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

Seriously Only You (Let’s Get Married)Takeuchi Mariya

Only You in Earnest (Let’s Get Married) – Mariya Takeuchi

It’s a classic that seems made for weddings, opening with an intro that quotes Mendelssohn’s “Wedding March.” The proposal words, written entirely in English, resonate as a straightforward message of love.

Included on Mariya Takeuchi’s April 1984 album “VARIETY,” the song was produced by Tatsuro Yamashita.

It’s also well known that Ryuichi Sakamoto took part in the intro performance, and that it was used as the image song for Kagome’s “Libera” in 1984 and as a Nissan “Cefiro” commercial song starting in August 1994.

Brimming with a happy atmosphere, it would be perfect to play during the entrance at your reception or for the cake-cutting scene.

Storm of LoveTakeuchi Mariya

Love Storm (Mariya Takeuchi)

A song released in 1986.

Although the lyrics depict an extramarital affair, the bright rhythm keeps it from feeling heavy.

The light chorus at the beginning is striking, and even though it’s a painful love, it somehow makes your heart dance…

It’s a quintessential song of hers that captures the feelings of a woman in that situation.

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Yoshizaki Keiko

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Rainy driveTakeuchi Mariya

Mariya Takeuchi / Rainy Drive [cover]

This is a masterpiece that resonates deeply, weaving an urban, sophisticated rain sound with jazz piano into a mature love story.

Mariya Takeuchi, often called the queen of city pop, paints an evening drive in the rain.

The lyrics delicately capture the twilight scenery reflected in the car window and the subtle shifts of the heart, gently stirring the listener’s senses.

Featured on the album “Miss M,” released in December 1980, this gem from the Tokyo recording sessions stands out with an evocative piano solo by Nobuyuki Shimizu.

It’s a work of passion, with both lyrics and music by Takeuchi herself.

Perfect for a rainy-day drive date or a quiet night by the window lost in thought.

A heartfelt recommendation for those who savor a lingering adult mood or are interested in Japanese ballads with a jazz-inflected touch.

Special loverTakeuchi Mariya

Special lover

This is a song for which Seiko Matsuda extended an offer as her 30th debut anniversary single, leading to a realized collaboration.

She later covered it herself, and it is included on the album “TRAD.” Backing vocals by her husband, Tatsuro Yamashita, are also featured.

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Yoshizaki Keiko

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Silent LegendTakeuchi Mariya

Mariya Takeuchi – Quiet Legend (Official Music Video)

Mariya Takeuchi’s new song “Shizukana Densetsu (Legend)” is built around acoustic guitar, with touches of folk and blues here and there.

That said, the vocal line is classic J‑pop.

There aren’t any particularly difficult parts, so even those who can’t hit high notes or aren’t confident in their singing can relax.

Although it’s a brand‑new track, it’s wrapped in a nostalgic melody, so women in their 40s should definitely give it a try.

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Ryo

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Lonely WomanTakeuchi Mariya

Released on November 18, 1996 (Heisei 8).

Featured in the TBS drama “Gimu to Engi” (“Duty and Performance”).

Based on Makiko Uchidate’s novel and starring Yuko Asano, it followed the popular pattern of the time: dramas watched by working women.

The lyrics vividly portray the emotional push-and-pull between men and women.

It peaked at No.

13, with sales of 166,000 copies.

Angel’s SighTakeuchi Mariya

Mariya Takeuchi – An Angel’s Sigh (Official Music Video)

A song released in 1999 that served as the theme for the film “Himitsu.” It explores the loneliness people carry and was also composed as a requiem for her late best friend.

Its wistful, solitary, hymn-like sound is especially striking.

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Yoshizaki Keiko

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