A collection of Stray Tenor’s gem-like songs that resonate deep in the heart. Melodic masterpieces.

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Straightener, Motohiro Hata – “Akari” MUSIC VIDEO

In the clear winter air, this is a song that lights a warm flame in the heart as you think of someone precious.

As the voices of Atsushi Horie and Motohiro Hata—each with their own distinct appeal—intertwine, you can feel the story gain a striking depth.

The gentle waltz rhythm mirrors the hurried steps on the way home, enveloping listeners in a tender mood.

Released in November 2017 as Straightener’s first collaborative single, it also drew attention for being featured in the winter campaign commercial for Nagasaki Huis Ten Bosch.

It was later included on the album “Future Soundtrack.” Give it a listen on those homeward walks in the season when we long for connection—when you want a quiet warmth to rest close to your heart.

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STRAIGHTENER – TENDER

It’s the second major single, released in February 2004.

The melody is of course wonderful, and the lyrics are really great too.

The lines about “regaining what was lost” really hit home.

The way it fades out at the end also suits the song perfectly.

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STRAIGHTENER – Skeletonize!

The title, which implies exposing one’s very skeleton, is striking.

The song sings of a strong will to keep moving forward without losing sight of one’s essence, even when faced with harsh realities.

The symbolic depiction of the shift from winter to spring conveys how hope is found amid change.

It’s an alternative rock track characteristic of Straightener, yet it also hints at a new evolution.

Released in advance in September 2024 from the album “The Ordinary Road,” it was used as the ending theme for Episode 7 of the WOWOW drama series “Golden Kamuy — Hokkaido Tattooed Prisoners Competition Arc.” It matches the weighty story perfectly.

When you need the courage to face hardship, it’s sure to resonate.

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Straightener – SIX DAY WONDER

It’s their seventh major single, released in January 2007.

Unusually for Straightener, it features a piano arrangement, giving it a different atmosphere from their usual sound.

The tempo is relaxed, and the melody is gentle and beautifully crafted to match, making it a very easy song to listen to.

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STRAIGHTENER – VANISH

The only new track included on the 2011 self-cover album “STOUT.” It’s a simple, high-energy uptempo number packed with their signature sense of speed.

The music video has a Western film vibe, features cameo appearances by all members of the telephones, and is intricately linked to the MV for “Prelude” by another sunnyday—a project featuring drummer Shinpei Nakayama and guitarist Jun Oyama outside of Straightener—showing particular attention to the visual production.

Additionally, the next album, “STRAIGHTER,” includes an alternate version titled “Prototype.”

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STRAIGHTENER – Cinderella Song

This is the lead track included on the 2013 mini-album “Resplendent.” From the intro, it features a highly aggressive, upbeat arrangement.

Despite its brief runtime of just over two minutes, the song has a well-crafted sense of dynamics, making it a bona fide killer tune.

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My Rainy Valentine

Straightener is a four-piece rock band led by Atsushi Horie from Nagasaki Prefecture.

This track is included on their EP “Next Chapter EP,” released on October 29, 2025.

Written entirely in English, the song wraps you in a soothing, dreamlike sense of floating, created by layers of spatial guitar sounds.

The title might conjure images of a sweet Valentine’s Day, but in reality it’s an alternative piece imbued with the chill and quiet of rain, leaving a somewhat wistful aftertaste.

Its deep sonic world is captivating, as if it gently accompanies the sentimental mood that comes at winter’s end.

It’s the kind of song you’ll want to listen to alone on a drizzly February night, lost in thought in a warm room.