Kazuyoshi Saito’s masterpieces and popular songs

The Beatles I saw were inside the TV.Saitō Kazuyoshi

Kazuyoshi Saito – The Beatles I Saw Were on TV – Solo Acoustic Performance

Their memorable debut single from 1993.

That said, it’s by no means a flashy song—nonchalant without being indifferent, blessed without feeling fulfilled, critical of nostalgia yet respectful of the Beatles.

It’s a subtly enigmatic track, and it’s curious how thoroughly it still feels like Secchan.

Happy Breakfast, Boring DinnerSaitō Kazuyoshi

Happy Breakfast, Boring Dinner / Kazuyoshi Saito

Over a steady, understated tempo, wordplay-like lyrics unfold—at first it seems plain, but it’s a sleeper track that grows on you.

It’s also famous as the song that inspired author Kotaro Isaka to quit his job and become a writer.

The lyrics are hard to grasp on a casual listen, but once you realize that a certain line in the middle is picturing Keith Richards, it suddenly makes perfect sense.

Bottomless beautySaitō Kazuyoshi

Kazuyoshi Saito – “Bottomless Beauty” Music Video

A track where Kazuyoshi Saito’s refreshing acoustic guitar tones and uplifting lyrics resonate comfortably.

Featured on the album “PINEAPPLE,” it was also used as the new commercial song for Megmilk Snow Brand.

Depicting a woman striving to live true to herself each day, the piece was reportedly inspired by women working in diverse fields.

The lyric “Even this vast ocean lies in the palm of your hand” conveys the empowering message of carving your own path through life.

Released in April 2023, this song is sure to give you a gentle push forward.

She / her / girlfriend (context-dependent)Saitō Kazuyoshi

Kazuyoshi Saito - She (Acoustic Version) Cover

The sense of loss that accompanies heartbreak is an almost universally human emotion, and when you add a man’s clinging regret to it, the output tends to be nothing but pathetic.

But that’s where Kazuyoshi Saito is different.

By using the moon—often considered a symbol of madness—as a motif, he turns it into a magnificent work of lyrical poetry, elevating it into art; it’s nothing short of a divine song.

In particular, the bridge line “I can’t hear the goodbye from that day” is a stunning turn that gives you goosebumps, evoking a kind of catharsis in anyone, regardless of gender.

She said.Saitō Kazuyoshi

Kazuyoshi Saito 'She Said (with Lyrics)' covered by Shimpei

A laid-back yet cool number where lyrics that expand and shrink in scale dock perfectly with a classic, straightforward, large-scale three-chord song in the so-called “Summer Time Blues” vein.

But these kinds of slightly clumsy-leaning lyrics are common with Kazuyoshi Saito—doesn’t his wife get mad at him? Yay!

I’ll walk home.Saitō Kazuyoshi

Walk Home YouTube

This song was used as the opening theme for Ponkikkies, so it’s probably a familiar number to many people.

From the intro, it already has a phrase that lifts your spirits, and on a day when “the clouds drift lazily,” it makes you want to walk home even if it’s a little far.

It’s a track that feels like it can blow away your small worries.

HereditySaitō Kazuyoshi

Kazuyoshi Saito – Heredity [Music Video Short ver.]

The first single of 2017 is the theme song for the TBS Friday drama “Gekokujō Juken.” It’s a warm folk number characteristic of Kazuyoshi Saito.

The music video is staged like a period drama, featuring that famous actor as well.

Saito himself appears wearing a sandogasa (a conical traveling hat), giving him a drifter-like look.