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 Song Feature] Great Songs with Names Sung by Artists (21–30)

YukoMurashita Kōzō

"Yuko" Kozo Murashita (Yuko Araki)

YukoMurashita Kōzō

This is a single released in 1982 by Kozo Murashita, captivating for its poetically beautiful expressions.

Unlike the tender feelings of first love in his big hit “Hatsukoi,” this song portrays a different kind of romance—an admiration for an older woman.

Why does unrequited love tighten the chest so much? The melancholy lyrics and melody only amplify those emotions.

If you’ve fallen for an older woman, you’ll find yourself relating even more, and if you substitute the name with the person you care for, the sentimental mood becomes irresistible.

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Call my name.kinoko teikoku

Kinoko Teikoku – Call My Name

Call my name.kinoko teikoku

Kinoko Teikoku is a four-piece band that made their indie debut in 2012.

This song is included on Neko to Allergy, released in 2015.

With a gentle, mellow melody, it’s a song about thinking of someone you love.

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[Name Songs Special] Masterpieces with Names Sung by Artists (31–40)

Mary Janetsunoda☆hiro

Hiro Tsunoda ♪ Merry Jane (lyrics display)

Mary Janetsunoda☆hiro

His signature song, “Mary Jane.” It was originally included on the album by the band Strawberry Path, which Tsunoda was a member of, but it was slightly edited and released as a single in 1972.

Tsunoda☆Hiro himself composed the song.

If you read the title in Spanish, it actually becomes something else, and perhaps the lyrics express feelings of drowning in thoughts of a beloved person, or a heart that can’t break free.

It’s a very atmospheric ballad, and the tasteful guitar solo and Tsunoda’s soulful vocals envelop you in a sentimental mood.

It makes you want to change the name part and belt it out at karaoke!

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SACHIKObanba hirofumi

SACHIKO by Hiromi Banba - guitar solo singing cover

SACHIKObanba hirofumi

Hirofumi Banba, affectionately known as Banban, is a folk singer who also works as a radio personality.

“SACHIKO” is one of his signature songs, released in 1979.

The song’s success reportedly prompted women named Sachiko across the country to send fan letters saying it helped them come to like their own name.

When the name is written with the characters for “happiness” (幸子), people may be tempted to compare the name with the person’s life in various ways.

Even if your name isn’t Sachiko, this is an uplifting anthem for the heart.

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Mari-ko from aboveAKB48

[MV Full] Ue Kara Mariko / AKB48 [Official]

Mari-ko from aboveAKB48

AKB48 is an idol group produced by Yasushi Akimoto, active across theaters, television, and more under the concept of “idols you can go meet.” In this song, Mariko Shinoda serves as center for the first time, and her name is reflected in the title.

The catchy melody is pleasant, and the music video is fun to watch.

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EleutheriaGRAPEVINE

I tried drawing a picture to GRAPEVINE’s “Eleutheria.”

EleutheriaGRAPEVINE

GRAPEVINE is a veteran band that debuted in 1993 and is still active today.

Although this song wasn’t released as a single, it’s strongly supported by fans.

It’s a gem whose tasteful lyrics shine through its calm mood.

The linked video also matches the artwork and atmosphere perfectly, so I recommend it.

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Nameless MonsterEGOIST

EGOIST “Nameless Monster” Music Video -Short Ver.-

Nameless MonsterEGOIST

EGOIST is a fictional artist whose vocalist is Inori Yuzuriha, the heroine who appears in the TV anime Guilty Crown.

They achieved a major hit with the ending theme for the TV anime Psycho-Pass.

Amid the up-tempo musical style, the subtly glimpsed, somewhat cool emotion is quintessentially EGOIST.

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