Chiaki Naomi’s Popular Song Rankings [2026]

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Naomi Chiaki / Applause [Official Audio]

It’s a highly narrative song, as if you were watching a drama unfold.

With overwhelming expressive power, Naomi Chiaki sings of a protagonist who hides deep sorrow in their heart yet continues to stand on stage.

As you listen, can’t you just see the scenes come to life before your eyes? Released in September 1972, the song won the 14th Japan Record Award and was also featured in a Suntory “BOSS” commercial.

It’s a profound piece that quietly stays close to the hearts of those who have weathered many of life’s ups and downs.

Asahi Towerchiaki naomi2rank/position

Naomi Chiaki – House of the Rising Sun (1989) [Live]

Asahi-ro is a song I especially recommend to women.

Although the original is a Western song, it has been covered by many artists in Japan.

Among them, Naomi Chiaki’s cover is particularly famous.

The song’s theme is quite dark, but it matches the despair and wistfulness of the melody, and there are many powerful melodic passages throughout.

It’s a vocally challenging piece, but because the melody makes it easy to sing with feeling, I encourage you to give it a try.

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Ryo

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A person hurrying into the nightchiaki naomi3rank/position

People hurrying into the night – Naomi Chiaki

This song carries a creepy, mysterious atmosphere reminiscent of Showa-era ghost stories.

Naomi Chiaki’s “Yoru e Isogu Hito” is a single released in September 1977.

Its lyrics sharply depict the darkness of the human heart, and combined with Chiaki’s distinctive vocal delivery, they leave a powerful impression on listeners.

In particular, her performance at the 28th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen in 1977 astonished many viewers.

It’s the perfect track for when you’re walking through the city at night and find yourself pondering human nature.

The Begin of Twilightchiaki naomi4rank/position

Twilight Begin — Naomi Chiaki

The song used in the 1999 commercial for Nescafé’s top-tier instant coffee, Nescafé President, was Naomi Chiaki’s “Tasogare no Begin.” It’s a calm, soothing track that perfectly suits a relaxing coffee break.

Originally released in 1959 as a song by Hiroshi Mizuhara, it was later covered by numerous artists—including Naomi Chiaki, Sayuri Ishikawa, Masashi Sada, and Akina Nakamori—and has since become a standard number.

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Hane Keisuke

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red flowerchiaki naomi5rank/position

“Red Flower” — Naomi Chiaki

Naomi Chiaki, who has left a brilliant legacy as an actress and singer.

The ballad in which she sings of a woman reminiscing about the past is “Akai Hana” (Red Flower).

The song is also memorable as her de facto last single, released before she suspended her career following the death of her husband, Eiji Go.

Knowing this background, you can feel an even deeper sorrow in her voice when you listen.

Or, you can simply enjoy it as a way to look back on beautiful memories of the past.

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yamamoto

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Night Flightchiaki naomi6rank/position

Naomi Chiaki / Night Flight [Official Audio]

This song, with its gently mellow atmosphere, is a classic that poignantly portrays the feelings of a woman setting off for a foreign land.

Naomi Chiaki’s rich, resonant voice beautifully brings to life the lyric’s storytelling world.

Released in 1973, the piece pairs a quiet melody with wistful words that sink into the heart.

The touches of exotic flair—such as a French in-flight announcement—are also captivating.

For many older listeners, it may overlap with memories of their youth.

Why not sing it at a relaxed pace while thinking of someone dear?

Winter is nearchiaki naomi7rank/position

Naomi Chiaki 🎵 “Winter Next Door”

This was when Chiaki Naomi was around 41 years old.

In 1978, she married Eiji Shishido, the younger brother of actor Jo Shishido, and was enjoying a fulfilling career as a singer.

Her husband, Go, told her, “You don’t have to force yourself to sing anymore,” and the two of them opened their own agency, choosing work that matched Chiaki’s wishes.

I’m sure she wouldn’t be able to sing this song now.