A heart-wrenching story that tightens the chest! A Showa-era unrequited love song

applauseNEW!chiaki naomi

Naomi Chiaki / Applause [Official Audio]

This song was released in September 1972 as Naomi Chiaki’s 13th single.

It became a massive hit that won the Japan Record Award that same year, and it’s a quintessential classic of the Showa-era kayōkyoku.

Its dramatic story—portraying a female singer who continues to stand on stage even after receiving news of a loved one’s death—truly resonates.

Her restrained vocal tremors and masterful use of pauses draw you in no matter how many times you listen.

Anyone who has experienced loss or aching sorrow will surely find deep empathy with the lyrics’ narrative.

Try listening quietly at night, retracing those faint memories from back then as you take it in.

Memories are too beautifulNEW!Yagami Junko

Memories Are Too Beautiful ~ Junko Yagami

Junko Yagami’s crystal-clear voice strikes straight to the heart.

Her major-label debut, released in 1978, is known as a quiet, introspective ballad.

Written and composed by Yagami herself, the song is marked by restrained words that look back on a love that has passed and on time that will not return.

The more beautifully the person in memory remains, the more the loneliness and sense of loss in the present stand out—such universal poignancy is sung over a polished arrangement of piano and strings.

Her vocal delivery, as if gently settling the emotions, softly overlaps with the listener’s own memories and feelings of loss.

It is a classic that quietly stays by your side when you want to revisit the end of youth or a love from the past.

Adolescence (with an autumnal/reflective nuance)NEW!Iwasaki Hiromi

Adolescence (shishūki)

A song that revives memories of bygone youth along with the signs of autumn.

Released in September 1977 as a single by Hiromi Iwasaki, it’s a classic with lyrics by Yū Aku and music by Takashi Miki.

That same year, it won the Vocal Performance Award at the Japan Record Awards, becoming a turning point that established her as a powerhouse vocalist.

The title was later used for her original album “From the Autumn of My Life… Man and Woman.” The delicate emotional shifts at the end of one’s teenage years are beautifully portrayed through her expansive, expressive voice.

If you’ve ever found yourself lost in thought with each changing season, this will surely resonate deep in your heart.

On a long autumn night, why not listen closely, reflecting on your former self?

To Marie on Fifth AvenueNEW!Takahashi Mariko

To Marie on Fifth Avenue

This single was released in October 1973 with Takashi Mariko serving as the vocalist, as the second-generation lead singer of Pedro & Capricious.

It remains a beloved classic to this day.

Set in a foreign land, it portrays a poignant longing for someone far away, while its calm, flowing melody resonates deeply.

Rather than erupting with raw emotion, it beautifully expresses the mature unrequited love and lingering regret of wishing for someone’s happiness from afar, conveyed through Mariko Takahashi’s restrained, rich vocals.

Familiar from TV music shows and numerous covers, it’s the perfect song for those who want to relax and reminisce.

I’ll wait.amin

I’ll wait — Amin

A song by the female duo Aming, known for their refreshingly clear harmonies and heartwarming melodies.

Their debut single, released in July 1982, topped the annual Oricon sales chart that year and became a massive hit, selling over 1.2 million copies in total.

The lyrics delicately portray a steadfast love that fails to reach the beloved, along with the resulting pain and loneliness—resonating with many listeners.

The song has been featured in numerous commercials, including Toyota’s “Duet” and SoftBank Mobile’s “ULTRA Wi-Fi.” A quintessential Showa-era classic recommended for those who relate to the bittersweetness of unrequited love and the unwavering intensity of feelings that won’t fade.

Stranger – Theme of the Silk RoadKume Sayuri

Saki Kubota "Ihōjin" Animated Music Video

This beloved song sinks into the heart with its mysterious, exotic melody and lyrics that liken love to the loneliness and yearning of a distant land.

Released in October 1979, it quickly drew widespread attention and became a major hit after being featured in a Sanyo Electric TV commercial.

Originally a simple tune, it was reborn as a piece of New Music with a unique atmosphere through Middle Eastern–style arrangements.

It’s a heartwarming number that gently accompanies those on the verge of a journey or a new encounter.

FriendsNEW!Rebekka

REBECCA “Friends” (Shibuya Public Hall, Dec 25, 1985)

A signature work by Rebecca, released in October 1985.

Chosen as the ending theme for the Nippon TV drama “Half Potato na Oretachi,” it catapulted the band to stardom.

Loved across generations, it later served as the theme song for the 1999 Fuji TV drama “Lipstick,” among others.

From the memorable intro played on Akio Dobashi’s keyboards to NOKKO’s sultry, expressively rich vocals, the progression draws listeners in.

The lyrics—said to be based on her own first love—vividly portray the heartache and sense of loss when friendship turns into romance.

It’s a perfect song for anyone who wants to look back on the bittersweet memories of their youth.