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

Between the Sky and YouNakajima Miyuki

Ayaka / “Between the Sky and You” Music Video (Story 1)

Like many others, I got hooked on the drama that used this song as its theme and watched it every week.

I remember crying as I watched, listening to these lyrics said to be from the perspective of the protagonist’s pet dog, with the thought, “Please protect the protagonist!”

River of MemoriesNakajima Miyuki

Memory River - Miyuki Nakajima [cover]

These days I had been assuming that the lyrics were about Miyuki herself.

Of course, that may be the case sometimes, but writing lyrics isn’t necessarily based on personal experience—maybe I thought that because I was a child? That’s how I had convinced myself.

Even though it’s a very sad song, it’s also one of my favorites.

MaybeNakajima Miyuki

Maybe — Miyuki Nakajima Cover by XXkurage

It’s a song released in October 1991.

In the winter of 1991, it was used as the commercial song for Panasonic’s VHS-C camera “Brenbee,” featuring Honami Suzuki.

It’s a very heartrending song, but a beautiful one.

It is said to have been written specifically for the second installment (performed in 1990) of the musical play “Yakai.”

Sunflower “SUNWARD”Nakajima Miyuki

Himawari “Sunward”

This is a famous song by Miyuki Nakajima that seems to layer a heartfelt prayer for peace onto the image of sunflowers blooming powerfully toward the sun.

It carries a strong will to never lose hope, no matter how harsh the circumstances, and to keep moving toward a future where light shines.

Included on the album “LOVE OR NOTHING,” released in October 1994, the piece was arranged by Ichizo Seo, who reportedly built the arrangement inspired by “images of a sunflower field.” The warm yet grand sound powerfully reinforces the message in the lyrics.

When you listen to it as you reflect on the preciousness of peace, you may feel a warm light shining into your heart.

The Fox-Hunting SongNakajima Miyuki

Song of Fox Hunting / Miyuki Nakajima & Shinobu Otake / cover: Nobu

I first heard this song when I was around middle school age.

It starts with a bright, major-key feel, then modulates a bit in the middle and becomes bright again.

But since the lyrics are about “fox hunting,” something unfamiliar to Japanese people, and I was a child then, it felt like a storybook world and left a strong impression on me.

I even bought my first Miyuki Nakajima album because of this song.

If I could fly in this skyNakajima Miyuki

If I Could Fly in This Sky — Miyuki Nakajima, Tokiko Kato

I think it must have been difficult to write lyrics about a theme that everyone has probably thought about at least once.

And this song, like “Fight!”, feels like it gives me courage.

I like this song more now than I did when I was a child, when I found the lyrics difficult.

revivalNakajima Miyuki

Miyuki Nakajima / Revival (cover)

Everyone has songs tied to memories, I think.

When an old, familiar tune suddenly plays in a shop, it can bring back forgotten events or past romances.

The woman in this song, quietly reminiscing over a drink, may not be happy.

It’s a piece that invites that kind of imagining.