Takashi Yu's masterworks and popular songs

Be a boy.Takahashi Yuu

Yu Takahashi “Be a Boy”

Released in 2011 as a digital-only single.

Yu Takahashi’s gentleness comes to the fore, and the uplifting lyrics—which tenderly stay by the side of a wounded heart—are sure to move you.

Instead of guitar, he sings to piano and cello accompaniment, creating a soft atmosphere that’s soothing as well.

It’s a hidden gem I personally recommend—perfect for days when your heart feels a little fragile.

travelerTakahashi Yuu

Yu Takahashi “Tabibito”

The theme song for the 2014 film Tokyo Refugees.

The music video also features the film’s star, Aoi Nakamura.

The story follows an ordinary college student who, due to a sudden turn of events, loses his home and falls into homelessness—a scenario that feels unreal yet hardly irrelevant in today’s Japan.

The song itself is a gritty, hard-hitting rock number that evokes that harsh reality.

It’s the kind of track that makes you appreciate the simple happiness of having a place to return to.

Whimsical Love SongTakahashi Yuu

Takahashi Yu – Carefree Love Song

Among Takahashi Yu’s songs—many of which are message songs or address social themes—this is a rare, easygoing number.

The lyrics say, rather than listening to your story, let’s hurry up and go hang out together, which could be taken as a somewhat lighthearted “guy’s song.” But when Takahashi Yu sings it, it somehow feels endearing, doesn’t it? It’s included on his second album, Kono Koe.

The MV features his first full band, and the visuals are well worth watching.

Those who fight the monster called realityTakahashi Yuu

Yu Takahashi "Those Who Fight the Monster Called Reality"

Released as a double A-side with Fuku Warai for the third single.

It’s a powerful, hard-hitting cheer song that’s every bit as impactful as Fuku Warai, and it also served as the theme song for the NHK anime Bakuman.

By keeping your heart open and staying connected with the people you care about, even a harsh reality will surely let in some light—that kind of forward-looking message really comes through.

I wonder if the handwritten lyrics scrolling beneath the music video are actually by Yu Takahashi himself.

The bold, energetic characters seem to capture the song’s vibe perfectly.

lidTakahashi Yuu

Yu Takahashi – “Futa” MV

A full-on bright tune that sings about a boy imagining how he’d spend his day off.

It starts with carefree ways to enjoy a break and ultimately leads to a positive message: live your life freely.

The song was used as the theme for the sneaker brand campaign “PF FLYERS 2012,” and Gota Watabe also appears in the music video.

The duo’s back-and-forth in the footage is comedic, with plenty of moments that’ll make you chuckle.

An empty kitchenTakahashi Yuu

Yu Takahashi “An Empty Kitchen”

A song that brings back memories of the happy days with the girlfriend I ended up breaking up with.

Maybe I’m feeling a bit weak, because it’s a heartfelt refrain of “I want to see you.” In life, everyone experiences meetings and partings, and there are moments when you long for someone who’s no longer there.

But it’s precisely because of the days you spent with that person that you are who you are now.

I think this song reminds you of that simple truth.

Give it a listen especially when you’re feeling all alone.

BEAUTIFULTakahashi Yuu

Masayoshi Takahashi “BEAUTIFUL” lyric video

This is a song by Yu Takahashi that reminds you of how wonderful it is to love.

It features a gentle, caring vocal delivery and lyrics that resonate deeply.

Embracing the loneliness and anxiety everyone carries, it lets in a ray of hope.

Included on the album “Koshikata Yukusue,” released in November 2016, this track is one that lifts your spirits.

It’s a must-listen for those struggling with how to navigate distance in relationships or who tend to shoulder everything alone.

Perfect for when you’re feeling down or when you want to encourage someone.