A heartbreak song that resonates in the chest of a man in his 60s: memories of youth woven by classic Showa-era masterpieces

Mary AnnTHE ALFEE

Mary Ann

A classic youth anthem that beautifully fuses bittersweet romance with an energetic rock sound.

Released in June 1983, this track became THE ALFEE’s first major hit, reaching No.

7 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and No.

30 on the year-end ranking.

It later climbed to No.

3 on The Best Ten.

Riding this success, the band made their first appearance at the 34th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen at the end of 1983.

Also included on the album ALFEE’S LAW, the song has remained a beloved staple of THE ALFEE’s live performances.

With romantic lyrics woven together in perfect balance with hard rock, this piece is a must-listen for anyone cherishing a secret love.

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.

In the Middle of a DreamKisugi Takao

Yumeno Tochu

A masterpiece that portrays a bittersweet love story of a man and a woman living in the city, themed around parting and reunion.

Released by Takao Kisugi in 1981, the song delicately captures the emotions that intersect amid the hustle and bustle of urban life.

With poetic lyrics by his sister, Etsuko Kisugi, and a nostalgic, urbane melody, the piece achieves a beautiful harmony that resonates deeply with the heart.

The work was released as a single in November 1981 and included on the album “Yume no Tochū,” which came out in December of the same year.

Later, Hiroko Yakushimaru sang it as the theme song for the film “Sailor Suit and Machine Gun,” leading it to become a major hit.

The album “Yume no Tochū” ranked high on the Oricon charts and achieved the impressive result of 11th in annual sales for 1982.

It is a song that gently accompanies those who have experienced a breakup with a lover or who struggle with love amid the clamor of the city.

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.

Tears on My BirthdayHOUND DOG

Tears on My Birthday

Released in 1982 by HOUND DOG, this song resonated with many as a ballad about the end of a romance.

Carried by a powerful rock sound, it conveys the protagonist’s regret and lingering feelings.

The lyrics depicting a breakup are brought to life by Yasuhira Otomo’s emotionally rich vocals.

Put out by Sony Music, this track gently envelops the pain of heartbreak, turning unhealed wounds into cherished memories.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to on a quiet night, together with the memory of a love you still can’t forget.

Farewell, my loverSakai Masaaki

Farewell, my lover

This song is filled with a poignant sorrow that etches a breakup with a lover into the heart.

Over Kyōhei Tsutsumi’s beautiful melody, Masakazu Sakai sings with heartfelt emotion.

Released in May 1971, the track is also known as Sakai’s solo debut single.

The lyrics portray a couple who failed to recognize the happiness of their everyday life and ultimately parted ways, resonating deeply with listeners.

Following his time with The Spiders, this work revealed a new side of Sakai.

It’s a song that stands beside those who have experienced heartbreak or are trying to overcome a farewell with someone dear—one you’ll surely want to keep close to your heart.

Lingering Snowkaguya hime

Kaguyahime – Nagori Yuki (Official Audio)

Known as a song that symbolizes the season of parting, this piece was created by Masakazu Ise, a member of Kaguya-hime.

Its lyrics beautifully express a bittersweet sentiment, paired with a melody that deeply resonates.

It was included on the album “Sankaidate no Uta,” released in March 1974, and has left a lasting impression on many.

The lyrics, depicting two people facing a farewell, can be overlaid onto various human relationships and have also become beloved as a graduation song.

It’s a perfect track for those who have experienced parting with someone important or who feel nostalgic for times gone by.