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

Tell me an eternal lieNakajima Miyuki

Tell Me an Eternal Lie - Miyuki Nakajima & Takuro Yoshida version (cover)

This is a song written by Miyuki Nakajima for Takuro Yoshida.

When he first asked her for a song, Yoshida reportedly said that since he was getting older, he wanted a song for a middle-aged man.

In response, Nakajima sent him this song, “Eien no Uso o Tsuite Kure” (“Tell Me an Eternal Lie”).

The lyrics express the feeling of not wanting to hear “I’ve given up” or “It’s over,” even in a situation where one has suffered heartbreak or seen their dreams shattered and is forced to face reality.

Haven’t we all, at least once, felt that a close friend or lover has been changed by the harshness of the world? It’s a song that makes you reflect on such moments.

Once-in-a-lifetime encounterNakajima Miyuki

Once-in-a-lifetime Encounter / Miyuki Nakajima [Official]

It’s a song that feels as if it were created by two versions of Miyuki Nakajima: the “queen of heartbreak songs” from the past and the present-day singer of uplifting anthems.

The music is gentle and soothing, and even in this track—where you can almost see the quiet dramas of people just passing by—it gives you courage.

Song of PartingNakajima Miyuki

Farewell Song

This is a song by Miyuki Nakajima that portrays a heartrending farewell where all you can do is watch the other person walk away.

The work depicts a protagonist who, while still holding onto lingering attachment and kindness for the other person, accepts an inescapable loneliness they can do nothing about.

The complex emotions born from years spent together are sure to resonate deeply with anyone who has experienced the major turning point of divorce.

Released in September 1977, the song became Miyuki Nakajima’s first to top the Oricon charts.

It’s also known for being used as background music in the drama “Tokusou Saizensen.” You can also hear it on the album “Aishiteiru to Ittekure.” On nights when you feel crushed by an unbearable loneliness, don’t you think listening to this song might make you feel your feelings are being affirmed?

Farewell SongNakajima Miyuki

"Wakare Uta" / Miyuki Nakajima cover.

I think this is one of the classic songs from the time when Miyuki Nakajima equaled “heartbreak songs.” I first got to know Miyuki Nakajima through All Night Nippon when I was in junior high.

I couldn’t understand how someone who laughed so loudly and boisterously could sing such sorrowful songs.

Taxi driverNakajima Miyuki

Miyuki Nakajima 'Taxi Driver' / soko piano and vocal cover

It’s a song that vividly brings to mind a sad woman being treated kindly by a taxi driver while riding in a cab.

Though the melody is quiet and matter-of-fact, the lyrics once again seem to center on a woman who has surely had her heart broken.

It reminds you that not everyone in the world is bad—there are taxi drivers like this, too.

togetherNakajima Miyuki

together

Miyuki Nakajima is a singer-songwriter who achieved the remarkable feat—unique among solo artists in Oricon’s history—of topping the singles chart across four different decades.

Her 47th single “Tomo ni,” released as a double A-side with “Ride on the Silver Dragon’s Back,” was written as the theme song for the TV drama PICU: Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.

Its lyrics, which teach the value of moving forward without looking back, are likely to give courage and hope to many.

Set against a gentle ensemble, her powerful vocals push you onward in this dramatic number.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Sora-buneNakajima Miyuki

Song Journey — Miyuki Nakajima Concert Tour 2007 Digest Trailer (Official)

The first time I heard this song was when TOKIO happened to be singing it on a TV I’d turned on without thinking.

I went, “Huh?” and said, “This song kind of sounds like Miyuki Nakajima,” and my child said, “Oh yeah, I think I heard they had her write it for them.” I remember being impressed that you can recognize Miyuki Nakajima’s world even when someone else is singing her songs.