Masterpieces to listen to at noon: recommended popular songs

Summer Colorsyuzu

Yuzu 'Natsuiro' MUSIC VIDEO

This is one of Yuzu’s signature songs.

They say they’ve been singing it since their days performing on the streets.

It features a breezy intro and a cheerful opening line, and the music video stands out with footage of the two having a great time.

As a summertime staple, this song always brings back bittersweet memories of youth whenever I hear it.

Even if you don’t have bittersweet memories, it still leaves you with that bittersweet feeling—that’s the brilliance of Yuzu.

Please use it as a weapon to face the weekdays starting again tomorrow.

A Member of the Fire BrigadeRATS&STAR

Rats & Star 'Megumi no Hito' RATS & STAR

This is a song used in a Shiseido commercial in the summer of 1983.

It’s a pop-rock tune with catchy phrases that stick in your head.

With its relentlessly upbeat vibe, it was already a staple at year-end parties and other high-energy occasions when it was released.

Perfect for a weekend when you want to boost your mood.

Ruby RingTerao Akira

Ruby No Yubiwa

It’s Akira Terao’s biggest hit.

In 1981, it won the Japan Record Award.

It’s a rock-tinged pop song characterized by Terao’s deep, rich low voice.

Before its release, people at his agency worried, saying, “There’s no way a song that sounds like a sutra will sell,” but it became a massive hit.

A Good Day to Set Out on a JourneyYamaguchi Momoe

Momoe Yamaguchi - Good Day to Set Out on a Journey

This is a famous song by Showa-era idol Momoe Yamaguchi.

It was also used as a campaign song by the Japanese National Railways.

Despite her wholesome, innocent appearance, she sings with overwhelming vocal power, and the song carries a certain nostalgic warmth.

Momoe Yamaguchi herself described it as “a song of a warm and gentle world.” Why not slip into that warm, gentle world while enjoying a morning bath?

Goodbye, my beloved.Hana＊Hana

Hana*Hana “Goodbye, My Beloved”

Hana*Hana is a female duo group.

This song was written by lead vocalist Izumi Kojima for her grandfather, who passed away when she was 16, and it has been covered by artists like Spitz.

With its wistful intro, poignant lyrics, and beautiful harmonies throughout, it’s a song you’ll want to listen to when you feel like quietly reflecting.

Can I call it magic?Hirai Ken

Ken Hirai “May I Call It Magic?” MUSIC VIDEO (Short Ver.)

Released in 2016 as Ken Hirai’s 40th single.

It’s a simple ballad featuring only acoustic guitar and vocals, and it was used as the TV commercial song for Panasonic’s LUMIX digital camera, co-starring Haruka Ayase.

The song’s gentle high notes and lyrics by Ken Hirai are soothing.

Hello,my friendMatsutōya Yumi

Yumi Matsutoya – Hello, my friend

Released in 1994 as Yumi Matsutoya’s 26th single.

It was used as the theme song for Fuji TV’s Monday 9 p.m.

drama “A Summer with You,” topped the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart, and became a million-seller.

It’s a song that evokes the scenery of late summer.