Takashi Yu's masterworks and popular songs

（Where’s）THE SILENT MAJORITY?Takahashi Yuu

Yu Takahashi “(Where’s) THE SILENT MAJORITY?”

The opening theme song for the drama “Minna! Esper Dayo!” The lyrics are packed with social elements that really make you think.

Rather than trying to deliver a clear message, it feels like it’s urging you to “think for yourself.” Listeners will likely recognize it from the intro, but the melodic hardcore band BRAHMAN took part in the production.

With its exhilarating, fast-paced sound, it gives off a momentum that feels like either an impatience with reality or a sense of fulfillment—something a bit different from the usual.

camelTakahashi Yuu

Yu Takahashi “Camel”

Included on their final indie-era album, “Our Heisei Rock ’n’ Roll.” It continued to appear on live DVDs and best-of compilations, making it a long-standing fan favorite.

The song features a refreshing melody centered on piano and percussion.

The “desert” mentioned in the lyrics represents modern society, and it feels as if the song is telling us, with strength and gentleness, that we can cross it together.

Maybe we don’t really have to become adults.

It makes me feel like I want to revisit the dreams I once had.

Under the same skyTakahashi Yuu

Takahashi Yu “Under the Same Sky”

When you play the music video, a random middle-aged man appears instead of Yu Takahashi, so many people probably went, “Huh?” It’s an unconventional work that, through the everyday life of Mr.

Sekine—an ordinary man living in Nakano Ward—portrays the impermanence of life and loneliness, yet also offers hope in the idea that we’re all under the same sky.

(Apparently, he was selected through an open scouting call.) The MV’s director is photographer Jin Ohashi.

The footage unfolds in a calm, documentary style, but there’s a certain warmth to it that makes you want to cry.

Waiting for dawnTakahashi Yuu

Yu Takahashi – Waiting for the Dawn

There are all kinds of things in the world, but right now, the place I am is here.

I think this song jolts you into realizing that simple, obvious truth.

The questioning lyrics—like Yu Takahashi’s own soliloquy—really hit home.

I heard the music video, like “Bowling,” was filmed one-on-one with Michihiko Yanai.

The footage carefully captures even the slightest changes in expression, and it feels like Yu Takahashi’s true self comes straight through to your heart!

The sun also risesTakahashi Yuu

Yu Takahashi 'The Sun Will Rise Again'

The theme song of the film “The Kirishima Thing.” Even when we accept reality and give up, people can’t help but search for hope… The line “The sun will rise again!” in the middle of the chorus is sure to strike a powerful chord.

The music video, directed by Daihachi Yoshida just like the movie, serves as an epilogue depicting what happens afterward to Maeda from the film club, played by Ryunosuke Kamiki.

A must-see for film fans!

BE RIGHTTakahashi Yuu

BE RIGHT

Included on the 4th album “The Flicker and Proliferation Right Here, Right Now.” It wasn’t released as a single, but it’s an up-tempo track and a live staple.

The chorus melody feels great—you’ll want to bounce up and down! The lyrics are rapid-fire and pretty risqué, but they cut straight through society’s contradictions, so listening to it is really cathartic.

Sakura SongTakahashi Yuu

Yu Takahashi “Sakura no Uta” Special Short Edit

The 13th single, released in March 2016.

Its simple intro, played with just one guitar, evokes a back-to-basics atmosphere.

It’s a slightly melancholic spring song themed around “sakura,” and the music video features actress Mugi Kadowaki.

The cover photo was shot by photographer Masayoshi Sukita, known for photographing David Bowie over many years.

This is Sukita’s first time handling Yu Takahashi’s cover photography since his major-label debut release, “Subarashiki Nichijō,” so many see this work as the beginning of Takahashi’s second chapter.

I’m excited to see what kinds of songs he’ll bring us next!