Words of FarewellKaientai1rank/position

It’s a beloved song with a gentle melody that accompanies moments of departure and farewell, carrying a warm message.

It carefully speaks to life lessons such as “loving someone deeply,” “accepting sorrow through tears,” and “trusting others and moving forward.” The lyrics were written by Kaientai’s leader, Tetsuya Takeda, based on a heartbreak he experienced in college, and the many words that strike the heart are especially compelling.

Released as a single in November 1979, it was chosen as the theme song for the first season of the TBS drama Mr.

Kinpachi in Class 3B, starring Tetsuya Takeda.

For older adults who have experienced the loss of a family member, it is sure to be a song that resonates deeply.

By reminiscing together or keeping time with handclaps to the melody, everyone can share a peaceful moment.

As a personKaientai2rank/position

Hitotoshite

Rather than explaining that it’s the 18th single by Kaientai, led by Tetsuya Takeda—who’s also hugely active as an actor—it’s quicker to say it’s the theme song of the smash-hit drama “Mr.

Kinpachi in Class 3B: Series 2,” right? The drama tackled school violence, which was a major social issue at the time, and became a huge hit.

In the final scene of the last episode, there’s even a chorus performance by the students of Class 3-B, and I imagine many viewers watched that through tears.

I bet quite a few of you also sang this song with your entire student body at your own graduation ceremonies.

Please enjoy it along with your memories from those sensitive, formative years.

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Kei Takahata

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A Ballad Dedicated to My MotherKaientai3rank/position

A Ballad Dedicated to My Mother

This is a song whose warm vocals seep into the heart, evoking memories of one’s mother.

Many listeners will relate to how the members of Kaientai weave gentle words to express gratitude to their parents.

The quietly conversational singing style blends beautifully with the heartwarming melody.

Released in December 1973 and reaching No.

10 on the Oricon chart, the song also appeared on the NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen the following year.

It was included on the album “Bōkyō-hen” and won the Planning Award at the Japan Record Awards.

It’s an ideal piece for music recreation in care facilities.

Humming along with older adults can create a lovely time to share each person’s cherished memories.

On a calm May day, we hope everyone will enjoy this song together.

JODAN JODANKaientai4rank/position

Jodan Jodan

Some people who only know Tetsuya Takeda from his Mr.

Kinpachi days might not even be aware that his group Kai Band used to sing several comic songs.

This song had a period when it came back into the spotlight after the comedy duo Judans later used it in one of their routines.

cheer; cheering; support (from the crowd)Kaientai5rank/position

cheer; cheering; support (from the crowd)

This is the theme song of the third season of the popular school drama “Mr.

Kinpachi in Class 3B.” Like the drama itself, the theme song isn’t as well-known as “Okuru Kotoba” from season one or “Hito to Shite” from season two, but it’s an excellent cheer song.

Try dedicating it to a colleague who’s worn out from work or to a man striving toward his dreams.

I’ve come a long way, when I think about it.Kaientai6rank/position

Thinking about it, I've come a long way / Kaientai (with lyrics)

A masterwork by Kaientai that gently portrays life’s milestones—from an autumn scene where cosmos flowers sway, to memories by the Chikugo River, and on to life today.

Its nostalgic melody and heartwarming lyrics resonate deeply with those living away from their hometowns.

Released as a single in September 1978, the song was composed by Yasuyo Yamaki and delivered in Tetsuya Takeda’s gentle voice.

It was chosen as the theme song for a film released the same year and later used in a 1981 television drama starring Ikko Furuya.

This is a piece to be enjoyed while basking in memories, letting time flow unhurriedly.

Spring comes from the southKaientai7rank/position

Spring comes from the south

It’s a heartwarming song that vividly evokes the richness of spring’s natural scenery.

It portrays spring arriving from the southern seas, with the sweet scent of the tide awakening childhood memories.

Beyond the joy and renewal that come with spring, it also expresses the complex feelings after overcoming life’s hardships, deeply resonating with listeners.

Included on the 1973 album “Bokyō-hen” (Homeland Chapter), the song features an approachable melody with folk elements.

It’s a perfect pick for those who want to feel their hearts lift with the spring season or sink into nostalgic memories.

Starting lineKaientai8rank/position

Start Line

This is the 25th single released by the folk group Kaientai, led by Tetsuya Takeda, released in November 1995.

Since it was chosen as the theme song for the fourth season of the smash-hit drama “Mr.

Kinpachi in Class 3-B,” starring Takeda himself, many of you may have heard it through the show.

I think Takeda’s gentle singing voice resonates very memorably in this piece.

The vocal melody is easy to hum and soothing, so without overthinking it, simply singing it plainly will let you deliver it nicely.

If you sing as if you’re gently placing your voice against your upper palate, you can get closer to the atmosphere of the original track, so please give it a try when you actually sing.

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Kei Takahata

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I’ve come a long way when I think about it.Kaientai9rank/position

Come to think of it, we’ve come a long way. — Kaientai

This song is about a 14-year-old boy who once dreamed of the future and believed he could become many different versions of himself, looking back 30 years later at his realistic life and not knowing what lies ahead.

While Kaientai is famous for songs like “Okuru Kotoba” and “Haha ni Sasageru Ballad,” if you’re singing at karaoke, I recommend this one.