A classic Japanese folk song passed down through generations of acoustic performances

It's a sad color, isn't it?Masaki Ueda

Masaki Ueda - Kanashii Iro Yane ~ Osaka Bay Blues.mp4

Alongside BORO’s “Osaka de Umareta Onna,” this is a wonderful ballad-style folk song set in Osaka.

It became Masaki Ueda’s biggest hit, gradually gaining popularity through cable radio.

In the end, it grew into such a success that it was even used as a movie theme song.

Lullaby for Sleeping AloneTokiko Kato

Lullaby for Sleeping Alone (Tokiko Kato) cover: numa chan

Released in 1969, Tokiko Kato’s musical style spans a wide range, including chanson and pop, but this song was written with her husband—whom she married while he was in prison—in mind.

Their connection began when her husband, then a student activist, asked her to perform at a concert.

She reportedly declined, saying she did not want her singing to be used for political activism.

Later, her husband was arrested in connection with the student movement and received a prison sentence.

Although the media created a major uproar, what stands out in my memory is how Tokiko Kato remained composed and unshaken.

Let's get married.Takuro Yoshida

Takuro Yoshida “Let’s Get Married” YouTube

Released in 1972 (Showa 47), this is a song by Takuro, the well-known “god of folk.” At a time when anti-establishment songs and men’s long hair had given folk music a negative image, this song came out and ushered in an era when folk was accepted.

It’s a bright wedding song that swept away the previous image.

Although he appears on television nowadays, back then Takuro stuck to his principle that only people who truly understood his music needed to listen, and he would not perform on TV.

In Francine's CaseNoriko Shintani

In Francine’s Case — Noriko Shintani

This is an anti-war folk song created by a Japanese person moved by the incident in France in 1969, where a 30-year-old woman named Francine committed self-immolation to protest the Vietnam War and the Biafran famine.

During that era, there were many folk songs appealing against war and nuclear weapons.

Noriko Shintani’s calm, expressionless singing, on the contrary, leaves a strong impression.

Across this wide fieldRyoko Moriyama

This Wide, Open Field – Ryoko Moriyama

Released in 1967 (Showa 42).

Apparently, she wanted to become a jazz singer, but perhaps due to the times, she had many folk song hits.

This song is her debut single.

In it, she offers all the beauty of a vast grassland and nature, asking the person to please write her a letter.

Naturally, one might assume the recipient is a man, but given the era, it might be better to interpret it more broadly as someone she has feelings for, without limiting the gender.

Later, it was also sung on NHK’s “Minna no Uta.”

Words of FarewellKaientai

Ohashi Trio / Words of Gift

It’s a single released by Kaientai in 1979, also famous for becoming a huge hit as the theme song of a TV drama.

With its powerful yet poignant melody and lyrics that give you courage, it has become a staple at events like graduation ceremonies.

CheersTsuyoshi Nagabuchi

Kanpai (from “Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi ALL NIGHT LIVE IN Sakurajima 04.8.21”)

A song known as a warm anthem that celebrates life’s milestones.

Its powerful vocals gently embrace and encourage those stepping onto a new stage in life.

Included on the album “Kanpai,” released in September 1980, it was later cut as a single and became a hit.

It’s cherished as a staple sung at weddings and graduation ceremonies.

The lyrics carry a wholehearted message of support for people who follow the path they believe in, no matter what difficulties they face.

Listen to it before taking the first step into a new chapter, and walk the path you’ve chosen with courage and hope in your heart.