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

As time goes byKenji Sawada

As time goes by

A gem of a ballad that depicts the wounded hearts of lonely men and women, gently wrapped in tender love.

The poignant lyrics about men and women burdened with exhausted hearts strike deep, and when combined with Kenji Sawada’s sultry vocals, they evoke profound emotion.

Released as an insert song for the drama “Akuma no Youna Aitsu,” which premiered in August 1975, this work became a major hit, topping the Oricon chart for five consecutive weeks.

The fusion of Yu Aku’s masterful lyrics and Katsuo Ohno’s lyrical melody produced a treasured classic that quietly stays by your side when you feel weary of life or uncertain about a relationship with someone dear.

Red Sweet PeaSeiko Matsuda

Seiko Matsuda “Red Sweet Pea” (from Seikoland: Budokan Live ’83)

This masterpiece, which poignantly and beautifully portrays the spring season when cherry blossoms bloom, was released in January 1982 as a single by Seiko Matsuda.

With Takashi Matsumoto’s delicate word choices and an unforgettable melody penned by Yumi Matsutoya under her pseudonym Kureta Keiko, the song superbly captures the changing seasons and the freshness of young love.

The vibrant voice of a 19-year-old delivers subtle psychological nuances and the fleeting scenes of romance with exquisite finesse, resonating deeply with listeners.

In 2009, it was also used as the CM song for Fujifilm’s skincare brand “ASTALIFT,” drawing attention when its memorable melody played in commercials featuring Miyuki Nakajima.

Its sweet-and-sour melody, evoking nostalgic memories and the arrival of spring, is a track you’ll want to hear when cherry blossoms are in the air.

First loveKozo Murashita

Kozo Murashita “Hatsukoi” Music Video

A bittersweet unrequited-love story that begins with a scene of early-summer rain.

Released as a single in February 1983, it was Kozo Murashita’s fifth release and became a major hit, reaching No.

3 on the Oricon charts.

It was also included on the album “Hatsukoi — Asaki Yume Mishi —,” and has since been covered by many artists, including Koji Tamaki and Hitomi Shimatani.

Filled with youthful memories that anyone who’s experienced unrequited love can relate to, this work invites you to quietly hum along on a calm night while thinking of someone dear.

The morning I had forgottenJunko Yamamoto

Wasurete Ita Asa

The July 1971 single by the folk group Akai Tori is like a mental landscape that gently reflects the youth of those days.

Skillfully blending the essences of folk and pop, Junko Yamamoto’s clear, translucent vocals and the beautiful harmonies soothe the listener’s heart.

Rofu Yamagami’s poetic lyrics quietly evoke memories of days gone by, while Kunihiko Murai’s melody tenderly accompanies them.

Included on the album Akai Tori II, this piece features a calm arrangement that conveys the freshness of a morning breeze.

It’s a recommended song for moments when you want to pause amid a busy life to reflect on yourself, or when you feel like immersing yourself in cherished memories.

Tears on My BirthdayHOUND DOG

Tears on My Birthday

Released in 1982 by HOUND DOG, this song resonated with many as a ballad about the end of a romance.

Carried by a powerful rock sound, it conveys the protagonist’s regret and lingering feelings.

The lyrics depicting a breakup are brought to life by Yasuhira Otomo’s emotionally rich vocals.

Put out by Sony Music, this track gently envelops the pain of heartbreak, turning unhealed wounds into cherished memories.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to on a quiet night, together with the memory of a love you still can’t forget.

I Love you,SAYONARAThe Checkers

The Checkers “I Love you, SAYONARA” (LIVE)

A gemlike ballad where wistfulness and warmth melt together.

Because they love each other, a man and woman choose to part for the other’s happiness—their deep affection seeps into the heart alongside an unforgettable saxophone melody.

Released by The Checkers in March 1987, the song quickly became famous as a SEIKO commercial tune.

It reached No.

2 on the Oricon Weekly chart and captured the No.

1 spot on The Best Ten.

This piece offers comfort to anyone who has experienced parting from someone dear.

The image of a man who deliberately says “I hate you” to initiate the breakup reveals a tender compassion at the heart of this gentle song.

And then I'm at a lossYoshiyuki Osawa

And then I'm at a loss

This eternal heartbreak song that captures the very moment of parting strikes the heart through Yoshiyuki Osawa’s husky voice.

The complex emotions and helplessness after a lover leaves the room are portrayed with delicate nuance.

Natsuo Giniro’s poetic lyrics blend beautifully with the sophisticated melody that incorporates elements of R&B.

Released in September 1984 and peaking at No.

6 on the Oricon weekly chart, the track was included on the album “CONFUSION” and also drew attention as a commercial song for Nissin Cup Noodles.

In 2023, a newly arranged version was used as the ending theme for the film “And Then I Drifted Away,” starring Taisuke Fujigaya, bringing the song to a new generation.

It’s a piece that resonates deeply with anyone who has experienced parting with someone dear.