A love song that reminds those in their 60s of a forgotten romance

ShipwreckAkina Nakamori

Nanpasen (2014 Remaster)

An emotionally rich ballad depicting a woman’s heart adrift in deep loneliness after losing the one she loves.

Originally released by Tokiko Kato in 1984, the song was covered by Akina Nakamori in 1987 and performed at the 38th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

While her mind tells her to “give up,” her emotions overflow and drive her to want to chase after her beloved—feelings that Nakamori’s sultry vocals express to perfection.

The song won the Gold Prize at the 29th Japan Record Awards and topped the Oricon charts, achieving an astonishing 410,000 copies sold.

It has also inspired numerous covers by renowned artists such as Kaori Momoi and Tomomi Kahala.

A gem of a masterpiece to listen to alone, quietly, when heartbreak leaves you on the verge of breaking.

Let's start from goodbyeMotoharu Sano

Let's Start from Goodbye - Goodby Kara Hajimeyo / Motoharu Sano / cover by Hiroko Williams, sung by Hiroko Williams

A slow ballad with elegantly resonant strings that poignantly captures the moment of parting.

It’s said to be a song Motoharu Sano wrote and composed during his high school years.

The contrast between those who wave goodbye and the protagonist who cannot brings the lonely heart that struggles to accept the farewell vividly into focus.

Released in March 1983 as his 10th single, it was also included on the album No Damage, released in April of the same year.

Its steadily unfolding, lyrical melody quietly accompanies anyone who has experienced a departure or a goodbye, and is sure to evoke deep empathy.

Cactus FlowerTulip

Cactus Flower

A poignant love song themed around parting and renewal with a loved one.

Sparked by a small incident one day, the girlfriend storms out of the room; from there, the lyrics delicately depict the scene of the room left behind and the man’s inner feelings.

Gentle lines evoke everyday images—the snowy view from the window, a half-knitted glove, laundry—rising vividly to the mind.

Released in February 1975, this work is cherished by many fans as one of Tulip’s signature songs.

It drew renewed attention as the theme song for the 1993 TV drama “Under One Roof,” making it widely known among younger generations as well.

Its beautiful melody, conveying both the pain of heartbreak and a sense of hope, carries a universal message that resonates with the heart.

It’s the perfect song for looking back on a bygone romance or deepening your feelings for someone special.

Strawberry Statement, Once Againbang bang

Let's Do the 'Strawberry Statement' Once More

This song by Banban is a masterpiece that represents the folk movement of the 1970s.

It portrays tender yet bittersweet memories of youth, as the narrator looks back on a student-days romance, prompted by a rerelease of a film.

Many people can relate to the protagonist’s realistic, down-to-earth portrayal—where youthful ideals meet reality, and he chooses to cut his hair and take a job.

Released in August 1975, the song is also famous as the first piece ever written and provided by singer-songwriter Yumi Arai.

Banban’s harmonies blend beautifully with Arai’s lyrics and melody, and the song became a major hit, reaching No.

1 on the Oricon charts.

Beloved as a song that evokes nostalgia for youth, it’s also known for being easy to sing at karaoke.

I LOVE YOUYutaka Ozaki

[Official] Yutaka Ozaki “I LOVE YOU” (LIVE CORE IN TOKYO DOME 1988-09-12) [11th Single] YUTAKA OZAKI / I LOVE YOU

A gem-like love ballad depicting a heartrending romance between a young man and woman.

The burning emotions of the two lovers are expressed alongside delicate piano tones.

This work can be described as a piece in which Yutaka Ozaki’s signature delicate poetic expression is beautifully harmonized with universal themes.

Included on the December 1983 album “Seventeen’s Map,” it was later released as a single in March 1991.

It was also used as the image song for the film “Hot Road” and as a JR Tokai commercial song.

A moving ballad you’ll want to listen to alone on a quiet night.

Its simple melody line also makes it easy to sing at karaoke, perfect for conveying your feelings to someone special.

A Doll's HouseMieko Hirota

A Doll's House

A quintessential love song that symbolizes the Showa era, this is Mieko Hirota’s signature track, released in July 1969.

While harboring deep affection for her partner, the song portrays a woman who has lost sight of herself.

The protagonist likens herself to a doll and expresses her resolve to overcome lost love and rediscover who she is.

It topped the Oricon chart for three consecutive weeks and earned the Vocal Performance Award at the 11th Japan Record Awards.

Her powerful yet delicate voice beautifully conveys the song’s melodic and lyrical world.

Many artists across genres, including Megumi Asaoka and Hideaki Tokunaga, have covered it.

It’s a song that resonates when facing a farewell with someone dear or taking a step into a new chapter of life.

Rainy MidosujiOuyang Feifei

Stranger In Midoosuji

A gem of a love song set on Osaka’s iconic Midosuji, portraying a bittersweet romance drenched in rain amid the bustle of the city.

Fifi Ouyang’s powerful yet delicate vocals vividly capture the pain of heartbreak and lingering attachment.

Released in September 1971, the song spent nine consecutive weeks at No.

1 on the Oricon chart and won the New Artist Award at the 13th Japan Record Awards the same year.

With Japanese lyrics by Haruo Hayashi set to an instrumental originally released by the American rock band The Ventures, this piece perfectly blends a rock-tinged rhythm with a wistful melody.

Why not revisit cherished memories and savor this timeless classic that resonates deep in the heart?