[Nostalgic Songs] Gentle Drizzle Rain Songs: A Collection of Classic Japanese Hits
When you gaze out the window and see the steady patter of rain…
just putting it into words makes the scene come to life, doesn’t it?
There are probably many people who would say, “I love rainy days.”
In this feature, we’re introducing classic Japanese songs that take rain as their theme—tunes that will fill you with nostalgia the moment you hear them.
We’ve picked “nostalgic hits” from the ’90s and earlier, so it might strike a chord with a wide range of generations.
Please read through to the end.
You’re sure to rediscover the music of your memories.
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[Nostalgic Songs] Gentle Drizzle Rain Songs: A Collection of Japanese Classics (1–10)
A Bouquet of Kisses in the RainImai Miki
When you want to listen to a cute rain song that will lift your spirits, why not try “A Bouquet of Kisses in the Rain”? This memorable track, with its surprise proposal story, is by Miki Imai.
It was included on her 1990 album “retour.” Although it was never released as a single, it remains one of her most popular songs.
Composed by KAN, its buoyant pop feel makes your heart skip, and Yuho Iwasato’s lyrics vividly paint the scene of a rainy Shibuya Scramble Crossing—utterly delightful.
Give it a listen, and even a rainy day will put a spring in your step!
Whenever I arrive, it’s always raining.yoshida takurou
On rainy days, when you just want to forget the bad stuff and take it easy, I recommend “Tadoritsuitara Itsumo Amefuri” (“Whenever I Arrive, It’s Always Raining”).
It was a hit single released in 1972 by the rock band The Mops, and Takuro Yoshida, who wrote the lyrics and music, also recorded a self-cover.
Speaking of folk, Takuro Yoshida is the name that comes to mind.
In line with a rock album concept that placed great importance on the lyrics, the song was born from rewriting the words of “Suki ni Natta yo Onna no Ko,” a piece by the Downtowns—the band he originally belonged to in his amateur days.
Rainy days can sap your motivation and wrap everything in a languid mood.
Even then, the song’s message, which depicts the journey of life, soothes a tired heart and lifts you up.
ENDLESS RAINX JAPAN
Speaking of X JAPAN, their grand ballads that highlight YOSHIKI’s piano are captivating, aren’t they? This is a moving song that represents X JAPAN’s ballads, themed around unceasing rain.
It’s memorable for the way it starts with a simple, gentle arrangement—YOSHIKI’s piano and TOSHI’s vocals—and then expands into a majestic full-band sound.
Just as the rain never stops, the song portrays sorrow steadily piling up, and TOSHI’s resonant, soaring voice conveys a heartrending emotion, like a cry from the heart.
[Nostalgic Songs] Drizzly Rain Songs: A Collection of Classic Japanese Hits (11–20)
Rainy MidosujiŌyō Fifi
One of the rain songs most familiar to people in Osaka is “Ame no Midosuji.” It was originally a piece released by the American instrumental rock band The Ventures, and Fei Fei Ouyang covered it in 1971.
That cover was her debut single.
It’s a local favorite that’s still often heard, especially on music programs in the Kansai area.
The lyrics mention place names like Umeda Shindo and Shinsaibashi.
The singer roams in search of the one she longs for, and the bass rhythm seems to mirror her aimless wandering.
Fei Fei Ouyang’s cool vocals and subtly mysterious aura make it a stylish rain song.
In the Rain of RemembranceFukuyama Masaharu
In the Rain of Reminiscence is a song about rain washing everything away.
It was the 1990 debut single of Masaharu Fukuyama, who went on to become a defining actor and singer-songwriter of the Heisei era.
Although it’s a breakup song, its energetic band sound and dancing piano make it a dazzling anthem about rain! He apparently set out to create an unmistakably upbeat track.
Kicked off with the line, “This is my song of beginnings,” it’s a number that gets crowds even more excited at live shows.
It wraps you in a brightness that blows away pain and hardship.
Even on a rainy day, it leaves you feeling refreshed!
A Tale of Rainiruka
Speaking of Iruka, her classic “Nagori Yuki” is famous, but she also has a masterpiece that depicts rain.
Released in 1977, it became a hit second only to “Nagori Yuki.” This one, too, was written and composed by Shozo Ise.
It portrays a richly lyrical romance between adults and is incredibly heartrending.
Listening to it when you’re out of sync with your lover or on the verge of breaking up will likely deepen your sense of empathy.
The song shines with Ise’s signature literary scene-setting, and the deeply expressive guitar tone further enhances its appeal.
Ice RainKudō Shizuka
The single “Ice Rain,” released in November 1994.
This song was written with the idea of the hidden dramas behind the glamorous cityscapes leading up to the year’s end.
Shizuka Kudo is well known for her ballads, and this one is beautifully crafted as well.
It will likely bring back memories of youth for some listeners.
The lyrics convey the sorrow of parting and offer comfort to those overwhelmed by their emotions.
Though it depicts snow, I think the imagery could just as well be replaced with rain.
Different from her cool image, Kudo’s gentle, soft vocals here are wonderful and sink in tenderly.