A love song that makes a man in his sixties relive his youth. Timeless classics that rekindle the romances of those days.

The Maiden with Flaxen HairVirejji Shingāzu

The flaxen-haired maiden Village Singers

This is a February 1968 work by the Village Singers that portrays the radiant purity of youth and the sweet, bittersweet stirrings of first love, carried by a gentle melody.

Its calm, melodious, group-sounds-style progression blends beautifully with Koichi Sugiyama’s sophisticated composition and Atsushi Hashimoto’s lyrically rich words.

The song was also used as the theme for TBS’s morning program “Young 720” and became a major hit, reaching No.

7 on the Oricon chart.

With a breezy, springlike lightness and a clear voice that sings of aching love, it imparts an uplifting, heart-stirring exhilaration.

It’s a track perfect for the season when spring is in the air, or for moments when your heart dances with love.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

A Tearful RequestChekkāzu

A Tearful Request

This song is a masterpiece that poignantly captures a man’s heartbreak and lingering feelings as he sends a request to a late-night radio show, expressing both sorrow and sincerity with remarkable nuance.

While influenced by American oldies, its pop sound beautifully blends that style with the charm of Japanese kayōkyoku, creating a resonance that speaks to the heart.

Released in January 1984, it became one of The Checkers’ signature hits, achieving great success and placing fourth on Oricon’s year-end chart.

Featured in the morning dramas Futari Ko and Amachan, the song portrays a young person trying to soothe the pain of a broken heart through a cherished tune, remaining beloved as a piece that stays with listeners alongside nostalgic memories.

It’s a recommended track for when you want to look back on a past romance or deepen your feelings for someone special.