Masayoshi Yamazaki’s Most Popular Songs Ranking [2025]

Recollection TrainMasayoshi Yamazaki43rank/position

Kaisou Densha

This is a song written by Masayoshi Yamazaki, a singer-songwriter who also works as an actor, for Kintetsu (Kinki Nippon Railway)’s commercial “The Ise-Shima You’ll Want to Talk About.” He himself appeared in the ad.

Inspired by a pilgrimage to Ise Jingu, the guitar and percussion rhythms pleasantly evoke the sound of trains like the limited express Shimakaze rolling along the tracks.

The gentle lyrics, which can also be read as a metaphor for life, soothe minds and bodies worn out by the day-to-day.

With its laid-back mood, it’s a perfect number to soundtrack an autumn trip.

A town with sloping streetsMasayoshi Yamazaki44rank/position

A town with sloping streets

This song is said to be about the time when Masayoshi Yamazaki moved to Yokohama right after coming up to Tokyo.

Since it’s from before he became popular, I feel the lyrics are very real and relatable.

Listening to this song, performed with just a single guitar, makes me feel somehow very nostalgic.

It earnestly sings about everyday feelings, like reading aloud from a diary.

Thinking that even people who’ve become big and famous had times like this makes me feel a bit relieved.

Summer MonologueMasayoshi Yamazaki45rank/position

New York: A Summer Monologue

The words I left behind at summer’s end have become memories that still continue even now, and the line about the one I loved “hiding their tears” may be because we were caring for each other.

Still, the part that says “I never managed to say what mattered most,” even after time has passed, is that one phrase you only realize after losing it… surely words of love.

Promise of the SunMasayoshi Yamazaki46rank/position

Masayoshi Yamazaki / Promise of the Sun

It was used as the theme song for a public broadcaster’s daytime talk show.

The piece is crafted as a grand ballad that carries the messages of “sunlight” and “hope for the future.” Released on May 2, 2012 as the 28th single.

Letter of the HeartMasayoshi Yamazaki47rank/position

Masayoshi Yamazaki / Letter of the Heart ~Document Version~

It was used as the theme song for the mountain film “Carrying Spring on Our Backs,” released on June 14, 2014.

Sung in a tone like reading a letter, it speaks of the greatness of nature and the fleeting warmth of human connection.

It is a ballad set to acoustic guitar.

heart rateMasayoshi Yamazaki48rank/position

Masayoshi Yamazaki / Heart Rate

Harmonica and guitar with singing.

It’s a folk song about trying to warm up a relationship that has gone cold by holding each other tight.

The track is styled like a live stage performance, ending with the audience’s applause.

Released on May 29, 2002 as the 13th single.

Wish Upon a StarMasayoshi Yamazaki49rank/position

Wish Upon a Star

A ballad with the characteristically wistful atmosphere of Masayoshi Yamazaki.

The calm tone of the music and Yamazaki’s vocals match exquisitely, conveying the story’s worldview.

During the author’s youth, this song often brought comfort.

Recommended for times when you want to be soothed without thinking about anything.