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

THE CHRISTMAS SONGTakeuchi Mariya

The Christmas Song Mariya Takeuchi cover by okatto510

An exquisite Christmas song by Mariya Takeuchi, who calls herself a “singer‑song full-time housewife.” The lyrics are entirely in English, making it a great choice for background music.

Its stylishness sets it apart from other Christmas songs, a unique atmosphere that only her voice can create.

It’s one of the tracks included on the single “Quiet Life,” released on cassette in 1992.

She has many Christmas songs and they often get buried among her other masterpieces, but this one is definitely a gem as well!

Morning GloryTakeuchi Mariya

(HD) Mariya Takeuchi – Morning Glory (Tatsuro Yamashita) {1982}

This is a track included on the fourth album “Miss M,” released in 1980.

The lyrics and composition were by Tatsuro Yamashita, who later included the song on his own album “FOR YOU.” The lyrics are stylish and fun, full of playful, tightly woven rhymes, and the song itself is a bright, pleasant-to-the-ear, positive city-pop number with a medium tempo.

The title “Morning Glory” refers to the morning glory flower.

Seriously, only youTakeuchi Mariya

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

Has it already been two decades or so…? This song used to be a staple for candle-lighting ceremonies at weddings.

I think the gentle melody of the slow ballad and Mariya Takeuchi’s clear, pure voice perfectly matched the image of happiness held by young women at the time.

Dazzling candle flames and the smiles of the bride and groom are the images this song evokes.

Plastic LoveTakeuchi Mariya

Mariya Takeuchi – Plastic Love (Official Music Video)

Mariya Takeuchi is a singer-songwriter who is also active as a lyricist and composer.

She is one of the indispensable artists when discussing city pop from the 1970s to the 1980s, and around 2010 she was one of the sparks that drew global attention to the genre.

Her sultry, laid-back sound and lyrics depicting cityscapes and the push-and-pull of romance are particularly memorable.

Along with Tatsuro Yamashita, who produced Plastic Love, she can be considered a key figure in shaping the culture of city pop.

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kappamaki

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Plastic LoveTakeuchi Mariya

Mariya Takeuchi – Plastic Love (Official Music Video)

This is the song that became a huge topic as a Japanese classic unearthed by music nerds around the world, especially in the United States: Mariya Takeuchi’s “Plastic Love.” From the perspective of overseas music fans, when you say “Japanese city pop,” this track became the go-to example.

Riding that wave, countless remixes and covers were uploaded to YouTube and elsewhere, making a big splash in the 2010s.

Funky and urban, it’s a masterpiece that truly embodies city pop with an unmistakable metropolitan mood.

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Murakami Shinpei

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NostalgiaTakeuchi Mariya

Nostalgia

A track released as a single from the album “Bon Appetit!”.

Set to a bossa nova rhythm, her voice resonates with a truly nostalgic tone in this mellow piece.

Listening while soaking in memories might leave you with a curious, almost drifting sensation.

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Yoshizaki Keiko

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LindaTakeuchi Mariya

[Linda] Mariya Takeuchi / Let’s Sing Favorite Songs 29

A song provided to Ann Lewis in 1980 (Showa 55).

The artist self-covered it on the 1981 (Showa 56) album “PORTRAIT.” Around the time Ann Lewis released this song, she married Masahiro Kuwana (they later divorced).

The song conveys a woman’s feelings of happiness and has become a wedding standard.