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

As if singing a Christmas songNakajima Miyuki

Midosuji 2022: Singing Christmas Songs – Miyuki Nakajima (Song Calendar)

Miyuki Nakajima, a leading figure among Japanese singer-songwriters.

The rare track included on her 1987 live album “Uta Goyomi” is a number that portrays a one-night-only romance entrusted to the special night of Christmas.

Against a backdrop of snow-covered streets and gently passing people, a tender yet fleeting sentiment is quietly spun.

The delicate expression of her live, guitar-and-voice performance—coupled with the restrained melody—seems to resonate deeply in the heart.

It is a winter love song for adults, overlaying the enchantment of the Christmas season with the reality of a relationship that returns to strangers when the calendar turns.

that girlNakajima Miyuki

that girl

Despite its bright melody, the lyrics are quintessentially Miyuki from her dark period, steeped in self-deprecation.

The longing to be “that girl” is painfully palpable.

Miyuki’s clear voice is soothing, yet this is one of those sad songs that capture the feelings for someone who will never turn around and notice you.

Fight-RyanseNakajima Miyuki

Fight-Ryanse

I take my hat off to the clever wordplay of “Tōryanse” turned into “Tōryanse (battle)”! In fact, this song, “Tōryanse,” was originally provided as a single released in 2008 by actress Yoko Kuga under the name YOKO, and later Miyuki Nakajima herself re-recorded it as a self-cover and released it anew.

It’s a song that sits somewhere between kayōkyoku and enka, and Nakajima delivers it with plenty of theatrical flair.

The pitch is relatively low—low enough for men to sing—and the range isn’t extremely wide, so overall it seems quite singable.

That said, simply hitting the notes won’t capture the song’s atmosphere; don’t be shy—sing it with the gusto of fully becoming Nakajima herself.

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slopeNakajima Miyuki

Miyuki Nakajima “Keisha (Incline)” / by soko

This song begins with a heavy, solemn intro.

The protagonist is an old woman.

In the bright, upbeat chorus it says, “Growing old is a wonderful thing, being forgetful is a wonderful thing,” but in the end, when it says, “If the number of sad memories exceeds the level of saturation, isn’t there nothing left to do but forget?” it becomes painfully clear just how much sorrow those words carry.

I feel that around this time Miyuki-san began moving away from breakup songs and started writing songs that focus on “humanity.”

Minami-SanjoNakajima Miyuki

Minami-Sanjo - Miyuki Nakajima Cover by XXkurage

Among Miyuki Nakajima’s songs, this one gives the impression of being sung at a relatively fast tempo with a light touch, but the lyrics tell a painful story about encountering the woman who once took the singer’s lover.

What’s more, she reveals the even more shocking fact that she has married another man.

The frustration and helplessness of the protagonist—a woman running while crying—seem to come through in rhythm.

An inexperienced person todayNakajima Miyuki

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

A song used as the theme for the drama “Juken no Kamisama” (The God of Exams).

It was created when TOKIO, a Johnny’s idol group, asked Miyuki Nakajima to write a song.

The melody has a kayō-rock style similar to “Sora Fune,” also composed by Nakajima.

The lyrics portray a person who, though clumsy, lives earnestly within society.

The words evoke images reminiscent of old-time samurai or the rugged ‘bankara’ spirit.

Go for it!Nakajima Miyuki

[Official] Fight!/Miyuki Nakajima (cover) Yoshie Kurasawa

When I first listened to it, I didn’t really feel encouraged, but as I kept listening, it was like the lyrics seeped into my heart.

It gives me a quiet strength.

Now it’s a staple that I sing every time at karaoke.