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.
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- ZARD Popular Song Ranking [2026]
- A Special Feature on ZARD’s Timeless Masterpieces and Popular Songs
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- 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]
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- 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 Soothing ZARD Masterpieces & Popular Songs Special (21–30)
Take me to your dreamZARD
A translucent ZARD ballad where the chill of a winter night intersects with the exhilaration of the New Year.
Originally included in December 1994 as the B-side to their 13th single “Anata o Kanji-te Itai,” this roughly five-minute, pleasantly mid-tempo masterpiece builds gently and quietly.
City nightscapes and apartment scenes unfold alongside the words “Happy New Year,” and hopes for the year ahead are carefully woven in Izumi Sakai’s tender, ear-pleasing lyrics.
Later featured on the album “ZARD BLEND II ~LEAF & SNOW~,” it has continued to be cherished as part of a winter selection.
It’s perfect for spending a calm stretch from New Year’s Eve into New Year’s Day, or for choosing a heartwarming track at gatherings with relatives and friends!
Like a sail waiting for summerZARD
This song was used as a tie-in for Detective Conan, of which Ms.
Sakai herself was a fan, and I remember going to see a Conan movie myself.
It was released as a double A-side single, but back then most people around me referred to it as the Conan song.
I also remember tirelessly telling everyone around me how great the song was.
It’s a masterpiece.
Kick off your high heelsZARD
It’s a classic with a catchy sound that even got picked as a TV ending theme.
Though it’s an album track, it remains very popular and is a song that will stay in the hearts of ZARD fans, myself included.
It’s also included on best-of albums, and as I look back, I’m reminded how beloved it is by so many people and I’ve come to appreciate its greatness all over again.
I won’t look anymore.ZARD
This is a single released as ZARD’s third single.
The intro feels wistful, and the melody draws you in right from the start.
Both the lyrics and the composition primarily portray a woman’s heartbreak, but the song grows increasingly grand toward the chorus, making it an unforgettable masterpiece.
Close your eyesZARD
This later-period single was also used on the TV program “Sporut!” Up to the first chorus it has a ballad feel, but then it modulates into a catchy, upbeat tune.
I can’t help but admire how well it unfolds—this is one of my favorite songs.
It’s their 36th single.
Even though you’re right here by my sideZARD
It’s an upbeat, very refreshing song.
As ZARD’s 12th single, it impressively reached number one.
There’s a scene in the PV where Sakai walks through a ballpark, and I still remember it to this day.
It was also used as a tie-in for a food commercial, wasn’t it? Listening to this really clears my head.
suddenlyZARD
Released in 1995 as FIELD OF VIEW’s second single.
Among FIELD OF VIEW’s songs, it became their biggest hit, selling over a million copies.
Because Izumi Sakai wrote the lyrics, she later self-covered it on ZARD’s album “TODAY IS ANOTHER DAY.”