Classic Japanese songs I want to listen to leisurely on the weekend

cherry blossomKetsumeishi

Sakura – Ketsumeishi (Full)

The catchy, rhythmic chorus that you can’t help but hum over and over, paired with the rap-style A and B sections, is seriously addictive.

By singing about a heartbreaking breakup with a light touch, the song leaves a lingering resonance.

It’s the kind of track you want to listen to while taking a solitary walk in spring, gazing at the cherry blossoms.

Full-Power BoySukima Suichi

Sukima Switch - Zenryoku Shonen (with lyrics)

With its up-tempo melody and lyrics brimming with hope yet never overbearing, it gently cheers on those of us who stumble over real-world obstacles.

The arrangement of “Zenkoku Shonen” by Tamio Okuda gives it a rock flavor, making it even more energetic.

Tears aren’t just for show.Nakamori Akina

Tears aren’t just for show — Akina Nakamori

A classic song covered by various artists.

Written and composed by Yosui Inoue, it portrays a woman through his unique worldview, made powerful and unwavering by Akina Nakamori’s vocal prowess.

On a day off when you want to start a big cleanup but can’t quite get going, listening to this will get your body moving.

foreignerKUBOTA Saki

Foreigner – Saki Kubota (Full)

It is also known as the commercial song for Sanyo Electric’s color TV featuring footage of the Silk Road.

Originally, it was intended to be a casual piece inspired by children playing along the beautiful tree-lined avenue in front of Kunitachi Station.

It’s a masterpiece in which Middle Eastern-style sounds are perfectly matched with a soft, refined yet cool vocal tone.

Riverside HotelInoue Yosui

Riverside Hotel – Yosui Inoue, 1992, SPARKLING BLUE (Nippon Budokan)

It’s the timeless masterpiece by the one and only Yosui Inoue.

His slightly husky, dry, wonderful voice pairs perfectly with the distinctive lyrics, making you want to listen again and again.

It’s the kind of song you want to hear on a Sunday evening as summer is coming to an end, while you watch the sky grow dark.

GarnetOku Hanako

Garnet – Hanako Oku (Full) Theme song of the film “The Girl Who Leapt Through Time” cover

It’s a song that served as the theme for “The Girl Who Leapt Through Time,” directed by the filmmaker behind “Your Name.” The gemstone meaning of garnet is “friendship, amity,” which perfectly suits this slightly bittersweet yet beautiful melody.

With Oku Hanako’s clear, soaring vocals and lyrics that bring back a sweet-and-sour page of youth, it’s a piece that lets you savor a quiet day off while looking back on your adolescence.

Lovely Day, Lovely Place.Hirai Dai

Lovely Day, Lovely Place.

Hirai Dai is a singer-songwriter whose gentle, surf music-based sound is gaining attention, especially among younger listeners.

Opening his digitally released EP “SURF & TURF,” “Lovely Day, Lovely Place.” offers a soothing, organic sound that evokes the ocean.

The lyrics, which capture everyday moments with someone special, remind us that happiness can be found close at hand.

With its light, shuffle-beat rhythm, it’s a track that simply makes you feel warm and at ease just by listening.

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Hoshino Takashi

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