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.

Playlist

A Special Feature on ZARD’s Timeless Masterpieces and Popular Songs
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	Oh my loveZARD		A classic by Izumi Sakai that delicately portrays the poignancy of love.
2	Open your heartZARD		A song that stirs the heart with Izumi Sakai’s clear, translucent vocals
3	Swaying feelingsZARD		ZARD’s million-selling classic
4	I’ll surely never forgetZARD		A signature song characterized by ZARD’s clear, transparent vocals and hopeful lyrics
5	IN MY ARMS TONIGHTZARD		Izumi Sakai's classic that expresses the heartache of love
6	Good Bye My LonelinessZARD		A moving early masterpiece by ZARD
7	Don’t forget that smile.ZARD		Heartwarming vocals from ZARD’s classic songs
8	Just believe in loveZARD		A love song that believes in Izumi Sakai’s love
9	Dreaming of tomorrowZARD		A song whose transparent vocals by ZARD resonate in the heart
10	Don’t give upZARD		ZARD’s first million-seller. A powerful, forward-looking message to keep moving ahead.
11	Don’t you see!ZARD		ZARD’s signature songs, lyrics that evoke empathy, and a clear, translucent singing voice
12	My friendZARD		A classic song portraying friendship and love, the Slam Dunk theme song
13	TODAY IS ANOTHER DAYZARD		A grand song used as the theme for the anime YAWARA
14	eternityZARD		The sweeping ballad theme song of the film Paradise Lost
15	I can’t even breatheZARD		ZARD’s gemlike ballad that portrays the throbbing of love
16	something irreplaceableZARD		ZARD’s soothing vocals and lyrics that resonate with the heart
17	Just a little more… a bit more…ZARD		ZARD heartbreak song, a masterpiece with a heartrending melody
18	I want to dance however I like.ZARD		A famous song by ZARD that sings of a longing for freedom
19	Embracing sleepless nightsZARD		ZARD’s signature songs, filled with heartrending emotion
20	Nostalgia of Distant DaysZARD		A ZARD classic whose Izumi Sakai’s singing voice resonates in the heart
21	I want to feel you.ZARD		A moving, spring-like song by ZARD
22	Take me to your dreamZARD		A translucent, heartfelt ballad by ZARD depicting winter and the New Year
23	Like a sail waiting for summerZARD		Tie-in songs of Detective Conan
24	Kick off your high heelsZARD		A classic TV ending theme beloved by many fans
25	I won’t look anymore.ZARD		A famous ZARD song themed around heartbreak
26	Close your eyesZARD		A bright key-change song I like that was used on a TV show
27	Even though you’re right here by my sideZARD		ZARD’s 12th single, an exhilarating song
28	suddenlyZARD		FIELD OF VIEW's biggest hit song
29	I still rememberZARD		A gentle parting only makes it all the more painful... 199...
30	I want to look at your profile up close for longer.ZARD		As ZARD’s 37th single, 200...
31	Farewell still resides in my heart.ZARD		Released in 199… as ZARD’s 16th single,
32	You’re not here.ZARD		ZARD’s powerful seventh masterpiece
33	Turn the roulette of fateZARD		ZARD singles used in Detective Conan
34	A little more, just a bit moreZARD		A heartrending love, the purity of a forbidden feeling
35	Forever YouZARD		Characterized by lyrics that resonate with the heart and a warm melody...
36	Wish upon the moonZARD		Bittersweet memories and emotions of a love recalled under the moonlit night
37	To a city where the wind passes throughZARD		In 1997, it was used as the CM song for JRA’s summer racing.
38	Don’t forget that smile.ZARD		On ZARD’s third original album…
39	Christmas timeZARD		Expressing a Christmas heartbreak with a clear, transparent singing voice
40	When I feel like seeing youZARD		Everyone has someone important to them who is far away, and…
41	I can’t see loveZARD		This is ZARD’s 15th up-tempo song.
42	Dan Dan Kokoro HikaretekuZARD		Popular ZARD songs, classic tracks that get the crowd hyped at karaoke
43	Don’t you see!ZARD		Easy to sing as a Dragon Ball GT ending song
44	Get U’re DreamZARD		In 2000, NHK's coverage of the Sydney Olympics...
45	SeasonZARD		Finding nostalgia and the present through ZARD's songs
46	ZARD MedleyZARD		ZARD Greatest Hits Medley Collection
47	Get U’re DreamZARD		Released in 2000. NHK in 2000 “…
48	So TogetherZARD		"so together" is a song by ZARD...
49	Let’s talk slowly today.ZARD		Songs by ZARD used in commercials (CM) as singles
50	It’s like I’ve gone back to being a girl.ZARD		Iconic ZARD hits from the '90s, memories of youth
51	New Door ~Winter Sunflower~ZARD		Determination to overcome feelings for a cherished person
52	Even if I grow tired of swimming in this loveZARD		The drama theme song from ZARD’s 11th single
53	Your refreshing feelingsZARD		ZARD 34th single, released in 2002
54	canaryZARD		A gentle ballad that portrays heartbreak
55	O brilliance of the starsZARD		A bright song and a double A-side release
56	The pale snow meltsZARD		ZARD’s Izumi Sakai CM song, a quiet masterpiece
57	Goodbyes still dwell in my heart even now.ZARD		Izumi Sakai of ZARD is from Hiratsuka City in Kanagawa Prefecture...
58	Even if you break tomorrowZARD		WANDS self-cover, a melancholic ballad
59	Spread your wingsZARD		Spread Your Wings, theme song of the Detective Conan movie
60	You’re overflowing in me to the point it hurts.ZARD		A refreshing, rap-style ZARD classic
61	My Baby Grand ~Wanting Warmth~ZARD		NTT DoCoMo’s winter 1997 campaign commercial…
62	Blues for YouZARD		“Blues for You” was released by B-G in 2006…
63	Swaying FeelingsZARD		Speaking of summer festivals, somewhere, somehow, love always begins…
64	I love you so much it hurtsZARD		The love-themed so— by ZARD, known for many hit songs...
65	Keep it light and breezy!ZARD		ZARD’s hidden gem “Let’s Keep It Bright and Breezy!”
66	MY FRIENDZARD		It was selected as the theme song for the anime Slam Dunk…
67	How strange…ZARD		ZARD 2nd single heartbreak song
68	I want to keep gazing at you.ZARD		A song filled with the resolve to face bereavement
69	I can’t say it honestly.ZARD		An up-tempo song composed by Izumi Sakai