Hit and popular songs by The Checkers
Let me introduce some songs by The Checkers, a pop band that represented the 80s and 90s.
They’re also well-known for having Fumiya Fujii, who is now active as a solo musician, as their lead vocalist.
Dressed in matching check-patterned outfits and blessed with good looks, they enjoyed idol-level popularity.
However, the origin of their band name didn’t come from the check pattern.
It’s said they chose it because many bands active overseas at the time had names that started with C and ended with S, and the check-patterned outfits were added afterward.
Fumiya Fujii’s vocals are refreshing and wonderful, and the saxophone played by his younger brother, Naoyuki Fujii, is also striking, adding a distinctive accent to their songs.
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The Checkers’ classic and popular songs (21–30)
Honestly, I’m sorry.Chekkāzu
This is a classic song by The Checkers released in 1988.
Its lyrics, themed around lovers’ quarrels and reconciliation, resonate with many listeners.
Fumiya Fujii’s poignant vocals and the heartfelt performance of the band members create an exquisite harmony.
It was the last single released in the Showa era and was performed at the 39th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
For The Checkers, it was a memorable piece marking their fifth consecutive appearance.
It’s a great choice for karaoke that easily evokes empathy and can be enjoyed across generations.
Recommended when you want to feel the subtleties of romance or sing with feelings for someone special.
Surfing U.S.AChekkāzu
I had only seen them as idols, so watching them sing this song was the first time I saw the Checkers as a band.
It brings to mind the image of gliding lightly through the waves while surfing.
It feels like the Checkers’ song is cheering on young people who love the sea, bursting with energy.
MY GRADUATIONChekkāzu
A gemlike ballad that richly portrays the milestone of graduation.
Set to a gentle melody, it tenderly depicts scenes like exchanging buttons on school uniforms and walking together to the station.
Looking back on memories from ages 16 to 18, it masterfully conveys both the sweetness of young love and the poignancy of parting.
Included on The Checkers’ album “GO” and released in 1987, it was the group’s first self-produced work, with lyrics by Fumiya Fujii and music by Susumu Takeuchi.
Deeply rooted in Japan’s music scene as a staple to hear during graduation season, this song is wholeheartedly recommended for anyone who cherishes memories of their youth.
I LOVE YOU SAYONARAChekkāzu
The opening intro sax is powerful with a wistful melody—really good.
Am I the only one who somehow associates this song with summer? Even as a ballad, it isn’t oddly too dark, and the way the vocal melody develops—with a clear beginning, development, twist, and conclusion—is really tasteful.
And above all, the lyrics are profoundly moving and truly hit me in the heart.
The Legend of Jim & JaneChekkāzu
I thought this was another song that didn’t feel like The Checkers.
It strangely lacked bite and had little impact, so I didn’t like it much at the time, but the strong singing and good taste are there beneath the surface, and I gradually got into it.
SONG FOR USAChekkāzu
It’s a famous song that also became the title of the movie starring The Checkers.
The intro, which starts with an acoustic guitar, is truly beautiful, and this is exactly the kind of song you’d want to learn and perform in front of a woman.
The saxophone doesn’t appear much, but in its solo part it delivers a lovely melody.
ROOMChekkāzu
It’s a ballad that feels like something you’d find in 70s kayōkyoku, but this kind of style seems surprisingly tough for a male singer to really pull off.
The sax in the intro and solo has a scream-like tone that gives it a poignant, tragic atmosphere, which is great.
As for the lyrics, is it about a grown-up heartbreak?