Masterpieces that sing about various lives. Recommended popular songs.

The strong and fleeting onesCocco

Cocco “The Strong and Ephemeral Ones” Music Video

It was released in 1997 as Cocco’s second major-label single.

The song was used in Japan Airlines’ “JAL Hawaii Campaign” commercial.

While the tune is bright and refreshing, the lyrics center on a forbidden love.

It’s a track that lets you immerse yourself in Cocco’s distinctive worldview.

chicken riceHamada Masatoshi / Makihara Noriyuki

chicken rice

“Chicken Rice” is a single released in 2004 under the names Masatoshi Hamada and Noriyuki Makihara.

For the lyrics, Makihara specifically requested Downtown’s Mr.

Matsumoto.

He recalled his impoverished childhood and wrote about the chicken rice he ate at Christmas.

A Person Becoming a StarSUPER BEAVER

A Person Becoming a Star

This song possesses a profound allure that invites us to reexamine the present from the perspective of life’s end.

Centered on the universal themes of life and death, it asks what truly matters to us as human beings.

Inspired by the passing of the artist’s grandmother, it was released in July 2012 as a medium-tempo ballad on the album “How the Future Begins.” Rather than dwelling solely in sorrow, it reflects on the dignity of a life well lived through the image of a beloved grandmother being tenderly sent off, expressed with a simple yet powerful melody.

It is a song that stays close when you want to confront life’s fundamental questions or when you’re thinking of someone dear.

As SUPER BEAVER’s first nationwide release after establishing their independent label “I×L×P× RECORDS,” it was an ambitious work that also drew attention as a new starting point for the band.

This is lifeKawasaki Takaya

Takanori Kawasaki - This is Life [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

Singer-songwriter Takaya Kawasaki, who began pursuing music in earnest after singing on stage at his high school cultural festival.

“This is Jinsei,” included on his third album, Nukumori, also drew attention for its music video, which Kawasaki says he filmed with his own body on the line.

Even when life knocks you down and things don’t go your way, the song reminds you that you still have to walk your own path—its message helps you laugh off misfortune.

With a gentle voice and melody that soothe the heart, it’s a heartwarming number.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Ah, life has its tearsSatomi Kotarō

Ah, life has its tears — including the elusive third verse.

Many people might not even know the song’s title, “Ah, There Are Tears in Life,” despite its fame as the theme song for the period drama Mito Komon.

Since the long-running series spanned many years, various singers performed it, but because he sang it for a long stretch, many may strongly associate the song with Kotaro Satomi.

The lyrics portray the journey of life, making it a perfect prompt for reflecting on one’s own life.

It’s important to convey a sense of bravery, as if firmly planting one’s feet on the ground, to create a powerful, impactful performance.

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kappamaki

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Untitled TodayHirai Dai

Hirai Dai / Untitled Today (Lyric Video)

A heartwarming message song that gently sings about the precious moments found in everyday life.

Rather than material wealth, it finds value in the ordinary scenes of daily living and conveys the beauty of believing in the future.

HIRAIDAI’s vocals resonate deeply with listeners.

Included on the album “Life Goes On,” this track stands out with its gospel-inspired chorus and refreshing melody.

The lyrics, which depict the joy of sharing together and the preciousness of small, everyday happiness, offer a sense of peace, as if wrapped in a gentle light.

When you want to appreciate the beauty of spending simple, unassuming time with someone important, why not give it a listen?

Blue BirdKobukuro

Kobukuro – Blue Bird

Set to a refreshing melody, this heartwarming number by Kobukuro paints the small joys hidden in everyday life.

It gently sings, likening them to the bluebird of happiness, that the true bliss we often lose sight of while chasing our dreams is the bond with the ones we hold dear.

Created to mark the 10th anniversary of their debut, it was released in February 2011 as their 20th single and was also chosen as the opening theme for NHK Educational TV’s anime Bakuman.

When you’re working hard toward your goals but feeling a little worn out, give this song a listen.

It will surely make you notice the warm light right beside you and give you the courage to spread your wings toward the future once again!