Blue Light Yokohamaishida ayumi1rank/position

Blue Light Yokohama - Ayumi Ishida

This classic song, which beautifully depicts the nightscape of the port city of Yokohama, captivates with its urbane, sophisticated sound, a melody line influenced by chanson, and emotionally rich lyrics tinged with melancholy.

Ayumi Ishida’s clear, transparent voice superbly conveys the bittersweetness of love shining under the city’s neon lights.

Released in December 1968, the work achieved an astonishing sales record of over one million copies in just ten days.

It won the Japan Record Award for Composition and also enjoyed great popularity in Korea.

It’s a lovely choice in connection with Yokohama Port Opening Memorial Day on June 2.

A gem cherished by older listeners along with nostalgic memories.

If you hum it together during a karaoke recreation, conversation is sure to flow naturally.

What would you do?ishida ayumi2rank/position

What would you do?

Since her debut in 1964, Ayumi Ishida has produced numerous hit songs and took the 1970s by storm.

Among them, “What Would You Do?”—released in 1970 and cherished by people of all ages—has resonated deeply through its universal theme of heartbreak and has been covered by many artists.

The song’s appeal lies in its bittersweet yet beautiful melody and the question everyone asks themselves at least once: “What would you do?” It’s a track that will stay with listeners of any generation.

It’s also a timeless classic perfect for karaoke—one that parents, children, and grandchildren can enjoy together.

Bye-Bye Jetishida ayumi3rank/position

Bye-Bye Jet / Ayumi Ishida

Ayumi Ishida, who was active not only as an actress but also as a singer.

Her song “Bye-Bye Jet” isn’t particularly well-known, but it’s still a beloved classic among her fans.

The melody has a distinctly languid, wistful feel.

It carries a nostalgic, old-school sound, while also incorporating contemporary elements that give it a stylish vibe.

With its blend of various influences, it’s definitely a track worth checking out!

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In Tokyo like a desertishida ayumi4rank/position

Ayumi Ishida in a desert-like Tokyo

This song was released in 1971.

The singer is Ayumi Ishida, whose voice is instantly recognizable after just a moment’s listen.

With her slightly husky tone, she sings of a devoted woman’s heart.

The stronger that devotion feels, the more starkly it contrasts with the impersonal barrenness of Tokyo.

It’s a song that conveys deep emotion.

Nagasaki of Memoriesishida ayumi5rank/position

Nagasaki of Memories

Originally, it was a song by Chiyo Okumura, but lyricist Jun Hashimoto presented it to Ayumi Ishida, and it was released as a single.

Rather than being just a sad song about parting, the lyrics are forward-looking, finding hope in Nagasaki, reached at the end of a journey.

Hey, listen, Mom.ishida ayumi6rank/position

Hey, listen, Mom.

Ayumi Ishida was a leading figure among artists of the 1970s and was very famous at the time.

“Blue Light Yokohama” is so nostalgic that it was practically a national song—people who know it can’t help but hum along, don’t you think?

The sun is crying.ishida ayumi7rank/position

Ishida Ayumi “The Sun Is Crying” 1968

While centered on the motif of the sun, this classic vividly conveys a certain bittersweet emotion.

For Ayumi Ishida, it was her first single after moving to Columbia Records, released in June 1968.

Jun Hashimoto’s richly expressive lyrics are fused with Kyohei Tsutsumi’s sound, which boldly incorporates a GS-style rhythm and the then-innovative harpsichord, allowing Ishida’s emotional yet cool vocals to truly blossom.

Peaking at No.

18 on the Oricon chart, the track laid the groundwork for her subsequent big hits, and it’s no exaggeration to call it a song that symbolizes summer in the Showa era.

I highly recommend it to anyone looking for slightly wistful background music for a summer drive, or to those who want to experience the sophisticated pop of the time.