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A musician who has arranged numerous famous songs! Ranking of Satoshi Takebe’s most popular tracks

A musician who has arranged numerous famous songs! Ranking of Satoshi Takebe’s most popular tracks
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Satoshi Takebe is a music producer who has arranged numerous songs that will go down in J-POP history and is also active as a keyboardist.

Since his days at Kunitachi College of Music, he has worked with many artists, and in recent years he has continued to lead the Japanese music scene, serving as music director for the TV music program FNS Music Festival, among other roles.

He is also known as a member of kōkua, and his activities span a wide range.

This time, we’re introducing a ranking of popular songs produced by Satoshi Takebe.

We hope audiences of all ages will enjoy it.

A musician who has arranged numerous masterpieces! Satoshi Takebe’s most popular songs ranking (1–10)

Welcome to the Latin QuarterTakebe Satoshi1rank/position

Here’s the soundtrack that welcomes you when you enter the boys’ cultural club facility, “Quartier Latin.” It’s mid-tempo, but its bouncy shuffle rhythm is super jazzy and incredibly stylish.

With instruments like saxophone and trumpet, it sounds like a ska band! This chic song is a perfect match for the atmosphere of Quartier Latin—definitely a must-listen!

When White Flowers Bloom (Chorus)Takebe Satoshi2rank/position

At the debate about the future of the Quartier Latin, Mizunuma stepped onto the stage and suddenly began singing this song, “When the White Flowers Bloom.” This is a real popular song that became widespread in the early Showa era—the period in which From Up on Poppy Hill is set—sung by Atsurō Okamoto.

Those of the same generation may remember it well.

If you’ve seen the film, it likely left a strong impression on you too.

Weather GirlTakebe Satoshi3rank/position

Weather Girl (Piano) ~ from the film 'From Up on Poppy Hill' ~
Weather GirlTakebe Satoshi

In the film, the signal flags play a very important role.

Every morning, the protagonist, Umi, raises these flags for her missing father.

This song is filled with that aching feeling.

The piano melody, played in a relatively high register, is exquisitely beautiful.

Its slow tempo amplifies the sense of sorrow and delicacy.

It’s a song imbued with Umi’s feelings as she continues to raise the signal flags while thinking of her father.

Quartier LatinTakebe Satoshi4rank/position

How to play Quartier Latin by Satoshi Takebe on piano sheet music
Quartier LatinTakebe Satoshi

An extremely important building in the film is the boys’ cultural club facility, “Quartier Latin.” It’s already quite dilapidated, sparking a debate over whether it should be torn down.

Here is the theme song for that history-filled building.

As you’d expect from an old structure, it exudes a very nostalgic atmosphere.

It’s a curious track whose tempo changes partway through.

Be sure to listen to it while taking in the appearance of Quartier Latin as shown in the film.

PartyTakebe Satoshi5rank/position

Party (Piano) ~ from the film 'From Up on Poppy Hill' ~
PartyTakebe Satoshi

In From Up on Poppy Hill, a send-off party is held for Hokuto, who was boarding at the protagonist Umi’s house.

The song playing at that party is this one.

Sending someone off always brings a touch of sadness, doesn’t it? So despite being a party, a sense of loneliness lingers throughout.

It’s a mid-tempo track with a gently restrained rhythm that feels comforting.

What happens at this party is also very important, so be sure to check it out in the film.

signal flag(s)Takebe Satoshi6rank/position

[Piano] Signal Flags / Satoshi Takebe (from the soundtrack of “From Up on Poppy Hill”)
signal flag(s)Takebe Satoshi

Set in the Showa era just before the Tokyo Olympics, From Up on Poppy Hill.

This is a single brimming with nostalgia that perfectly suits the film’s backdrop.

The gentle, soothing piano melody is beautiful.

Just like the title “A Heart Longing for Mother,” it has a certain warmth and an embracing atmosphere that is truly calming.

It’s a comforting piece that gives a sense of security—how about making it your last song before bed?

recollectionTakebe Satoshi7rank/position

[Piano] Reminiscence / Satoshi Takebe (from the soundtrack of “From Up on Poppy Hill”)
recollectionTakebe Satoshi

This one is recommended for those who want to listen to something relaxing and soothing.

The flowing, calm melody makes you feel more at peace the more you listen.

It’s a slow-tempo ballad, but the melody has plenty of notes packed in at times, so you won’t get bored and can enjoy it to the end.

Another highlight is that it’s not a monotonous ballad!