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

DancerFukkun:)Tatsuki Fukuda
Primarily active in Tokyo, I have experience as a backup dancer for artists, a music video dancer, and a commercial dancer. I continue to work as a dancer while also engaging in article production. After discovering Michael Jackson in junior high school, I began dancing in my second year of high school. Since starting dance, in addition to the J-Pop and Japanese rock I had been listening to, I began exploring Western R&B, rap, alternative music, and other tracks commonly used for dance. In elementary school, I spent three years in a choir, and because I love singing, I often go to karaoke for fun. These days, I enjoy a wide range of music, from Japanese rock and rap to K-pop.
Editor-in-Chief, RAG MUSICHane Keisuke
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. After working in a music studio and handling wedding sound, joined the RAG MUSIC editorial team in 2016. Experienced with a variety of instruments: marching band in elementary school, clarinet in junior high school wind ensemble, and drums in a band from high school onward. Drawing on my own musical activities and the experience gained through my work, I produce daily articles, including various song introductions, features on music festivals around the country, and live reports. In music, I enjoy not only rock from Japan and abroad but, lately, a wide range of J-pop as well.

Timeless masterpieces with names woven into them—songs that resonate and that everyone has heard at least once.

From sweet love songs filled with feelings for someone special to tracks that reflect on the very idea of a name, they capture a wide range of emotions.

The hidden stories behind each song are captivating, too.

This time, we’re showcasing a curated selection of unforgettable songs that put “names” in the spotlight!

They’re all gems that will make you want to swap in the name of someone dear to you, so be sure to find your own favorite track!

[Name Songs Special] Masterpieces with Names Sung by Artists (61–70)

Akiko of the Starry SkyHikawa Kiyoshi

Kiyoshi Hikawa / Akiko of the Starry Sky [Official]

Akiko of the Starry SkyHikawa Kiyoshi

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.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Please call my name!paipai dekami

Paipai Dekami: "Please call my name!"

Please call my name!paipai dekami

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.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Marilyn in 1986Honda Minako

Minako Honda – Marilyn in 1986

Marilyn in 1986Honda Minako

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.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Ms. YoshikoKuwata Keisuke

Keisuke Kuwata – Yoshiko-san (Short ver.)

Ms. YoshikoKuwata Keisuke

It was released in 2016 as Keisuke Kuwata’s 16th single.

The song was used in a WOWOW “25th Anniversary of Broadcasting” commercial featuring Kuwata himself.

The title “Yoshiko” is both a quote from the signature routine of the late Sanpei Hayashiya I and, as Kuwata has said, the name of a staff member who has helped him in his work.

It reached No.

2 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

JuliaKawamura Ryuuichi

Ryuichi Kawamura 'Julia'.divx

JuliaKawamura Ryuuichi

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.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Nameamazarashi

amazarashi 'Name' Short Version.

Nameamazarashi

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.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

A Nameless BirdYamazaki Masayoshi

[LIVE] Masayoshi Yamazaki – The Nameless Bird (ONE KNIGHT STAND TOUR Matsuyama).avi

A Nameless BirdYamazaki Masayoshi

A fan-favorite track with a memorable acoustic sound from the 1997 album “HOME.” The poignant lyrics compare heartbreak to a nameless bird, delivered with distinctive wordplay and outstanding musicianship and vocals.

It was later covered by Chitose Hajime.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem