A classic by Tamio Okuda. A roundup of masterpieces that captivate with their natural, laid-back worldview!

AdrenalineOkuda Tamio

Among Okuda Tamio’s songs, this one is bluesy and closer to a ballad.

The opening may not sound very Okuda-like, but as it goes on he freely expresses the inner conflicts in his heart in his signature style, making it a song that listeners find themselves nodding along to with their eyes closed, going, “Mm-hm, mm-hm.”

Go beyond the moonOkuda Tamio

Go beyond the moon

From the opening A-melody, Minsei’s signature style explodes onto the scene.

The intro really sticks in your ears.

This is his first CD recorded at home.

It’s a playful work, featuring a jacket photo styled like an old bromide.

He himself said the photo model was Hideki Saijo, a fellow native of his hometown.

Infinite WindOkuda Tamio

Infinite Wind

It’s the official cheer song for Japan’s national baseball team, “Hoshino Japan.” He himself is quite a baseball fan, so I imagine he must have been thrilled… It almost sounds like a different song between the beginning and the chorus.

The chord progression is the same old Tamio-style progression.

Slow BalladOkuda Tamio

Tamio Okuda / Slow Ballad (RC Succession cover)

When I listen to this, I can only describe him as a true god of ballads.

It’s not particularly a beautiful singing voice or beautiful music, but I think his distinctive style, the voice, the guitar, and the music come together to create a masterpiece.

It’s a classic.

Fragments of LoveOkuda Tamio

Fragments of Love (Okuda Tamio cover)

It’s the theme song for Downtown’s Hamachan’s variety show, in which he also appeared.

It’s a straightforward love song, and the way it casually declares love feels very Okuda Tamio.

He prefers that people don’t overanalyze the lyrics, but it’s the kind of song that makes you want to read into them.

Hiroshima DriveOkuda Tamio

Hiroshima Drive

A vividly painted piece brimming with Hiroshima flavor that brings hometown scenery to life.

The lyrics overflow with Tamio Okuda’s love for his hometown, featuring one iconic Hiroshima spot after another, such as Mazda Stadium and the Hacchobori intersection.

Released digitally in October 2018, this track was created as a Hiroshima-dialect parody version of “Tokyo Drive,” with fellow Unicorn members from the same hometown joining in with rhythmic call-and-response.

The blend of the local dialect and a warm melody stirs a deep sense of nostalgia, making it a treasured song that offers comfort—not only to those from Hiroshima, but to anyone living away from their hometown.

with great confidence after thorough preparation; at long last (finally making an appearance after biding one’s time)Okuda Tamio

Man wo jishite LIVE/2015.11.3 @ Ichikawa City Cultural Hall, Large Hall

As a civilian release, this is the second song to serve as a theme for a Fuji TV drama.

It opens with a distinctive guitar riff, and as usual, the beginning is crafted with a sparse arrangement.

In the latter half, the guitar cutting goes on for quite a long time.

The lyrics are interesting, too.