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Machiko Watanabe Popular Songs Ranking [2026]
This time, we’ll introduce a ranking of popular songs by singer Machiko Watanabe, known for signature hits like “Mayoimichi” and “Blue.” From a young age, her exceptional talent drew attention.
Her clear voice that grips listeners’ hearts and her musical sensibility—writing both lyrics and music herself—have won her many fans.
Even those who don’t know her are sure to recognize her appeal in an instant.
Machiko Watanabe Popular Songs Ranking [2026]
The Day the Seagulls FlewWatanabe Machiko1rank/position
Set in a port town, this gem of a ballad poignantly portrays the pain of heartbreak.
Against the glittering morning seascape, the singer overlays her feelings for a departing lover onto a single seagull, creating a moving masterpiece.
Released in April 1978, it became one of Machiko Watanabe’s signature songs, peaking at No.
5 on the Oricon charts.
The track won numerous music awards and drew attention to her as a rising talent among female singers.
In 2007, it was adopted as a Chiba Lotte Marines cheer song, with a special stadium version also released.
A performance by Japan’s dance team Avantgardey, featuring their unique choreography, garnered significant buzz and boosted the song’s recognition among younger audiences.
It’s a recommended listen for anyone who can relate to a woman quietly accepting the pain of lost love, or for those who wish to revisit youthful memories alongside the scenery of a harbor town.
Lost roadWatanabe Machiko2rank/position
Watanabe Machiko’s debut song, cherished to this day as a classic of the Showa era for its crystalline vocals and heartfelt lyrics.
Released in November 1977, the track drew major attention, even ranking on The Best Ten.
It portrays the delicate emotions of a woman who, while looking back on a past love, tries to face forward—resonating with many listeners.
Watanabe worked on the song while repeatedly traveling between Yokosuka and Tokyo, and it’s said she came up with a lyric phrase from a curve near Kanazawa-Bunko Station.
In 1996, it was featured in a Toyota commercial, making it popular across generations.
It’s the perfect song for times when you feel lost in life or want to reflect on the past.
BlueWatanabe Machiko3rank/position
A signature work by Machiko Watanabe, wrapped in a melody and lyrics that gently stay close to the heart.
Released in August 1978, this song delicately depicts deep emotions toward a lost love.
The relationship with a lover has grown cold, and there’s no going back to how it was—this poignant reality is powerfully conveyed through Watanabe’s rich vocal presence and dynamic singing.
Although released the year after her debut, it became a defining piece that symbolizes her musicality and has left a lasting impression on many listeners.
It is a song that gently accompanies those who bear the pain of heartbreak or have experienced parting with someone dear.
Lips, speak passionately of youWatanabe Machiko4rank/position
Shiho Ochi, the vocalist of Superfly, appears in it.
Versions of Ochi from the present, past, and future show up, sharing a life perspective on aging and youth.
And toward the end of the commercial, Ochi’s rendition of “Kuchibiru yo, Atsuku Kimi wo Katare” plays.
The song is by Machiko Watanabe and is a staple in Kanebo commercials.
It’s only a single sung phrase, but her beautiful voice—powerful yet gentle—truly captivates.
The Day the Seagull FlewWatanabe Machiko5rank/position
Machiko’s debut song “Mayoimichi” was a big hit, and while “Kamome …” was also a hit, it apparently didn’t quite match the success of her debut.
Nowadays, though, this song leaves a stronger impression.
Its intro doesn’t feel like a heartbreak song; it’s powerful, and in 2007 a stadium version even appeared for the Chiba Lotte Marines, a professional baseball team whose character is a seagull.
Just loveWatanabe Machiko6rank/position
Many of us have probably experienced heartbreak.
Sometimes the shock can even make you feel like you’ve lost the will to live.
The song ‘Takaga Koi’ portrays a woman who finds herself in that very situation.
This piece is by Machiko Watanabe, a singer-songwriter known for her expressive vocals.
Her vibrato-laden voice resonates to the depths of the listener’s heart.
It’s also wonderful how the lyrics hint at the drama unfolding in the background throughout the song.
For example… for exampleWatanabe Machiko7rank/position
Known as a bittersweet heartbreak song, this track showcases Machiko Watanabe’s clear, translucent vocals that beautifully capture the complex emotions left after a breakup.
Released in January 1979 as her fourth single, it reached No.
13 on the Oricon chart and earned her an appearance on that year’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
It was also included on the album “Tōku Hanarete,” and has long been cherished as one of Watanabe’s signature songs.
It’s a recommended listen when you want to soothe the pain of heartbreak or reflect on feelings for someone dear.
Despite its wistful mood, it features touches of funky 1970s soul-style arrangements throughout—a hallmark that has also made it popular among fans of Japanese “wamo-no” grooves.