A lovely family song

Masterpiece Japanese songs about younger brothers: Introducing tracks that feature a younger brother!

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.

There are many moving songs with family themes—brothers and sisters, parents, grandparents, and so on, aren’t there?

So, when asked to name songs with the theme of “younger brother,” what comes to mind for you?

You might be surprised how hard it is to recall any… I bet quite a few people feel that way.

With that in mind, this time our theme is Japanese songs that feature “younger brothers”!

There actually aren’t that many songs solely about younger brothers, so we gathered a wide range: songs where a younger brother appears in the lyrics, songs themed around both older and younger brothers, and more.

How do younger brothers show up in these songs? If you have a younger brother yourself, be sure to check them out.

Masterpiece Japanese songs about younger brothers: Introducing tracks that feature a younger brother! (41–50)

The Bride of SetoKoyanagi Rumiko

Seto no Hanayome – Rumiko Koyanagi (1972) 1979 · HD1080P

The Bride of SetoKoyanagi Rumiko

Released in 1972 as Rumiko Koyanagi’s fourth single, it became a hit following her debut single, “Watashi no Jokamachi.” The song tells of a young woman living on an island in the Seto Inland Sea who marries into another island; it features a scene where her younger brother, still a child, is saddened by his sister’s departure.

The lyrics and melody evoke a deep sense of nostalgia and a distinctly Showa-era atmosphere.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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In conclusion

As I mentioned at the beginning, there are many songs with the theme of siblings, but surprisingly few that focus solely on a “younger brother.” The motif may appear here and there, or be touched upon in memories of the past…

Whether it’s based on a true story or a fable differs from artist to artist, so I hope you’ll keep the lyrics at hand and enjoy the songs I introduced this time.