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

I don’t have an umbrella.Inoue Yosui

Yosui Inoue / No Umbrella LIVE 50th Anniversary Tour 2019/10/20 [Limited Time]

Released in 1972 (Showa 47).

While Yosui’s music spans a wide range of genres, I deliberately regard this song as folk.

In that era, both the lyrics and his vocal delivery gave me an indescribable eeriness.

The song came out just as the student protest movement was waning, and it claims that, rather than the problems of society, the real problem is having no umbrella even though it’s raining.

The ability to sense the changing times and craft a song accordingly can only be described as talent, but Yosui himself commented that he wasn’t particularly conscious of any of that—proving he really is a genius!

Goodbye to sorrowanzenchitai

Kanashimini Sayonara

Released in 1985 as Anzen Chitai’s ninth single, it became a big hit thanks to Koji Tamaki’s gentle, translucent voice.

The song also marked their first appearance on the Kohaku Uta Gassen.

It continues to be passed down through covers, including by EXILE’s ATSUSHI and various female artists.

Until we meet againOzaki Kiyohiko

In memory of Kiyohiko Ozaki — “Until the Day We Meet Again” (Mata Au Hi Made) HD

It’s one of the quintessential masterpieces of the Showa era.

Though it centers on parting, it presents a forward-looking, positive way to say goodbye.

The lyrics reflect a mature decision to avoid hurting each other by not revealing the reason for the breakup.

Released in March 1971, it became a major hit for Kiyohiko Ozaki.

In the same year, it won the Grand Prize at both the 13th Japan Record Awards and the 2nd Japan Kayou Awards, and he performed it on NHK’s Kouhaku Uta Gassen.

It was also chosen as the entrance march for the 44th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament in 1972, and has continued to be loved across generations.

It’s a song I’d recommend to anyone who has experienced a farewell with someone dear, or who is about to embark on a new path.

Cape TourYamamoto Kōtarō & Uīkendo

Cape Tour 4K / Kotaro Yamamoto and The Weekend

Released in 1974 (Showa 49).

While he had showcased fairly unique songs like “Hashire Kotaro” with Salty Sugar, he made a sudden turn as a solo artist and scored a hit with a serious song.

The song’s protagonist is a man who is taking the “Cape Tour,” a trip he had promised to make with his girlfriend, but now doing it alone.

It’s unclear whether the woman has passed away—interpretations differ.

draft (cold air seeping through gaps)Sugi Ryōtarō

Ryotaro Sugi 'Sukimakaze'

This song, with its nihilistic vocals tinged with mature allure and melancholy, is filled with a gentle kindness that softly teaches warmth to those who’ve been betrayed and can no longer trust, so they can live humanly again.

It’s a Showa-era classic that will surely bring solace to modern people who are easily hurt by human relationships.