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] Classic tracks with names sung by artists (41–50)

A Color Without a Nameaobouzu

[PV] aobozu “Color Without a Name”

A Color Without a Nameaobouzu

Aobozu is a four-member band from Kanagawa Prefecture.

These days, each member is also actively pursuing individual projects.

This song features a gentle, mellow melody, vocals that are both tender and powerful, and relatable lyrics that blend into a beautiful harmony.

It’s a classic that has long been beloved by fans.

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Selfish JulietBOØWY

Wagamama Juliet

Selfish JulietBOØWY

Set to a romantic kayō-style melody, this classic song dramatizes the feeling of being in love.

Released by BOØWY in February 1986 as the lead single from the album “JUST A HERO,” it weaves pure affection with bittersweet longing in its lyrics, which pair the gentle phrase “Don’t cry” with a powerful devotion to a loved one.

From the guitar-led intro to the melodious development and chord progression that exudes a romantic mood, the track seems to capture the heart-fluttering excitement of a girl in love.

It peaked at No.

39 on the Oricon Singles Chart and became a pivotal number, performed at every BOØWY concert up until their breakup.

An eternal masterpiece best enjoyed while thinking of someone special.

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I’ll call your name.SUPER BEAVER

SUPER BEAVER “I’ll Call Your Name” MV (Theme Song for the Film ‘Tokyo Revengers’)

I'll call your name.SUPER BEAVER

A powerful rock ballad that passionately sings straight from the heart to someone special.

Released in July 2021 as the theme song for the film Tokyo Revengers, the way the music unfolds—almost as if it transcends time—beautifully synchronizes with the movie’s story.

It’s a recommended track for those who want to empathize with feelings for someone or to feel the bond with someone important.

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Yuko’s Four SeasonsMori Masako

Yūko’s Four Seasons — Masako Mori

Yuko's Four SeasonsMori Masako

It was released in 1979 as Masako Mori’s 30th single.

The lyrics were written by Yuu Aku, and the song is a gentle, beautiful piece that differs from her previous work.

At the time, Mori was 20 years old, and both her singing and expressions convey a mature tenderness distinct from her teenage years.

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Mary AnnTHE ALFEE

Mary Ann THE ALFEE

Mary AnnTHE ALFEE

THE ALFEE is a band that debuted on August 25, 1974 with the single “Natsu Shigure.” “Marianne” is famous as their first major hit.

Its wistful melody, which evokes a touch of the overseas, is especially palpable in the acoustic version.

*The link is to the acoustic version.

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Your nameYamazaki Masayoshi

Masayoshi Yamazaki “Your Name” MUSIC VIDEO

Your nameYamazaki Masayoshi

Masayoshi Yamazaki is a singer-songwriter who debuted in 1995, and his distinctive singing voice is very appealing.

This song was created with children as its theme, and I think those who have kids will find it relatable and moving.

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elementSuiyōbi no Campanella

Wednesday Campanella “MOTOKO”

elementSuiyōbi no Campanella

Wednesday Campanella began their indie activities in 2012.

It’s an unusual unit with KOM_I handling vocals, Hidefumi Kenmochi in charge of composition and arrangement, and Dir.F handling everything else.

Their track “Soshi” is rumored to be based on Ghost in the Shell—or maybe not, depending on who you ask.

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