A Special Feature on ZARD’s Timeless Masterpieces and Popular Songs
ZARD achieved nationwide popularity in the 1990s with iconic songs like “Makenaide” and “Yureru Omoi.” Beyond the straightforward, resonant lyrics, the real charm lies in Izumi Sakai’s crystal-clear, transparent voice.
Although Sakai passed away in 2007 to much sorrow, ZARD’s wonderful music has transcended time and continues to be embraced.
NHK’s Close-up Gendai aired a special feature, describing their work as “songs that encouraged an era.” That phrase truly seems to encapsulate it all.
Here, we’ll highlight the timeless appeal of ZARD.
- ZARD's Most Moving Songs and Popular Tracks Ranking [2026]
- ZARD Popular Song Ranking [2026]
- A Special Feature on ZARD’s Timeless Masterpieces and Popular Songs
- ZARD songs that are easy to sing. A collection of tracks known for their gentle, appealing melodies.
- ZARD Cheer Songs and Popular Song Rankings [2026]
- Tear ducts guaranteed to burst! Heart-wrenching masterpiece songs I’d recommend to Gen Z
- ZARD Commercial Song and Popular Song Ranking [2026]
- ZARD Karaoke Popular Song Ranking [2026]
- ZARD Breakup Songs: Popular Song Ranking [2026]
- Tears won’t stop with these sentimental lyrics! Heisei-era tearjerker songs
- [Touching the Heart] Timeless Ballad Masterpieces. A Collection of Unfading Classics and the Latest Songs [2026]
- My heart aches with bittersweet pain! Breakup songs I’d recommend to Gen Z
- Evokes the charm of the good old days. Showa-era inspirational songs that are still loved today.
Timeless and Soul-Stirring ZARD Masterpieces & Popular Songs Special (1–10)
Just believe in loveZARD
This is a love song woven with Izumi Sakai’s crystal-clear voice.
Released in February 1995, it became a massive hit, even earning Platinum certification.
The lyrics, which sing of the importance of believing in love, truly resonate.
Their powerful, passionate expression stirs the listener’s heart.
Featured on the album “Forever You,” the song has continued to be cherished by many fans.
The lyrics, which evoke a sensation as if one were melting away, beautifully capture the feelings of someone in love.
It’s a warm, heartfelt track that makes you want to listen to it with someone special.
Dreaming of tomorrowZARD
A song that captivates with Izumi Sakai’s crystal-clear vocals and words that resonate deep in the heart.
Released in April 2003, it was also used as the ending theme for the popular anime Detective Conan.
With vocals that gently embrace universally relatable feelings—such as the emotions swaying between dreams and reality or regrets over past choices—this piece delivers comfort and empathy.
It’s a song that gives you the courage to keep looking forward without losing hope for the future.
When you’re feeling down or want to push yourself, listening to it may lift your spirits.
It’s a track filled with everything that makes ZARD so compelling—be sure to experience it.
Don’t give upZARD
A song where Izumi Sakai’s crystal-clear voice resonates in your heart.
Released in January 1993, this track became ZARD’s first million-selling smash hit.
Its powerful message—urging you to keep looking forward and moving on without giving up even when faced with hardship—has captured the hearts of many.
Sakai’s emotive vocals blend beautifully with Tetsurō Oda’s melody, showcasing the breadth of ZARD’s musicality.
It’s often used as an uplifting anthem to cheer people on in various settings, such as graduation ceremonies and sports matches.
It’s the kind of song that gives you courage every time you listen, don’t you think?
ZARD Timeless Masterpieces & Popular Songs Special (11–20)
Don’t you see!ZARD
With a transparent singing voice and lyrics that resonate with the heart, ZARD continues to capture the hearts of many listeners to this day.
Released in January 1997, this song was also used as the ending theme for the anime Dragon Ball GT and remains etched in many people’s memories.
The lyrics, which portray deep human connections and the complexities of romantic feelings, gently accompany the listener and evoke empathy.
Izumi Sakai’s clear, crystalline vocals further enhance the song’s world, adding to its appeal.
Included on the album Golden Best ~15th Anniversary~, it stands as one of the emblematic tracks of ZARD’s musical career.
It’s a perfect song for those troubled by love or hoping to deepen their connections with others.
My friendZARD
It’s a classic song that deeply portrays friendship and love.
With its transparent vocals and emotionally resonant melody, it’s catchy enough for anyone to hum along.
Released in January 1996, it reached No.
1 on the Oricon chart.
Sales exceeded one million copies, making it ZARD’s third best-selling single.
It was also ZARD’s first anime tie-in, known as an ending theme for Slam Dunk.
The relatable lyrics and distinctive musical style blend together, clearly showing why it’s loved across generations.
Highly recommended for anyone who wants to add color to their daily life through music.
TODAY IS ANOTHER DAYZARD
This is a song used in the popular anime YAWARA, and it also became the album’s title track.
Among the tracks on the album, it left a particularly strong impression on me as a grand piece—so much so that I felt it could have worked as a single.
It resonates beautifully in the morning, and I often listen to it before heading out to work.
eternityZARD
It’s a ballad with a grand, sweeping scale that served as the theme song for the film Lost Paradise.
I think this song, in particular, drew a lot of attention because of the movie.
It was also famous for staying on the charts for a long time, and I love its weighty, dignified tone—it’s the kind of masterpiece that will remain in memory forever.