[Today's Recommended Nostalgic Songs] Memories from those days come flooding back! A collection of gem-like classics

Premonition of Spring – I’ve been mellowMinami Saori

Premonition of Spring ~I’ve been mellow~ / Saori Minami

A refreshing song that evokes the gentle warmth of spring.

Saori Minami’s crystal-clear voice resonates deeply.

Released in January 1978, this piece was also used for Shiseido’s spring campaign.

Written and composed by Ami Ozaki, the recording reportedly proceeded with strict direction to avoid turning it into Minami’s signature “Saori-bushi” style.

The lyrics delicately portray the sense of a new season arriving with spring and the accompanying stirrings of the heart—leaving a strong impression.

In 2008, it was also used as a subtitle for the NHK morning drama series Dandan.

It’s a song that gently gives a nudge to anyone taking a new step in spring.

Swim! Taiyaki-kunShimon Masato

Play and sing “Oyoge! Taiyaki-kun” (perform a self-accompanied rendition)

A children’s song released in 1975 on the TV program “Hirake! Ponkikki.” Above all, it’s famous as the best-selling single CD in Japan’s history, a representative Japanese song whose Oricon sales record has yet to be surpassed.

Woman’s PathMiya Shirō

25 Onna no Michi (Miya Shirō) Miya Shiro

This is one of Shiro Miyako’s signature works, with a wistful vocal delivery and heartrending lyrics that resonate deeply.

Centered on themes of women’s lives and love, the song became a million-seller just one month after its release and ultimately achieved a massive hit with about 1.5 million copies sold.

It won the Best Vocal Performance at the 1972 Japan Record Awards and was also performed on that year’s NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen, making it a defining track of the music scene that year.

Its lyrics, depicting women’s inner conflicts and strength, continue to captivate many listeners today.

A classic of the Showa era that those struggling with love or life should hear.

Falling in LoveKobayashi Akiko

Falling in Love feat. Akiko Kobayashi (Cover by GILLE)

It was chosen as the theme song for the TBS drama series “To Friday Wives III: Falling in Love,” and it sings about the painful, heartrending feelings of a woman who has fallen for a married man.

Artists of all genders have covered it, and it remains popular at karaoke even today.

The arrival of springKoyanagi Rumiko

HQ Spring’s Arrival ... Rumiko Koyanagi

It’s a warm, classic song that heralds the arrival of spring.

It delicately portrays scenes where happiness and bittersweetness intertwine: two people walking along the seaside, a girl’s feelings as she invites her boyfriend home for the first time, and conversations with her family.

Released in February 1973 as Rumiko Koyanagi’s seventh single, it was a popular hit that reached No.

4 on the Oricon charts.

The lyrics were written by Michio Yamagami, and the music was composed by Koichi Morita.

It’s recommended for moments when you want to reflect on the promise of new love and the bonds of family while wrapped in the warmth of spring.

Listen to the gentle vocals, and your heart will feel warmer.

A Good Day to Set Out on a JourneyYamaguchi Momoe

Momoe Yamaguchi - Good Day to Set Out on a Journey

Beloved by many as a song that conveys the allure of traveling in Japan, it is a journey song that searches for new hope while reflecting on what has been lost.

Coupled with Momoe Yamaguchi’s rich, resonant voice, it continues to resonate with listeners.

Released on November 21, 1978, the song was produced as the theme for Japan National Railways’ travel-promotion campaign.

Although it is well known as a song often performed at send-off occasions such as weddings and graduation ceremonies, its wistful lyrics captivate hearts and never let go.

It’s a piece we highly recommend to anyone on the verge of a new departure or standing at a crossroads in life.

spring hazeIwasaki Hiromi

spring haze

Released in 1979, this is a poignant love song by Hiromi Iwasaki about spring.

The lyrics, which depict the moment of saying goodbye to a lover during the season when the cherry blossoms are about 60% in bloom, really resonate.

Iwasaki’s clear voice beautifully conveys the fleeting nature of spring and the stirrings of love.

The song was also featured on TBS’s “The Best Ten” and became beloved by many.

It’s a recommended track for those who look back fondly on a past romance with the arrival of spring.

Listening to it as the cherry blossoms begin to bloom may make it feel all the more moving.