The City of Love, SapporoIshihara Yūjirō1rank/position

Sapporo, City of Love: Yujiro Ishihara

This gem of a love song, which tells a romance beginning at Sapporo’s iconic Clock Tower, is cherished by many as one of Yujiro Ishihara’s signature numbers.

Released as a single in May 1972, it drew attention as a groundbreaking work told from a woman’s perspective and went on to sell a total of 650,000 copies.

Coinciding with the Sapporo Winter Olympics held that year, the song also helped convey Sapporo’s allure to listeners across Japan.

Wrapped in Ishihara’s deep, gentle vocals, the feelings of a woman who discovered love beneath a tender sky are tenderly sung, evoking vivid scenes in which memories of love deepen with the changing seasons.

A duet version with Miyuki Kawanaka was later produced, and this piece remains a beloved classic that beautifully weaves together Sapporo’s scenery and the memories of love—an unforgettable song that lingers in the heart.

brandy glassIshihara Yūjirō2rank/position

Yujiro Ishihara “Brandy Glass”

A classic love song whose lyrics overflow with Yoko Yamaguchi’s feelings of romance, beautifully colored by Mitsuru Kotani’s melody.

The lyrics, depicting a delicate woman’s heart and the course of love, gain even greater depth through Yujiro Ishihara’s powerful, richly expressive vocals.

Released in 1977, this piece can be considered indispensable in Ishihara’s singing career.

Intoxicated by love yet sensing the sorrow of an impending farewell—this is a work I especially recommend to adults who wish to savor such complex emotions.

Traveler of the NorthIshihara Yūjirō3rank/position

Northern Traveler - Yujiro Ishihara

He sings a melancholic song about lost love set in the northern country with Yujiro Ishihara’s distinctive low voice.

As it follows a man searching for his beloved while traveling through Hokkaido cities like Kushiro, Hakodate, and Otaru, it conveys his heartbreaking emotions.

It was also used as an insert song in the drama “Seibu Keisatsu” and was released in August 1987.

For Yujiro Ishihara, it became his first and only single to reach No.

1 on the Oricon charts, topping the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart as well.

As you recall days gone by, try singing it gently and with feeling.

A Man Who Summons StormsIshihara Yūjirō4rank/position

Yujiro Ishihara 'A Man Who Causes a Storm'

This is one of Yujiro Ishihara’s signature songs, beloved by many as a legendary actor and singer of the Showa era even as times change.

It was released as a single by Teichiku Records in February 1958 and was produced as the theme song for a film of the same title.

Riding on the movie’s success, the song became a major hit and cemented Ishihara’s star status.

Its powerful lyrics depicting passion and way of life, along with Ishihara’s masculine vocals, are especially compelling.

It’s a track that can help older listeners recall their youth and feel energized—one we highly recommend you give a listen.

a red handkerchiefIshihara Yūjirō5rank/position

Red Handkerchief: Yujiro Ishihara

Set in a northern port town, this classic song of bittersweet love is brought to life by Yujiro Ishihara’s deep, resonant voice.

Against the backdrop of spring in the north, it vividly portrays acacia blossoms in bloom and the poignant parting of lovers.

Released in October 1962, the piece—written by Shiro Hagiwara and composed by Kenroku Uehara—was issued as a single commemorating the 30th anniversary of Teichiku and garnered a major response.

Expressing memories with a loved one and moments of farewell in a tender, embracing vocal style, this song is perfect for times when you want to bask in nostalgia.

Sunset HillIshihara Yūjirō/Asaoka Ruriko6rank/position

The Hill of the Setting Sun — Yujiro Ishihara & Ruriko Asaoka

It’s a duet song performed by Yujiro Ishihara, a major star of the Showa era, and the alluring actress Ruriko Asaoka.

The song was used as the theme for the film of the same title, Sunset Hill, released in 1964, in which the two also appeared.

Because the song directly reflects the world of the story, some viewers of the movie have found it deeply moving.

Although it’s a lyrical piece that leaves a lingering sense of sadness after it ends, that very quality makes it strangely addictive.

Night fog, thank you again tonightIshihara Yūjirō7rank/position

Nikkatsu film “Thank You, Night Fog, Again Tonight” theme song — Yujiro Ishihara [GTA5]

“Yogiri yo Konya mo Arigatou” (“Thank You, Night Fog, Once Again Tonight”) is the theme song of a mood-action film starring Yujiro Ishihara that was released in 1967, said to have been created with the American film Casablanca in mind.

It is also famous for its sobbing saxophone intro and is considered one of Ishihara’s signature songs.

The lyrics depict an adulterous affair, asking the night fog to hide the couple’s meetings until the day they can openly see each other.

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