Akina Nakamori’s classic and popular songs

The Ten CommandmentsNakamori Akina

Akina Nakamori Live: The Tenth Commandments · 1984

This is definitely a song you should watch in video form.

I even have an embarrassing memory from back then of not being able to read the title “Jikkai” (The Ten Commandments).

In the intro choreography, there’s a scene where she stamps her heels on the ground while stepping, and she even strikes a pose like an Ina Bauer.

That flexible, fluid movement made me think, as expected, Akina—who has ballet experience—really stands out.

DESIRENakamori Akina

Akina Nakamori - DESIRE (Passion)

Speaking of Akina Nakamori, this is the song! A mega-hit single with an undeniable, iconic presence.

On music shows, DESIRE thrilled audiences with its kimono-inspired costumes and bold bob haircut.

It became so popular that it frequently tops rankings of past songs people want to hear again.

Second LoveNakamori Akina

Second Love (2014 Remaster)

This is Akina Nakamori’s third single, a very melancholic song steeped in nostalgia.

From the song’s grand scale, I sensed an extraordinary aura of a true star.

I remember saying at the time that her presence was incredible.

And with this song, on just her third single, Akina achieved her first No.

1 on the Oricon charts.

Flowers in waterNakamori Akina

[Official] Akina Nakamori / A Flower Placed in Water (~Dream~ ’91 Akina Nakamori Special Live at Makuhari Messe, 1991.7.28 & 29) Mizunisashita Hana

This is Akina Nakamori’s 25th ballad single.

The image that immediately came to mind was of her singing gently over water, and I find myself listening to this song very often on rainy days.

Though it leaves a lingering sadness after you listen, this Flower Put in Water stays deep in the heart, so I especially hope people who only know her famous hit singles will give it a listen.

Twilight -An Evening Dusk Letter-Nakamori Akina

Twilight ~Evening Dusk Letter~ Akina Nakamori

This is Akina Nakamori’s fifth single, a ballad filled with poignant longing.

I remember listening to this song on a portable player while watching the scenery pass by from the train.

I truly love how gently it seeps into the heart, and I still listen to it often—so I really hope everyone gives it a listen.

BLONDENakamori Akina

Blonde

This is Akina Nakamori’s 18th single, and it’s a very stylish track with an incredibly cool backing arrangement.

In this song, Akina sings freely and elegantly, almost as if she’s expounding on “Men are… Women are…”.

To me, it carries an image of true majesty—something you could say her career itself attests to.

The cool vibrato in the chorus embodies that dignified presence.

MOONLIGHT SHADOW – Howl at the MoonNakamori Akina

Akina Nakamori – Moonlight Shadow ~ Howl at the Moon

When I hear “bark at something-or-other,” I can’t help but think of ‘Bark at the Sun,’ but among fans this Moonlight Shadow is also well known as a song produced by the hugely popular composer Tetsuya Komuro.

People were raving about how brilliantly the song develops, but it’s fair to say that Akina, who sings it so superbly, is even more wonderful.

I really love this song.