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

Lingering Snowiruka

Dolphin [Iruka] / Nagori-yuki [Lingering Snow] (Single Version) Official Audio with translation

This song poignantly portrays a heartrending farewell, using unseasonal snow as its motif.

Set on a station platform as spring approaches, the story vividly conveys the lingering attachment of a man who cannot accept the parting.

First performed on the album “The World of Iruka,” recorded in March 1975, and released as a single that November, it became one of Iruka’s signature classics.

It peaked at No.

4 on the Oricon chart, ranked No.

11 for the year, and sold over 800,000 copies.

With Masataka Matsutoya’s rich arrangement paired with Iruka’s gentle vocals, the song beautifully depicts the scene of farewell.

It’s recommended for moments when you want to reminisce about your youth and look back on precious times with someone dear.

Stardust StageChekkāzu

Stardust Stage

The Checkers’ classic song about the bittersweet feelings of youthful love is etched in many people’s hearts along with fluttering memories.

Its beautiful lyrics paint a world where the sour-sweet parting of a romance is overlaid with the sparkle of stars in the night sky.

Released in August 1984, the track was used as the theme song for the TV drama “Uchi no Ko ni Kagitte…” and became beloved across generations.

The following year, it was also chosen as the entry march for the 57th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament, earning even more attention.

With Fumiya Fujii’s clear, transparent vocals and the refined harmonies performed by all the members, the piece achieves a perfect balance.

As you look back on memories with someone special, why not sing it from the heart?

If we ever meet in the city somedayNakamura Masatoshi

If we ever meet in the city someday

It’s a gently written, heart-touching classic about memories of a past lover and the wish to meet again.

From parting in the city of memories, to love and resentment, and even the moment when dreams were shattered, it weaves together every moment the two spent together.

Masatoshi Nakamura’s warm vocals blend beautifully with the soothing melody crafted by Takuro Yoshida, resulting in a song that evokes both nostalgia and bittersweet longing.

Released in May 1975, it was used as an insert song in the drama “Oretachi no Kunshō” and reached No.

6 on the Oricon charts.

Many artists, including Naoko Ken and Masayuki Suzuki, have covered it.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to if you’ve experienced parting from someone dear, or when you’re in the mood to reminisce about the past.

The Last RainYasushi Nakanishi

The Last Rain

An ultimate, heart-stirring ballad that vividly portrays a farewell in a rain-soaked city.

Yasushi Nakanishi’s clear, gentle vocals beautifully express the pain of heartbreak and lingering attachment.

This song dramatically captures complex emotions like the fear of losing someone you love and possessiveness.

Released in August 1992, it was used as the theme song for Nippon TV’s “Hitachi Ashita P-KAN Kibun!” Its popularity steadily grew, ultimately becoming a major hit with total sales of about 900,000 copies by 1998.

It has been covered by numerous artists, including Kumi Koda and EXILE ATSUSHI.

For anyone who has experienced heartbreak, it’s a timeless ballad that resonates deeply and begs to be sung along to at least once.

Rainy BlueTokunaga Hideaki

HIDEAKI TOKUNAGA – Rainy Blue

The debut song by Hideaki Tokunaga, a poignant love story that begins in a late-night phone booth.

Its lyrics—quintessentially Showa—paint cinematic scenes of urban stillness and rain, perfectly intertwined with delicate, emotionally rich vocals to create a gem of a track.

Released in January 1986, it reached No.

90 on the Oricon charts.

A rearranged version released in November 1997 rose to No.

31, capturing the hearts of many.

By portraying heartbreak and loneliness as universal themes, it remains a beloved classic that resonates even today.

It’s the kind of bittersweet love song you’ll want to play on a rainy day—why not give it a listen?

White LoversKuwata Keisuke

Keisuke Kuwata – Shiroi Koibitotachi (Full ver.)

A gem-like ballad woven from winter’s chill and gentle warmth.

Rather than viewing past love as a failure, it tenderly celebrates those moments of affection, wrapped in the distinctive warmth of Keisuke Kuwata’s vocals.

With imagery like snow quietly piling up and a calm atmosphere shaped by strings and winds, this single was released in October 2001.

Familiar from Coca-Cola commercials and, more recently, UNIQLO’s HEATTECH ads, the song also won the Gold Prize at that year’s Japan Record Awards.

It’s a heartfelt recommendation for anyone who has gone through a farewell with someone dear and wants to cherish the memories.

Parting CitySuzuki Masayuki

Parting City

A gem of a ballad by Masayuki Suzuki, depicting a heartrending breakup, with lyrics, composition, and arrangement all by Kazumasa Oda.

The transience of a drifting heart, the pure devotion of believing in the words they shared, and the regret for a past that can never be reclaimed.

These soul-tearing emotions are exquisitely conveyed through Suzuki’s rich, velvety voice.

Released in September 1989, the song was featured as an insert track for the drama “LUCKY! Tenshi, Miyako e Iku” and in a Ginza Jewelry Maki commercial, and was later included on the album “Dear Tears.” On a quiet night, when you feel like immersing yourself in memories of someone dear, why not lend your ear to this song?