A love song that reminds those in their 60s of a forgotten romance

I Love you,SAYONARAChekkāzu

The Checkers “I Love you, SAYONARA” (LIVE)

A gemlike ballad where wistfulness and warmth melt together.

Because they love each other, a man and woman choose to part for the other’s happiness—their deep affection seeps into the heart alongside an unforgettable saxophone melody.

Released by The Checkers in March 1987, the song quickly became famous as a SEIKO commercial tune.

It reached No.

2 on the Oricon Weekly chart and captured the No.

1 spot on The Best Ten.

This piece offers comfort to anyone who has experienced parting from someone dear.

The image of a man who deliberately says “I hate you” to initiate the breakup reveals a tender compassion at the heart of this gentle song.

ShipwreckNakamori Akina

Nanpasen (2014 Remaster)

An emotionally rich ballad depicting a woman’s heart adrift in deep loneliness after losing the one she loves.

Originally released by Tokiko Kato in 1984, the song was covered by Akina Nakamori in 1987 and performed at the 38th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

While her mind tells her to “give up,” her emotions overflow and drive her to want to chase after her beloved—feelings that Nakamori’s sultry vocals express to perfection.

The song won the Gold Prize at the 29th Japan Record Awards and topped the Oricon charts, achieving an astonishing 410,000 copies sold.

It has also inspired numerous covers by renowned artists such as Kaori Momoi and Tomomi Kahala.

A gem of a masterpiece to listen to alone, quietly, when heartbreak leaves you on the verge of breaking.

Let’s start from goodbyeSano Motoharu

Let's Start from Goodbye - Goodby Kara Hajimeyo / Motoharu Sano / cover by Hiroko Williams, sung by Hiroko Williams

A slow ballad with elegantly resonant strings that poignantly captures the moment of parting.

It’s said to be a song Motoharu Sano wrote and composed during his high school years.

The contrast between those who wave goodbye and the protagonist who cannot brings the lonely heart that struggles to accept the farewell vividly into focus.

Released in March 1983 as his 10th single, it was also included on the album No Damage, released in April of the same year.

Its steadily unfolding, lyrical melody quietly accompanies anyone who has experienced a departure or a goodbye, and is sure to evoke deep empathy.

And then I’m at a lossŌsawa Yoshiyuki

And then I'm at a loss

This eternal heartbreak song that captures the very moment of parting strikes the heart through Yoshiyuki Osawa’s husky voice.

The complex emotions and helplessness after a lover leaves the room are portrayed with delicate nuance.

Natsuo Giniro’s poetic lyrics blend beautifully with the sophisticated melody that incorporates elements of R&B.

Released in September 1984 and peaking at No.

6 on the Oricon weekly chart, the track was included on the album “CONFUSION” and also drew attention as a commercial song for Nissin Cup Noodles.

In 2023, a newly arranged version was used as the ending theme for the film “And Then I Drifted Away,” starring Taisuke Fujigaya, bringing the song to a new generation.

It’s a piece that resonates deeply with anyone who has experienced parting with someone dear.

Friendanzenchitai

Anzenchitai “Friend”

A song released by Anzen Chitai in October 1986 that gained popularity on the TV show “Yoru no Hit Studio” was used in a Daio Paper commercial.

Featured on the album Anzen Chitai V, it drew strong response, reaching No.

7 on the Oricon chart and peaking at No.

2 on The Best Ten.

Koji Tamaki’s expressively rich vocals poignantly convey the delicate emotional shifts of a relationship transitioning from lovers to friends.

The beautiful melody, unfolding from a wistful piano intro into a grand orchestral arrangement, gently resonates with anyone feeling the loneliness of a changing bond with someone dear.