Recommended! Tatsuro Yamashita’s classic and popular songs

Rain fills my palmsYamashita Tatsuro

“A Handful of Rain in My Palm (Tatsuro Yamashita)” Cover

Although this song is from the Sugar Babe era, since the vocals are by Tatsuro, I’d like to consider it one of his songs.

In fact, regardless of the official credit, no matter who listens from any angle, there’s no doubt this is a Tatsuro song.

It’s a rain-themed track that still makes your heart dance—such a tune.

Morning GloryYamashita Tatsuro

“Morning glory” refers to the asagao flower.

There are countless songs themed around flowers, but I think morning glories are rather rare.

This song features a refreshing melody and gentle lyrics, perfectly suited for a summer morning when morning glories are in full bloom.

It’s a recommended track I’d love for you to listen to on a summer morning.

DREAMING GIRLYamashita Tatsuro

NHK연속 TV소설 해바라기 OP 풀버전 – Dreaming Girl (1996)

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.

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Hoshino Takashi

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City TalesYamashita Tatsuro

Railway PV Vol. 35 [City Story]

“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.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Album “CIRCUS TOWN”Yamashita Tatsuro

Tatsuro Yamashita – Windy Lady Tatsuro Yamashita [Bass Cover]

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.

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Hoshino Takashi

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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

Pink Shadow – Tatsuro Yamashita

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.