Masterpieces to listen to at noon: recommended popular songs

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.

If I’m wrapped in kindnessMatsutōya Yumi

Yumi Matsutoya – If Wrapped in Kindness (THE LAST WEDNESDAY TOUR 2006 ~HERE COMES THE WAVE~)

A perfect song for a relaxed, cozy wake-up on a holiday morning is “Yasashisa ni Tsutsumareta Nara” (Wrapped in Gentleness).

Released in 1974 by singer-songwriter Yumi Matsutoya, who has been active since the 1970s, it has been featured in numerous commercials.

Many people may know it as the ending theme of the film Kiki’s Delivery Service.

Its beautiful melody line, unfolding with a light rhythm, is truly moving.

The lyrics evoke a bright, clear morning, making it ideal as a holiday morning song.

It’s a heartwarming track that makes you think, “Something good might happen today.”

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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.

Letter to TomorrowTeshima Aoi

[Official] Aoi Teshima – Letter to Tomorrow (Theme Song for the Monday 9 PM Drama ‘Someday I Will Surely Cry When I Remember This Love’)

Teshima’s singing voice is beautiful, and the lyrics sink in smoothly.

It’s truly a laid-back song that lets each word paint a scene, making it easy to get emotionally involved and relate to it.

It was also used as a TV drama’s theme song, and I remember thinking it fit perfectly at the time.

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.