Miyuki Nakajima’s Masterpieces: A Showcase of the Timeless Gems That Defined an Era

FriendshipNakajima Miyuki

Friendship Miyuki Nakajima [cover]

The song “Friendship,” included on Miyuki Nakajima’s 1981 album Ringe-tsu (Full Term), is a deeply moving track that expresses friendship without directly using words like “precious.” Nakajima’s voice and the melody are a perfect match, resulting in an exceptionally accomplished piece.

that girlNakajima Miyuki

that girl

It’s a striking song in which multiple women’s names appear in the lyrics.

Even though she was given a common, ordinary name like mine, the one loved by the person I liked wasn’t me—it was that girl.

It’s a classic that conveys the sadness and helplessness of such a woman.

Happy PlayNakajima Miyuki

Miyuki Nakajima - Shiawase Shibai (Happy Play) Cover by XXkurage

A song written specifically for Junko Sakurada, who was both a singer and an actress.

It conveys the bittersweet feelings of a woman who, though she has a gentle man who indulges her whims, realizes that she is the only one who harbors romantic feelings.

The title reflects the fact that the happiness was felt only by the woman, while the man was merely playing along as if performing in a play.

ElaineNakajima Miyuki

“Elaine” Miyuki Nakajima Cover — First Step♪

Both the melody and the lyrics overflow with immense sadness.

No one helped Elaine, and no one could help her…

Was Elaine really such a bad woman? This song made me think about that even as a child.

For me, it was a song from Miyuki’s dark era.

light sleepNakajima Miyuki

Miyuki Nakajima - Light Sleep (Shallow Sleep) Cover by XXkurage

Miyuki Nakajima’s 28th single, released in 1992.

It was used as the theme song for the Thursday drama “To My Dear.” The song expresses the helplessness of men and women living in the city and gradually changing without realizing it.

Tokyo is said to be a city that never sleeps, and the song also conveys an image of a place that, despite its bustle, somehow evokes a sense of loneliness.

It has been raining since long ago.Nakajima Miyuki

It has been raining since long ago.

Starting from the commonplace scene of falling rain, the lyrics expand into a grand worldview that feels almost fused with nature—an unforgettable, moving hidden gem.

“Rain Has Been Falling Since Long Ago” is the B-side of the 40th single “Ichigo Ichie,” released in 2007, and it was used as the ending theme for TBS’s “Sekai Ururun Taizaiki ‘Renaissance,’” so some of you may remember it.

It’s a laid-back J-pop tune with an easy-to-remember melody and a vocal range manageable even for male singers, making it easy to sing.

The soaring chorus in the latter half features a characteristically Nakajima-esque melody line with a slightly offbeat phrasing, which might take a bit of practice.

Listen repeatedly and sing along until you can pick up on Nakajima’s distinctive nuances!

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threadNakajima Miyuki

Thread – Miyuki Nakajima (Full)

I think it’s one of Miyuki Nakajima’s more modern-style songs.

The melody is gentle and beautiful, and I like it.

But there’s one part that bothers me: “You are the vertical threads, I am the horizontal threads.” In weaving, there are many vertical threads and a single horizontal thread, so it makes me wonder—are there many “you”s?