A classic of poignant, heartwarming songs. Recommended popular tracks.

People of the pastHY

[A Tearjerker] A Song That Makes Everyone Remember the Past: “To People of the Past” by HY

In this song, the keyboardist Izumi Nakasone provides the vocals.

In the previous song, “366 Days,” she still couldn’t forget the person she loved, but this song is about deciding to let go.

It’s fine to reminisce about someone you used to love, but if there’s someone new to fall for, it’s a song about choosing to forget.

DEPARTURESglobe

globe / 'DEPARTURES' (Starring: Ayaka Miyoshi)

Speaking of globe’s “DEPARTURES,” it’s a mega-hit and an incredibly famous song.

The heartrending melody and KEIKO’s poignant voice are simply the best.

It’s a moving song that really suits the winter season.

It’s also a beloved classic that’s very popular at karaoke.

The Toilet GodUemura Kana

Toilet God / Kana Uemura

Kana Uemura’s “Toire no Kamisama” (The Goddess of the Bathroom) is also a heartrending, moving song.

The lyrics are everything in this piece, so it’s best to listen to it carefully while reading along.

If possible, I recommend listening with your family—especially with your grandmother.

I won’t fall in love anymore.Makihara Noriyuki

[Official] Noriyuki Makihara “I Won’t Fall in Love Again” (Music Video) [5th Single] (1992) Noriyuki Makihara / Mou Koi Nante Shinai

The master of love songs, Noriyuki Makihara.

All the songs he sings are heartbreakingly bittersweet, but this time I’d like to introduce “Mou Koi Nante Shinai” (“I Won’t Fall in Love Again”).

It’s a song from the perspective of a man still hopelessly hung up after a breakup, and part of its charm is that the lyrics are a bit unusual and unique.

Lovers Are Wine-ColoredCHAGE and ASKA

Lovers Are Wine-Colored

In the 1990s, when CHAGE & ASKA were at the height of their success, every song they released was a big hit—and each one was dramatic.

“My Lover Is the Color of Wine” is another masterpiece.

I especially recommend the lyrics.

I suggest listening while reading them.

Memories of Kujukuri BeachMi-Ke

Mi-Ke ● Memories of Kujukuri Beach

I’m sure many people will feel a sudden wave of nostalgia when they hear the name MI-KE.

The group originally spun off from Kome Kome Club, but they became very popular through their solo activities as well.

Their signature song would have to be “Omoide no Kujukurihama” (Memories of Kujukuri Beach).

Voice of the Seaurashima tarō (kiritani kenta)

"The Voice of the Sea" Full ver. / Urashima Taro (Kenta Kiritani) [Official]

The song “Umi no Koe” was sung by Kenta Kiritani, who plays Urashima Taro in the au commercials, as a song addressed to Otohime, with whom he is in love.

The composition was done by BEGIN’s Masaru Shimabukuro, and when it was performed on the TV show Music Station, the backing band was the members of BEGIN, making it a lavish setup.

BEGIN also performs the song, but instead of the main vocalist Eisho Higa, it is sung by Masaru Shimabukuro.