A ranking of popular songs by Saori Minami, whom many celebrities publicly declare themselves fans of
Since her debut with the catchphrase “Sony’s Cynthia,” singer Saori Minami has been openly admired by numerous prominent figures, including Momoko Sakura and Takuro Yoshida.
In 1971, the year she debuted, she won the New Artist Award at the Japan Record Awards and also made her first appearance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen, giving you an idea of just how incredible her popularity was at the time.
This time, we’re introducing a ranking of Saori Minami’s popular songs.
We hope not only longtime fans but also younger generations will check it out.
A ranking of popular songs by Saori Minami, whom many celebrities publicly declare themselves fans of
17 years oldMinami Saori1rank/position
This is the striking debut single by Saori Minami, who burst onto the scene from Okinawa in 1971 like a comet.
The title “17-sai” (“Seventeen”), sung by her at the age of 16, is incredibly memorable, isn’t it? The scene of being alone by the seaside with someone you love, heart fluttering with a slightly grown-up kind of romance, is something many of us may have experienced.
The sweet-and-sour, slightly bittersweet feelings carried by the stylish, Western-influenced sound blend perfectly with Saori Minami’s clear, luminous voice, and even today it makes your heart tighten without you realizing it.
A City Turning ColorsMinami Saori2rank/position
It’s one of Saori Minami’s signature songs, capturing both the poignancy and the brilliance of autumn.
Released in August 1973 as her ninth single, it’s also included on the classic album “Before Twenty.” The lyrics are moving, intertwining the sight of a city beginning to change color with the delicate emotions of a girl who has discovered love and is growing more mature.
The poetic phrase “blue dead leaves,” penned by lyricist Mieko Arima, beautifully conveys the heroine’s sensitive state of mind.
With this song, Saori Minami also appeared in the 24th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
The melody, tinged with a certain sadness yet somehow uplifting, makes you want to listen as you gaze at an autumn sunset.
It’s a number that stays close to your heart when you feel a touch sentimental during the changing seasons.
Premonition of Spring -I’ve been mellow-Minami Saori3rank/position
This is the 25th single by Saori Minami, an idol who epitomized the Showa era, released in January 1978.
Ami Ozaki handled the lyrics, composition, and arrangement, and the song is known as a classic that won the Golden Canary Award and the Lyricist Award at the Tokyo Music Festival.
Its mellow melody, which hints at the arrival of spring, and Saori Minami’s crystal-clear vocals gently embrace listeners’ hearts.
It became widely familiar as Shiseido’s spring campaign song, and continued to be loved across generations, later featuring in DDI commercials and the film “Rainbow Song.” It’s lovely to savor a leisurely moment with a glass of wine, feeling the urbane air of spring.
A jewel-like pop tune you’ll find yourself wanting to hear at the turn of the seasons—please enjoy!
Premonition of Spring ~I’ve been mellow~Minami Saori4rank/position
This song is striking for its clear, translucent vocals filled with warmth.
It delicately portrays the subtle emotions of adult romance, conjuring up a scene of two people slowly talking while sipping wine.
Its gentle, calm melody tenderly envelops the listener’s heart.
Released in January 1978, the song was chosen for Shiseido’s spring campaign and became beloved by many.
It was also used in a DDI (now KDDI) commercial in the 1990s and included on the soundtrack of the 2006 film “The Rainbow Song,” making it a favorite across generations.
With a singable melody you can perform while seated and a slow, soothing tempo, it’s enjoyable even for older listeners.
Soothed by Saori Minami’s gentle voice, you can spend a moment reminiscing about days gone by.
Autumn afternoonMinami Saori5rank/position
It’s a song that gently wraps itself around the wistful air of an autumn afternoon.
While it lets your thoughts drift to days gone by, it also portrays an introspective world where you quietly face yourself.
The philosophical lyrics by Mieko Arima, the Western-influenced melody by master composer Kyohei Tsutsumi, and Saori Minami’s crystalline vocals come together to resonate deeply in the listener’s heart.
Although this track was the B-side of the single “Irodzuku Machi,” released in September 1973, its inclusion on the classic album “20-sai Mae” attests to a level of craftsmanship that hardly feels like a B-side.
It’s no wonder it has been loved for so long, having later been covered by artists like Hiroko Mita.
It’s the kind of masterpiece you’ll want to savor on a solitary autumn afternoon.
17 years oldMinami Saori6rank/position
This was Saori Minami’s debut single, released in June 1971.
When choosing karaoke songs for people who aren’t confident singers, it’s essential that the melody and structure be simple—and Showa-era pop songs, including this one, fit that bill perfectly! In this track, the vocal range isn’t very wide, and the structure is a very simple A–B–A’ style, so I can confidently recommend it as a choice for anyone who struggles with singing.
If you keep a clear contrast in delivery—light and buoyant in the A section, and gently mellow in the B section where the song shifts to a minor feel—you should be able to sing it quite nicely.
Aux Champs-ÉlyséesMinami Saori7rank/position
It’s such a delightful, bubbly melody that makes you want to stroll down the Champs-Élysées, isn’t it? Today, I’m introducing the beloved classic “Aux Champs-Élysées,” famously sung by France’s Joe Dassin, in a cover by Saori Minami! The track is included on her milestone debut album “17-sai,” released in October 1971, and her fresh, innocent vocals from that era are unbelievably cute.
The Japanese lyrics by Kazumi Yasui keep the original song’s fun intact while adding a full dose of youthful charm—absolutely perfect.
Interestingly, despite being an album track, it became so popular that it was released as a single in April 1972, paired with a song by Akira Nishikino.
It has the perfect vibe for a sunny-day stroll soundtrack, so be sure to give it a listen!
Early Spring HarborMinami Saori8rank/position
This is a masterpiece in which the poignant sound of waves and the tone of the steel guitar vividly evoke a springtime seaside scene.
It was released in January 1973 as Saori Minami’s sixth single.
With lyrics by Mieko Arima and music by Kyohei Tsutsumi, the song’s folk-tinged sound pairs beautifully with her crystal-clear vocals.
It’s also widely known that Takuro Yoshida, deeply moved by the song at the time, wrote the answer song “Cynthia,” a testament to how it was loved across genres.
A Showa-era gem you’ll want to listen to when you feel a bit sentimental in the spring sunshine or when you’re thinking of your hometown—please enjoy!
Premonition of Spring — I’ve been mellow —Minami Saori9rank/position
This song gently and poetically captures the subtle shift in feelings that comes with the arrival of spring.
Its lyrics delicately portray a calm state of mind, beautifully reflecting how the changing seasons stir our hearts.
Crafted by Ami Ozaki, the track reached a peak position of No.
25 on the Oricon chart upon its release in January 1978.
It was also featured as Shiseido’s spring campaign song and in commercials for DDI, earning widespread affection.
There are self-covers by Ami Ozaki herself as well as covers by other artists, and the song continues to radiate a timeless charm.
It’s a classic you’ll want to hear while feeling the fresh spring breeze.
Why not indulge in a bit of nostalgia while letting your heart dance with new encounters and beginnings?