Featuring the music of Eiichi Ohtaki, a multifaceted figure not only as a musician but also as a recording engineer, producer, and label owner!
Often called a pioneer of Japanese rock, he was a member of the band Happy End, which was active around 1970, and after going solo he founded the Niagara label.
He released meticulously crafted masterpieces such as NIAGARA TRIANGLE Vol.
1 and NIAGARA CALENDAR, as well as the timeless classic Yume de Aetara (I Wish I Could Meet You in My Dreams).
Though his more idiosyncratic sounds initially struggled to gain acceptance, his 1981 album A LONG VACATION became a historic landmark.
Ohtaki’s intricately constructed songs are said to stem from his student days, when he listened widely and analyzed musical structures.
A trove of classics that can be seen as laying the foundations of J-pop.
The unfading Niagara Sound continues to shine brilliantly across the ages.
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Timeless Masterpieces of Eiichi Ohtaki That Make You Fall in Love – The Niagara Sound (1–10)
You are in full color.Ohtaki Eiichi
This is a major hit from his seventh album, A LONG VACATION.
When it came to summer, his songs were so popular they were practically synonymous with the season.
You can feel that indescribable summer languor and the excitement of a summer vacation.
The jacket design also had a strong impact at the time, firmly establishing the impression: this is an Eiichi Ohtaki album!!
Rainy WednesdayOhtaki Eiichi
It’s a re-cut single from the album A LONG VACATION, released on March 21, 1981, featuring a star-studded lineup of recording members—Haruomi Hosono, Tatsuo Hayashi, Shigeru Suzuki, and Masataka Matsutoya—essentially the members of Tin Pan Alley.
Eiichi Ohtaki is known for singing in a variety of styles, and this song showcases those traits particularly well.
Happy endingOhtaki Eiichi
This is Eiichi Ohtaki’s 14th single, released in 1997.
Issued as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Love Generation,” it became a major hit.
As his first original release in 13 years, it drew a lot of attention, and it’s a track you can lose yourself in, with his timeless sound.
Farewell, Siberian RailwayOhtaki Eiichi
This is the song that closes the album A LONG VACATION.
I think many listeners ended up replaying it, not expecting such a moving, heart-stirring track to await them at the end of this summer-themed album.
The video features Kazuya Yoshii’s cover, which gives the song a different, distinctive flavor.
Karen in LoveOhtaki Eiichi
Featured on the album “Long Vacation,” this song delivers a heartbreak theme with such a refreshing sound that it stands out as one of the most popular and acclaimed tracks on the record.
Many listeners have likely found themselves quietly moved to tears, resonating with its poignant lyrics.
Early summer rainOhtaki Eiichi
Above all, the bass line played solo from the intro instantly draws you in.
The guitar’s rhythmic cutting is snappy and satisfying, too.
The vocals are quintessential Eiichi Ohtaki—sung with a funky, soulful flair.
The chord progression in the hook’s signature phrase is a bit unusual.
Fall in love on Side AOhtaki Eiichi
It’s a song released in 1981 by Eiichi Ohtaki, Motoharu Sano, and Makoto Sugiyama as Niagara Triangle, and it could be called one of his signature tracks.
The stylish title enhances the chic sound.