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

Love MemoryMatsuzaki Shigeru

Love Memory

This is a gem of a love ballad sung by Shigeru Matsuzaki.

The lyrics, celebrating deep affection and the joy of life, overflow with a pure vow of eternal love.

Released in August 1977, it became a major talking point as the theme song for Glico Almond Chocolate, starring Tomokazu Miura and Momoe Yamaguchi in the commercial.

That same year, Matsuzaki made his first appearance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen, and the following year the song was selected as the entrance march for the 50th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament.

It’s a piece you’ll want to listen to while reflecting on those irreplaceable memories of love that everyone experiences at least once.

I Want to See You ~Missing You~Matsuda Seiko

Seiko Matsuda – I Want to See You ~Missing You~ (from Seiko Matsuda Concert Tour 2019 “Seiko’s Singles Collection”)

A gemlike love ballad that sings of the pain of heartbreak everyone experiences at least once and the longing for a reunion.

The tender, heartrending lyrics penned by Seiko Matsuda herself are etched deeply in the heart along with nostalgic memories.

Each time her sweet, soft voice rings out over the gentle melody, memories of a past lover come flooding back.

Released in April 1996, this song drew major attention as the ending theme for “Beat Takeshi’s TV Tackle” and as a Canon commercial song.

It’s the kind of nostalgic love song you’ll find yourself softly humming on nights when you recall the warmth of someone you once loved, immersing yourself in the feelings of those days.

Red Sweet PeaMatsuda Seiko

Seiko Matsuda “Red Sweet Pea” (from Seikoland Budokan Live ’83)

This masterpiece, which poignantly and beautifully portrays the spring season when cherry blossoms bloom, was released in January 1982 as a single by Seiko Matsuda.

With Takashi Matsumoto’s delicate word choices and an unforgettable melody penned by Yumi Matsutoya under her pseudonym Kureta Keiko, the song superbly captures the changing seasons and the freshness of young love.

The vibrant voice of a 19-year-old delivers subtle psychological nuances and the fleeting scenes of romance with exquisite finesse, resonating deeply with listeners.

In 2009, it was also used as the CM song for Fujifilm’s skincare brand “ASTALIFT,” drawing attention when its memorable melody played in commercials featuring Miyuki Nakajima.

Its sweet-and-sour melody, evoking nostalgic memories and the arrival of spring, is a track you’ll want to hear when cherry blossoms are in the air.

Rainy MidosujiŌyō Fifi

Stranger In Midoosuji

A gem of a love song set on Osaka’s iconic Midosuji, portraying a bittersweet romance drenched in rain amid the bustle of the city.

Fifi Ouyang’s powerful yet delicate vocals vividly capture the pain of heartbreak and lingering attachment.

Released in September 1971, the song spent nine consecutive weeks at No.

1 on the Oricon chart and won the New Artist Award at the 13th Japan Record Awards the same year.

With Japanese lyrics by Haruo Hayashi set to an instrumental originally released by the American rock band The Ventures, this piece perfectly blends a rock-tinged rhythm with a wistful melody.

Why not revisit cherished memories and savor this timeless classic that resonates deep in the heart?

As time goes bysawada kenji

As time goes by

A gem of a ballad that depicts the wounded hearts of lonely men and women, gently wrapped in tender love.

The poignant lyrics about men and women burdened with exhausted hearts strike deep, and when combined with Kenji Sawada’s sultry vocals, they evoke profound emotion.

Released as an insert song for the drama “Akuma no Youna Aitsu,” which premiered in August 1975, this work became a major hit, topping the Oricon chart for five consecutive weeks.

The fusion of Yu Aku’s masterful lyrics and Katsuo Ohno’s lyrical melody produced a treasured classic that quietly stays by your side when you feel weary of life or uncertain about a relationship with someone dear.

A Place in the SunHamada Shogo

A Place in the Sun

A heart-stirring ballad that portrays an illicit love affair.

Included on the album “Before the Generation of Love,” Shogo Hamada’s work gently embraces the aching feelings that slumber deep within the heart.

Since its release in March 1981, it has continued to profoundly move countless listeners.

While depicting a love in the form of an extramarital relationship, it conveys, throughout, the loneliness of hiding from prying eyes and the inner conflict of not wanting to ruin the other person’s life, giving it a depth that goes beyond a simple love song.

It is a gem of a track that quietly stands by the hearts of adults who carry the weight of family, work, and life itself.

Hold Me TonightTahara Toshihiko

Hold Me Tonight

A gentle, comforting singing voice and warm words of care for a lover sink deep into the heart.

Addressing a troubled partner with a sincere “You don’t have to suffer alone,” the song reveals a man’s delicate kindness.

This track, ToshiHiko Tahara’s 32nd single, was released in April 1988 and reached No.

3 on the Oricon charts.

It also drew attention as the theme song for the drama “Kyōshi Binbin Monogatari.” Riding an up-tempo, catchy melody, it passionately sings of feelings for a cherished person.

When you’re struggling in a relationship or want to be there for your partner’s emotions, listening to this song is sure to warm your heart.