A selection of Takuro Yoshida’s moving masterpieces: timeless monuments of folk music that will never fade.

Poem of Imagesyoshida takurou

Poem of Images

This is the landmark debut single released by Takuro Yoshida—who revolutionized Japan’s folk scene—in June 1970 on Elec Records.

An abundance of words, packed in almost like a syllabic overflow, rides the melody with a calm yet powerful resonance.

Rather than offering definitive answers, the lyrics keep posing questions about society and human relationships, revealing something new with every listen.

Also included on the album “Seishun no Uta,” the song was covered by Shogo Hamada in 1997 and later chosen as the theme song for the 2021 animated film “Fortune Favors Lady Nikuko.” Beloved across generations, this work gently stays by your side—especially when you find yourself at a crossroads in life or in a quiet night when you want to reflect deeply on yourself.

I won’t push myself, but that should be fine.yoshida takurou

I won’t push myself, but that should be fine.

This work gently tells you it’s okay to affirm who you are now and not force yourself to push too hard.

It opens the album “Gozenchū ni…” released in April 2009, and even among this ambitious collection of all-new songs, it stands out as especially emblematic.

Longtime ally Ichizō Seo handled the arrangement, with serene strings blending exquisitely with Takuro Yoshida’s warm vocals.

It was also used in an Asahi Beer commercial, and its gentle worldview found its way into living rooms across the country.

It’s a song I hope you’ll listen to when daily life has you feeling a bit worn out, or on a morning when you want to regain your own pace.

It’s filled with Yoshida’s kindness—always close to the listener’s heart—even as he continues to evolve with the times.

Humans, you know…yoshida takurou

Humans, you know…

This work offers an experience that overwhelms you with the tremendous energy of repeated words.

It’s the opening track of the album “Ningen Nante,” released in November 1971, and is known as one of Takuro Yoshida’s signature numbers.

It began as a short, stripped-down performance, but became legendary through live shows.

At the 3rd All Japan Folk Jamboree in August 1971, he kept singing through serious sound troubles, and the entire venue was swept into a frenzy.

In 1991, MICA covered the song, and it gained attention as the tune for the “Torabayu” TV commercial.

It’s a track you should listen to on nights when you want to get fired up without overthinking, or when you want to awaken emotions deep inside your heart.

Whenever I arrive, it’s always raining.yoshida takurou

Whenever I arrive, it’s always raining.

A signature number by Takuro Yoshida, a leading figure in Japan’s folk scene, this classic overlays the desolate emotions at the end of a journey with the image of unceasing rain.

It was originally released in July 1972 as a song provided to the rock band The Mops, and shortly thereafter was included on Yoshida’s own landmark album “Genki Desu.” The lyrical worldview—finally reaching your destination only to find the rain still falling—vividly reflects the futility and fatigue we encounter in life.

Rather than flashy drama, it carries a quiet, simmering intensity that settles in the heart and closely accompanies the listener’s inner world.

On a silent night punctuated by the sound of rain, or when you’re worn out by daily life and want to pause and reflect, why not give it a careful listen?

Hold me tight, all of meyoshida takurou

Hold me tight, all of me

This song was written as the theme for the TV show “LOVE LOVE Aishiteru” and has continued to be widely loved.

Born from a collaboration with KinKi Kids, it features warm lyrics about embracing everything about the one you love, which really resonates.

Its easy-to-remember melody and clap-along rhythm feel great, making it a lively pop number that brings the whole venue together at concerts.

It was included on the album “Minna Daisuki,” released in November 1997, and in July 1998 KinKi Kids released it as a single, which became a million seller.

Originating from a TV show project and spreading from there, it’s a masterpiece whose different versions remain vivid in many people’s memories.

It’s the perfect song to lift your spirits when you’re feeling down, or to sing joyfully with friends at karaoke.

Tell me an eternal lieyoshida takurou

Tell me an eternal lie

Included on the album “Long time no see,” released in June 1995, it’s also well-known for having lyrics and music written by Miyuki Nakajima.

Born from a request to create “a song like a will,” this piece captivates with its profound message that questions the truths of love and life protected by carrying a lie to the very end.

The surprise collaboration at the 2006 “Tsumagoi” concert has become legendary, and the moment when their talents resonated moved many fans.

It’s a soul-stirring masterpiece ballad, perfect for a quiet evening with someone important or for times when you want to feel the depth of life.

Cape Erimoyoshida takurou

Cape Erimo

A ballad whose lyrics portray the warmth of everyday life amid harsh cold, slowly soaking into the heart.

It’s a timeless masterpiece that has transcended the boundaries between folk and enka and continues to be loved by many.

Released as Shinichi Mori’s single in January 1974, it went on to win that year’s Japan Record Award—a historic work, indeed.

Famously, it was originally slated for the B-side but, due to the strong response, was promoted to the A-side.

Takuro Yoshida himself also recorded a self-cover that December on his album “Ima wa Mada Jinsei o Katarazu,” offering a deeply flavorful performance only the composer could deliver.

It’s perfect for a quiet night like gathering around a bonfire and talking, or for occasions where you want voices to resonate across generations.