have many relationships in life where we can be thankful to each other?

Na,Na,Na,NaNG HEAD

NG HEAD / Na,Na,Na,Na (STEP UP RIDDIM) 【MV】

A stable, husky voice with that familiar richness.

NGHEAD’s conscious tune.

A masterpiece that gives you the courage to get back up even when you fall, filling you with hope.

In life, there are times when you’ll want to cry—this is guaranteed to be a refreshing remedy for moments like that.

Highly recommended.

rainbow-coloredayaka

Ayaka / Nijiiro Music Video

A single released by Ayaka in 2014.

It’s a heartwarming number that’s quintessentially Ayaka—tinged with a little bittersweetness.

Many will recognize it as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series Hanako to Anne, starring Yuriko Yoshitaka.

As you listen, you’ll find yourself humming along, feeling as cozy as if you were whistling.

It inspires the belief that even if your efforts aren’t rewarded now, someday things will become clear and something new will be born.

Like a rainbow after the rain, this song lights up your heart.

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To the futureKiroro

Kiroro “To the Future” Official Music Video

Kiroro is a female music duo consisting of vocalist Chiharu Tamashiro and pianist Ayano Kinjo.

Along with their own growth, they have left behind a series of hits that came to be called timeless classics of their era.

Their signature songs “Nagaimono” (“Long Time”) and “Mirai e” (“To the Future”) are pieces they have been performing since their indie days.

The song “Mirai e” weaves together, without leaving anything out, a mother’s love seen from her perspective and the love I direct toward my mother.

Everyone grows into adulthood after going through a phase when parents feel overbearing.

I believe the lyrics, which capture that common experience, resonate with so many people.

If you were to put your gratitude toward your mother into words, you would surely arrive at this song.

1.15 Million Kilometers of FilmOfisharu Higedan Dism

Official HIGE DANDism – 1,150,000-Kilometer Film [Official Audio]

Among Hige Dandism’s songs, this medium-tempo ballad enjoys enduring popularity.

It’s included on their 2018 album “Escaparade.” Even if you don’t know the title, many people have probably heard it in ROHM Co., Ltd.’s commercial.

The title really leaves an impression! The lyrics cast a precious person as the protagonist, likening everything you’ve shared together and the future you’ll walk side by side into a film.

The romantic turns of phrase so characteristic of Hige Dandism bring back that sweet, bittersweet feeling.

It’s a song that colors not only love, but also those decisive moments that shape what comes next—and life itself.

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futureHY

HY “Future”

This is a song by HY that gives hope and courage to live.

It was released in June 2024 as the theme song for the Ryukyu historical drama “Amawari.” Warmly portraying two people in love looking toward the future, it carries a strong resolve to overcome any hardship.

Its refreshing melody and powerful vocals resonate with listeners’ hearts and give them the courage to move forward.

It harmonizes beautifully with the drama’s worldview while also shining as a pure love song.

It’s recommended for anyone about to take a new step or walk into the future with someone special.

With HY’s warm vocals, it’s sure to become a song that stays by your side in life.

One moreFUNKY MONKEY BABYS

FUNKY MONKEY BABYS “One More”

FUNKY MONKEY BABYS—known as Fanmon—sadly disbanded in 2013.

Even now, you can still hear their songs on TV and radio.

Their CD jackets featuring famous faces became a hot topic every time.

Their debut single, “Sonomamman Higashi e,” features Sonomanma Higashi, who is now active as Hideo Higashikokubaru, on the cover.

It’s a bit disappointing to think we may never again see their energetic presence at major festivals and charity events.

“Ato Hitotsu” was chosen as the support song for the 92nd Summer Koshien high school baseball tournament—an anthem that simply and single-mindedly pushes you forward in life.

It’s a song you want to listen to when your heart is about to break.

It feels like a track that will continue to be loved across generations and eras.