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

Let’s Go Home ~My Sweet Home~Takeuchi Mariya

Mariya Takeuchi “Let’s Go Home (My Sweet Home)”

A single released from the 1992 album Quiet Life.

Since it was also used as a TV drama theme song and in commercials, many people probably picked it up and learned it naturally.

Its lyrics may resonate even more now than they did back when our days were so busy.

It’s a song you can sing along to while recalling those dramas and commercials—and one that really gets the crowd going.

Days of LoveTakeuchi Mariya

Mariya Takeuchi – Days of Love [Full ver] (Official Music Video)

A mid-tempo love song that delighted many fans, created in collaboration with her husband Tatsuro Yamashita for the first time in about 43 years.

Included on the album “Precious Days,” released in October 2024, the track was chosen as the commercial song for the bedding brand airweave, featuring Mao Asada.

Its soothing melody and Mariya Takeuchi’s tender, all-embracing vocals bring gentle color to the days of love.

It invites us to reaffirm the preciousness of the time spent together and the happiness that resides in life’s quiet, everyday moments.

Perfect as background music for a drive with someone special or to unwind at the end of the day.

Listening to this song may even draw out the words of gratitude that are usually too shy to say aloud.

Forever FriendsTakeuchi Mariya

Forever Friends (Mariya Takeuchi) by TOMATO

When the phone rings, this heartwarming song conjures up the face of an old friend.

Mariya Takeuchi’s gentle vocals and buoyant sound flip through the pages of memory like a photo album, bringing back days that never fade.

The track was included on the October 1992 album “QUIET LIFE” and became familiar in living rooms across Japan as the song for Honda’s “Today” commercial.

It was also released as a single in September 1994.

The subtle homages tucked inside will make any music fan grin.

It’s a classic that seems to celebrate everlasting friendship—perfect for those moments when you feel like reaching out to someone you haven’t seen in a while, or for listening on the way to reunite with an old friend.

A day that’s happy and lonelyTakeuchi Mariya

Mariya Takeuchi – A Day So Happy It Makes Me Lonely (Official Music Video)

It’s a moving ballad told from a mother’s perspective, celebrating her beloved child’s marriage.

The lyrics portray the complex feelings of a parent—the joy of watching a child leave the nest mixed with a touch of loneliness—tightening the heart.

The song was produced in May 2008 as a collaborative commercial track for P&G’s Pantene and Zexy, and it was also included on the acclaimed album “Expressions.” It even achieved the remarkable feat of entering the singles Top 10 at the age of 53 years and 2 months.

Listening to this piece on the special day of a family’s new beginning may bring back memories of the irreplaceable days you’ve spent together and make you want to express your gratitude.

A love without tomorrowTakeuchi Mariya

Mariya Takeuchi – A Love Without Tomorrow (Official Music Video)

A ballad for mature adults, written and composed by Mariya Takeuchi herself.

Even knowing they can’t promise a future, they’re drawn to each other.

The helplessness and inner conflict of such an impossible love are depicted with aching realism.

Even when you know there’s no tomorrow for the one you love, you still can’t cut off your feelings—that’s the inescapable nature of romance.

Released in March 2007, the song was chosen as the theme for the TV series “Tuesday Drama Gold.” The intricate human relationships of the suspense drama align beautifully with the song’s heartrending world.

On nights when your heart aches from a love with nowhere to go, why not let this song gently keep you company?

A quiet legendTakeuchi Mariya

Mariya Takeuchi – Quiet Legend (Official Music Video)

A heartwarming anthem dedicated to everyone who stays true to their beliefs.

It’s a hymn for people who pursue their lives with single-minded devotion, regardless of fame, and it gently stays close to the listener’s own heart.

The story that the inspiration came from being moved by Mao Asada’s performance at the 2014 Sochi Olympics conveys Mariya Takeuchi’s compassionate gaze, wishing to celebrate the smiles that come after overcoming trials.

Released in July 2014, the song was used as the theme for a Fuji TV documentary program and is also included on the album TRAD.

The choral collaboration—reuniting Mariya Takeuchi with Tatsuro Yamashita, Keisuke Kuwata, and Yuko Hara for the first time in 26 years—symbolizes the song’s special warmth.

It’s a perfect track for when you’re striving toward a goal or when you want to quietly honor someone’s efforts.

Color · White BlendTakeuchi Mariya

MIKKO “Color: White Blend” Music Video

It’s famous as a song provided to the idol singer Miho Nakayama.

It was also used as Shiseido’s spring 1986 campaign song.

The version sung by Mariya Takeuchi herself has a mature vibe that brings out a different charm, and I highly recommend it.

It’s a track I really want you to listen to.

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Yoshizaki Keiko

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