Moody Japanese classics: recommended popular songs

Crystal Kingmetropolis

Daitokai – Crystal King

It’s a song that blows you away right from the opening high notes—truly an overwhelming display of vocal prowess.

Monsieur Yoshizaki, who handles the low vocals, brings a cool, mature tone.

The harmonies with the high notes are so pleasing that you’ll want to listen again and again.

Masayuki Tanaka, who sings the high parts, reportedly lost his voice temporarily due to an accident in 1989.

While his voice recovered and his former high-tone voice was lost, he has continued to move forward and remain active since then.

Mary JaneHiro Tsunoda

(PV) Hiro Tsunoda – Merry Jane (NHK).mpg

Hiro Tsunoda is one of Japan’s leading soul singers.

His appeal, above all, lies in his incredibly deep voice—so deep you’d hardly believe he’s Japanese.

It has astounding richness, and if you only listen to the voice, it can sound like a foreign singer.

Among his songs, the one I especially recommend is “Mary Jane.” It’s a classic, no explanation needed.

With its mix of sweetness and poignancy, this track brings out the full potential of his low register.

Be sure to give it a listen.

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

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

Masaki Ueda, a soul singer from Kyoto, is renowned for his raspy vocal tone and powerhouse singing deeply influenced by soul music—qualities that have earned him high praise even among hardcore music aficionados.

When it comes to his signature songs, it has to be “Kanashii Iro Ya Ne.” Set in Osaka, this track portrays the heartbreak of a man and a woman, showcasing the full appeal of his low-register voice.

It’s an achingly poignant song, and one I especially hope younger listeners will discover.

Be sure to check it out.

The one I still love even after we’ve broken upLos Indios & Sylvia

Los Indios & Silvia - Even If We Break Up, I Still Love You / LOS INDIOS & Silvia Wakaretemo Sukina Hito

This classic duet is a staple in Japanese snack-bar karaoke.

Listening to it brings back memories of Japan’s bubble economy at its peak.

It’s fair to call this song a representative example of mood kayō (mood歌謡).

Although Sylvia sadly passed away in 2010 after battling illness, Los Indios have continued their activities since then.

atonementTeresa Teng

atonement

“Tsugunai” is a signature song by Teresa Teng, the Taiwan-born singer who was beloved and known as the Diva of Asia.

Covered by many artists, this song is likely familiar not only to older listeners but also to many younger people who have heard it somewhere.

From a woman’s perspective, it portrays the regret and heartache of a couple who have resolved to part ways.

It might be nice to immerse yourself in this song while quietly reminiscing about past love.

A timeless classic—wonderful to sing and wonderful to simply listen to.

A street corner where even lovers get wetMasatoshi Nakamura

A street corner where even lovers get wet

The biggest hit song by the renowned actor Masatoshi Nakamura, “Koibito mo Nurueru Machikado.” Even from the title, it feels pretty sexy.

The melody is quite sensual—not lewd, but exuding a mature allure.

It’s a smooth, nighttime-appropriate track for grown-ups.

moonlightmoumoon

moumoon「moonlight」(Official Music Video)

This is a song that colors autumn nights with the gentle, sunlit sound of the music duo moumoon.

YUKA’s clear, translucent vocals and the delicate, guitar-centered ensemble crafted by MASAKI are especially striking.

The track seems to portray a tender yet bittersweet feeling of thinking about someone precious under the moonlight.

Its lyrics, together with the dreamy arrangement, gently envelop the listener’s heart.

Released as a single in November 2010, it was also featured in the AEON “Full Moon Rosé” commercial.

The song was later included on the acclaimed album “15 Doors.” It’s sure to keep you company during quiet, contemplative autumn evenings.