The soul’s cry woven into Japanese elegies: unraveling supreme masterpieces that resonate with the heart.
The world of Japanese laments that sublimate sorrow and wistfulness into beautiful melodies.
From the desolate scenes woven by RC Succession led by Kiyoshiro Imawano, to the soul-stirring poetic realm of Agata Morio, and even the transparent feelings sung by the VOCALOID GUMI.
Timeless masterpieces that have continued to stay close to people’s hearts speak of heartbreak, loneliness, farewells.
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They carry the cries of the soul felt in many moments of life.
Alongside vocals that quietly seep into the heart, they invite you into a deeply moving world.
- [Hometown Songs] A curated selection of popular Japanese tracks that fill your heart with nostalgia
- [Song of Osaka] A selection of passionate, warm-hearted Osaka tunes
- A Collection of Moving Shakuhachi Masterpieces | Beautiful Japanese Melodies That Stir the Heart
- [Kyoto Songs] Masterpieces that sing about Kyoto — songs themed on the ancient capital. The enduring heart of our hometown passed down in song.
- The Spirit of Japan: A Collection of Famous and Popular Shamisen Pieces
- Famous songs and local tunes that sing of Wakayama: melodies that carry on the spirit of our hometown.
- [Local Songs] Recommended tracks packed with Japan’s nationwide classics and hometown pride
- [Songs of Kagoshima] The heart of our hometown carried on in song | A curated selection of classic tracks that embody Kagoshima
- Spirit of Wa: Masterpieces for the Koto — Japan’s Beautiful Melodies
- Music that comes to your heart. A collection of sad Vocaloid songs.
- Vocaloid Songs for When You Want to Cry [Moving and Heart-wrenching]
- Melancholic Vocaloid songs: masterpieces that pierce the heart
- [Tearjerker] A compilation of Vocaloid songs that make you cry
The soul’s outcry woven into Japanese elegies: Unraveling sublime masterpieces that resonate with the heart (31–40)
Elegy of the North WindAkira Kobayashi, North Wind Elegy
Akira Kobayashi is indispensable when talking about Showa-era kayōkyoku.
His trademark powerful “Akira-bushi” singing voice suited songs set against melancholy northern landscapes.
This ‘Elegy of the North Wind’ is included on the 1982 album Wandering: Chapter 12.
Sanya BluesNobuyasu Okabayashi
The debut single by Nobuyasu Okabayashi, the legendary singer-songwriter known as the “God of Folk.” Released in 1968.
Set to acoustic guitar, it poignantly voices the raw feelings of manual laborers living in Tokyo’s San’ya district.
ElegyHironori Kaneko
After building an impressive track record with her original song ‘Elegy,’ a dramatic portrayal of a man and woman’s breakup—winning the Excellence Award at ‘Popcon’ in October 1979 and placing at the 10th World Popular Song Festival in November of the same year—she made her debut that December.
She is currently active in music primarily in her hometown of Miyazaki.
Spring of the Original Genius BakabonThe Cricket '73 / Columbia Yurikago-kai
The ending theme of the 1975 anime Ganso Tensai Bakabon.
Even now, when people turn 41, some still say, “I’m the same age as Bakabon’s dad.” It’s surprising that the deeply melancholic lyrics were actually written by the original creator, Fujio Akatsuka.
hippopotamusNokoinoko
It aired on “Hirake! Ponkikki” starting in April 1980.
Despite being a song from a children’s program, its lyrics centered on the transience of life, leaving viewers feeling profoundly sad first thing in the morning.
After its single release, it appears not to have been included on any albums to this day.
The soul’s cry embodied in Japanese elegies: Unraveling supreme masterpieces that resonate with the heart (41–50)
InformationWish
One of the many singer-songwriters to emerge from the Yamaha Popular Song Contest (commonly known as Popcon).
They are a sister duo.
This song is their debut single, released in 1972.
The lyrics, which liken the feelings of a broken heart to a funeral, really strike a chord.
Ishikari River ElegyMichiya Mihashi
This is a song set on Hokkaido’s Ishikari River, released in 1961 by Michiya Mihashi, a popular singer who epitomized the Showa era.
Mihashi produced an astonishing 18 million-selling hits over his lifetime, and this was one of them, reportedly reaching total sales of 1.
5 million copies.