Recommended! Tatsuro Yamashita’s classic and popular songs
Here are some recommended tracks by Tatsuro Yamashita, a singer-songwriter Japan is proud of, known for timeless hits like Christmas Eve, which re-enters the charts every December, as well as RIDE ON TIME and High Pressure Girl.
With a uniquely recognizable vocal style that you can identify from just one note, Yamashita’s exceptional musical sensibility and overwhelming originality are the keys to his enduring popularity.
Out of a deep sincerity toward music production, he is often called a “craftsman of sound,” and in recording sessions he sometimes performs every instrument himself.
The Tatsuro sound created in this way turns everyday life into a rich, cinematic experience, providing a soundtrack that elevates all kinds of moments.
Now, please enjoy the songs of Tatsuro Yamashita, one of Japan’s foremost singer-songwriters.
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Recommended! Tatsuro Yamashita’s masterpieces and popular songs (91–100)
Paint Love – LET’S KISS THE SUN –Yamashita Tatsuro
Tatsuro Yamashita’s fourth single, released in April 1979.
Its energetic, jet plane–evoking melody is striking, and it was also featured in a JAL commercial.
The song showcases Yamashita’s signature sophistication and the unique world created in collaboration with Minako Yoshida.
It vividly captures a youthful feeling of taking your lover’s hand and soaring toward a radiant future.
It’s a perfect track for a drive date or special moments with someone important.
Included on the album “MOONGLOW” as well as various best-of compilations, it remains a beloved classic.
DREAMING GIRLYamashita Tatsuro
DREAMING GIRL, the 29th single, was written as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series Himawari.
It’s a delightful number where passionate lyrics contrast with a refreshingly crisp ensemble.
While the leaps and dynamics in the chorus can be challenging, the melody flows at a relaxed pace and the range isn’t too wide, so it’s easy to sing if you set the key to suit your voice.
If you’re confident with high notes, definitely try it in the original key—an emotional track worth the challenge.
Recommended! Tatsuro Yamashita’s Masterpieces and Popular Songs (101–110)
City TalesYamashita Tatsuro
“Machimonogatari,” the 46th single, written specifically as the theme song for the TV drama Shinzanmono.
Its nostalgic lyrics and melody, together with an ensemble featuring percussive guitar cutting, evoke the drama’s world.
The high-pitched, intricately moving melody is challenging, but since the tempo is relaxed, stay calm and follow the pitch carefully.
There are also occasional leaps in pitch, so be mindful not to miss notes, including in the surrounding phrases.
Album “CIRCUS TOWN”Yamashita Tatsuro
The debut album by singer-songwriter Tatsuro Yamashita, known as an iconic figure of Japanese city pop that has been rediscovered in recent years and who continues to be highly active today.
Created in the wake of the breakup of Sugar Babe and the sense of setback that followed, the album was recorded overseas to assess his own musical abilities.
It features tracks recorded at studios in both New York and Los Angeles.
Anecdotes—such as how it served as proof of his own aesthetic ideals and became a turning point from his band-era musical direction—suggest it profoundly influenced his originality as an artist.
This album is packed with the essence of Tatsuro Yamashita’s beginnings, and is one you should listen to now more than ever.
MAGIC WAYSYamashita Tatsuro
This is a track included on the album BIG WAVE, and more than the Big Wave Theme or Jody, this is my absolute favorite.
The guitar chopping that runs throughout is very striking and adds a great spice to the song.
pink shadowYamashita Tatsuro
This is a work from 1978.
It’s one of the tracks recorded live at a studio in Roppongi.
It’s a cover of Bread & Butter’s song released in 1974.
Be sure to compare Yamashita’s version with the original to hear the differences.
The Yamashita recording features particularly compelling “Pink Shadow” choruses.
Donut SongYamashita Tatsuro
This is a track included on the 1998 album “COZY,” written by Tatsuro Yamashita specifically for a Mister Donut commercial.
The reason I’m introducing this song now as one you may feel you’ve heard somewhere is that Masaki Suda covered it in a Mister Donut commercial in 2023.
The chorus has an extremely addictive melody that’s striking, and the song has a mysterious charm that makes you feel happy as you listen.
In conclusion
So, how was it, everyone? Tatsuro’s music, while rooted in American rock, pop, and soul, captivates listeners with a truly impeccable originality.
Beyond the outstanding performance and arrangement quality, he’s an artist whose lyrics—rich with messages that grapple with the times and society—are deeply moving.
On top of that, with luxurious choral work achieved through one-person multitrack recording, he’s a musician who really showcases the allure of his voice.
His songs, brimming with such appeal, are frequently covered both in Japan and abroad.
He’s a dependable musician who will no doubt continue to turn out masterpieces.
We’ll keep uploading Tatsuro Yamashita numbers that fit perfectly into all sorts of everyday moments, so please look forward to it!