Toshihiko Tahara’s Most Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

Hold Me TonightTahara Toshihiko1rank/position

Toshihiko Tahara - Hold Me Tight Tonight

A melody that embraces the ache of love and a gentle message that resonates with the heart.

Released by Toshihiko Tahara in April 1988, this single was chosen as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Kyōshi Binbin Monogatari” and became a hit, reaching No.

1 on the music show “The Best Ten.” Consistently carrying the sentiment of “let’s express our feelings just as they are,” the song charms with its tender consideration for a lover and its heart-fluttering storyline.

Its lyrics, which emphasize caring for the other person and the importance of honestly conveying one’s feelings, continue to move many hearts even today.

It’s also a longtime karaoke favorite, and with a relatively low key and narrow vocal range, it’s quite easy to sing even for those who struggle with high notes.

Sentimental and DearTahara Toshihiko2rank/position

Official Live Video: 'Aishu de Ito' TOSHIHIKO TAHARA LIVE in NHK HALL 2019

Toshihiko Tahara was one of the quintessential idols of the 1980s.

His popularity surged not only through his own work but also thanks to the “Tanokin Trio,” the unit he formed with Masahiko Kondo and Yoshio Nomura after co-starring on the TV drama Mr.

Kinpachi in Class 3B.

One of Tahara’s signature songs is his debut single, “Aishu de Ito.” The original is Leif Garrett’s “New York City Nights,” noted for lyrics that capture the bittersweet sorrow and frustration felt at the end of a romance.

Tahara skillfully conveys that world in the Japanese version as well, infusing the lyrics with a poignant sense of melancholy.

The song’s unexpectedly mature aura—unusual for an idol—revealed a new facet of him when he was still in his teens.

This youthful ballad about aching love remains as radiant as ever, untouched by time.

Sorry, tears.Tahara Toshihiko3rank/position

Sorry, tears.

This is the 35th single by singer Toshihiko Tahara, who, along with Yoshio Nomura and Masahiko Kondo, dominated the idol scene of the 1980s as a member of the “Tanokin Trio.” The song was used as the theme for the TV drama “Kyoshi Binbin Monogatari II,” in which he starred and which became a major hit.

The opening, driven by a passionate Latin-style beat, really gets you pumped.

The melody has dramatic rises and falls, but those in their 40s and 50s—the generation that grew up with it—will likely find it comfortable to sing.

It’s a highly entertaining karaoke song that we hope you’ll perform while recalling the time you listened to it in real time.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Startled! GoodTahara Toshihiko4rank/position

Startled! GOOD -2010 New Recording-

This was Toshihiko Tahara’s second single, released when he was one of the most popular idols of the 1980s.

The song was written specifically for a Glico chocolate commercial and drew attention for his co-starring appearance with Seiko Matsuda.

Its lyrics, depicting the moment of love at first sight, evoke the sweet-and-sour memories of youth.

It debuted at No.

1 on the Oricon chart and sold over 620,000 copies.

It also helped lay the foundation for Tahara’s music career, winning the Best New Artist award at the 22nd Japan Record Awards in 1980.

A quintessential Showa-era pop tune, perfect for rekindling the flutter of falling in love.

The rain is screaming.Tahara Toshihiko5rank/position

Toshihiko Tahara ★ The Rain Is Screaming PV

Toshihiko Tahara, who debuted with “Aishu de Ito” in 1980, took the nation by storm as a male idol.

Riding the momentum of late-’80s hits like “Dakishimete TONIGHT” and “Gomen yo Namida,” he released “Ame ga Sakenderu” in 1992, a Japanese cover of Mr.

Zhivago’s “Tell by Your Eyes.” It became a classic that matched the mood of the drama it was tied to, selling over 200,000 copies.

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sasashina

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Something like… Bara Bara for youTahara Toshihiko6rank/position

Toshihiko Tahara – The feeling like ‘rose, rose’ for you; Toshihiko Tahara: A feeling called ‘Roses, Roses for You’

Toshi-chan, aka Toshihiko Tahara, back when he was still a bit baby-faced, and his song “Kimi ni Barabara…

To Iu Kanji.” I remember the choreography and turn at the start of the song didn’t feel completely locked in yet, and from the next single, “Harajuku Kiss,” there started to be a lot more of that signature ‘THE Tahara’ choreography.

Christmas without snowTahara Toshihiko7rank/position

Christmas without snow

A ballad song marked by a distinctly Christmassy sound.

Released in November 1994 as a single by Toshihiko Tahara, it was also used as the ending theme for Fuji TV’s “Ohayō! Nice Day.” The lyrics intertwine the emptiness after a breakup with a budding sense of hope.

The emotional depiction, which contrasts with the light, brisk rhythm, vividly reflects the unique sentiment of ’90s J-pop.

Its softly wistful melody makes you forget the winter chill.

Close your eyes, and you can picture yourself walking through a snowy night city—the song’s storytelling will linger deeply in listeners’ hearts.

Under the cold winter sky, hearing that soul-soothing melody might make the season’s days feel just a little warmer.