RAG Musicartist
Lovely artist

A special feature on Mariya Takeuchi’s best songs: a must-hear collection of masterpieces for both longtime fans and first-time listeners.

Mariya Takeuchi has been at the forefront of Japan’s pop scene for over 40 years since her 1978 debut.

Her songs—led by sophisticated melodies and an urban sound that have captivated countless listeners—continue to be loved across generations.

Around 2017, she saw a resurgence in international recognition through “Plastic Love.” Another major appeal is how her lyrics naturally evoke vivid scenes and her warm musical style offers comfort to the heart.

Here, we feature a selection of Mariya Takeuchi’s exquisite masterpieces!

A special feature on Mariya Takeuchi’s best songs. A must-listen collection of masterpieces for both fans and first-time listeners (71–80)

My beloved IzumoTakeuchi Mariya

“Beloved My Izumo,” sung by all performers (about 480 people) at the 22nd Chorus Gathering
My beloved IzumoTakeuchi Mariya

Singer-songwriter Mariya Takeuchi is from Izumo City in Shimane Prefecture.

This song has been crafted into a pure and refreshing piece, reminiscent of a school anthem.

Even as she thrives away from Shimane, it’s a love-filled track that conveys her strong feelings for her hometown and her enduring connection to it.

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Single AgainTakeuchi Mariya

This song tenderly expresses the feelings of a woman who cannot let go of her love for the man she parted with.

Surely everyone has hummed it at least once.

To a flowing melody, sing gently of that lost, unplaceable love.

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Summer MontageTakeuchi Mariya

This song is Mariya Takeuchi’s self-cover of a track she originally wrote for Mitsuki Takahata.

Takahata’s clear, soaring voice is wonderful, but when Mariya sings it, it somehow takes on a different feel—imbued with a calm, mature allure and a touch of sensuality.

It’s fascinating how that changes the impression.

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Lovely HolidayTakeuchi Mariya

Thanks to being featured in a Christmas commercial for KFC, this classic song is so well-known that you could say there’s no one who hasn’t heard its chorus.

Mariya Takeuchi’s gentle, warm voice feels like that of a parent throwing a Christmas party for their child, and it fills you with a sense of calm.

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Ivory CoastTakeuchi Mariya

Mariya Takeuchi Ivory Coast (English)
Ivory CoastTakeuchi Mariya

If anything, her husband Tatsuro Yamashita is more of a summer artist, but when she sings with themes of summer and the seaside, it turns into a soothing song like this.

The arrangement is calm, so it’s something you’ll want to listen to leisurely when you’re tired from the heat.

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An unexpected giftTakeuchi Mariya

A Sudden Gift (Taeko Onuki / Mariya Takeuchi) Cover
An unexpected giftTakeuchi Mariya

Mariya Takeuchi’s “Totsuzen no Okurimono” is included on the album “BEGINNING.” It has become hard to find in CD shops, and it seems easier to obtain it online through sites like Amazon.

It is a cover song by Taeko Onuki.

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Let’s go homeTakeuchi Mariya

Let's Go Home (My Sweet Home) / Mariya Takeuchi — cover by makigon
Let's go homeTakeuchi Mariya

Released on November 10, 1992 (Heisei 4).

A single cut from the album “Quiet Life,” which had been released a month earlier in October.

It peaked at No.

18 and sold 102,000 copies.

In its release year, it was the theme song for the TBS drama “Mokuyōbi no Shokutaku,” and two years later it was used in a Nissan Cefiro commercial.

Later, in 2011 (Heisei 23), it was also featured in a Mitsubishi Estate commercial.

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In conclusion

Looking back on it again, I realized that Mariya’s songs have continued to resonate with people’s hearts across generations. Every track feels like its words naturally sink in. Her warm voice and heartfelt melodies will surely continue to add color to our lives.