A classic, bittersweet youth song. Recommended popular tracks.

SakurazakaFukuyama Masaharu

Masaharu Fukuyama – Sakurazaka (Full ver.)

A classic cherry-blossom song.

Every year when the sakura season arrives, how many times has this track been played? Though it has a major-key feel and even uses real place names, the lyrics are far from happy.

The emotions of a man wishing happiness for his former lover beautifully intertwine with the vibrant hues of the cherry blossoms.

Released in 2001.

Single AgainTakeuchi Mariya

Single Again – Mariya Takeuchi

A single released by Mariya Takeuchi in 1989.

It was used as the ending theme for a TV mystery drama slot known as “Hi-Sasu.” The song portrays the emotions of a woman who once lost her lover to another woman; upon hearing through the grapevine that he’s alone again, she is filled with complex feelings.

Those shifting emotions are beautifully conveyed through an emotional melody and a restrained vocal delivery.

Goodbye, my beloved.Hana＊Hana

Goodbye, my beloved.

Even if we break up, I’ll keep loving you.

I have the strength to watch my lover’s heart drift away without shedding tears, yet I just can’t bring myself to hate you.

So the only words I can say now, even if it’s a show of bravado, are “I’ll always love you.” It’s so painful when your own feelings remain while the other person cools.

This song captures the feelings of a woman in that situation with nuance and evokes deep empathy in its listeners.

Youthful RegretReimi

Yumi Matsutoya – Regret of Youth (Into the Dancing Sun)

Written and composed by Yumi Matsutoya.

While there is also Yuming’s own version, the one sung by Reimy, to whom the song was provided, possesses an almost miraculous clarity and strongly conveys the sensitivity characteristic of girls at a certain age.

It may be understated, but it could be called a hidden masterpiece.

The arrangement is melancholic and wonderfully executed.

single bedSha ran Q

Single Bed / Sharan Q

Sharam Q is a band formed in 1988, centered around Tsunku, who is now famous as a producer.

While their major breakthrough came with “Zurui Onna,” released the following year in 1995, the song “Single Bed” was a classic that gradually sold over time and became a million-seller.

miracleshunōkeru

Snowkel (Snorkel) – Miracle (Kiseki) [PV]

SNOWKEL is a three-piece band from Kyushu.

The band’s name was chosen with the hope that when people get tired of the sea called life, they can come up for air through music.

“Kiseki” (Miracle) is a 2007 single that was used as an ending theme for the TV anime Gintama.

It’s a refreshing piece that conjures up images of a starry sky and shooting stars right before your eyes.

Starry sky and moonlightroodo obu mejyaa

Starry sky and moonlight

The contrast between the light, breezy melody and the bittersweet feeling is incredibly cool.

It’s a song that conveys both sorrow and strength.

The chorus melody is very memorable—something you could probably remember after just one listen.

I’d love to listen to it on a clear, starry night.