Special Feature: Name Songs — Masterpieces with Names Sung by Artists

Akiko of the Starry SkyHikawa Kiyoshi

Kiyoshi Hikawa / Akiko of the Starry Sky [Official]

It was released in 2002 as Kiyoshi Hikawa’s fifth single.

The song reached No.

3 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and includes lyrics that reference famous sights in Kyushu, Hikawa’s hometown region.

With evocative, scenic imagery, it is considered one of Kiyoshi Hikawa’s signature songs.

The wind gives no name.Makihara Noriyuki

The wind gives no name.

A heartwarming song woven by Noriyuki Makihara that uses the wind as its motif.

Included on the album “Heart to Heart,” this piece sings of admiration for a presence that delivers kindness without seeking anything in return—like the wind that never gives its name.

Makihara’s gentle vocals and the melody that sinks into the heart wrap listeners in warmth.

The song was also performed during the “Makihara Noriyuki Concert Tour 2011–12 ‘Heart to Heart,’” held from September 2011 to January 2012.

It’s a track I especially recommend to anyone who wishes to keep watching over someone dear.

Please call my name!paipai dekami

Paipai Dekami: "Please call my name!"

Paipai Dekami is an idol with an impactful name and songs that carry a touch of nostalgia, and she has appeared on TV and other media.

This track also features a melody reminiscent of slightly older idol songs, making it easy to listen to.

The sexy music video is another highlight.

Marilyn in 1986Honda Minako

Minako Honda – Marilyn in 1986

This is a single released by Minako Honda in 1986, with lyrics written by Yasushi Akimoto.

The song was born from the way Marilyn Monroe—who climbed to the top as a star with an almost voracious professionalism—overlapped with Minako Honda in temperament, vocal qualities, and fate.

It went on to become Honda’s biggest hit.

JuliaKawamura Ryuuichi

Ryuichi Kawamura 'Julia'.divx

It was released in 2001 as Ryuichi Kawamura’s seventh single.

The song was used in a commercial for House Foods’ Ozack.

The music video, featuring him with a side-parted 7:3 hairstyle, black-rimmed glasses, and performing a quirky dance alongside women reminiscent of those from Juliana’s, was widely talked about because it made him look like a completely different person from his previous image.

Deceived by a guy like HiroshiTakada Mizue

Deceived by Such a Hiroshi – Mizue Takada – Guitar Solo Cover

It was released in 1983 as Mizue Takada’s 21st single.

It is a cover of a Southern All Stars song that was written and composed by Keisuke Kuwata and sung by Yuko Hara, released in 1983.

The single sold over 300,000 copies.

With this song, she appeared in the 34th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

Nameamazarashi

amazarashi 'Name' Short Version.

Amazarashi is a band centered around Hiromu Akita, who lives in Aomori Prefecture.

Their music is characterized by spoken-word-like vocals and lyrics that resonate with the heart.

This song features vocals with a strong will that contrasts with its relaxed tempo, and it helps you notice the important things you tend to lose sight of when you’re too worried about how others see you.