From City Pop to Ballads!! Mariya Takeuchi’s Easy-to-Sing Songs
Mariya Takeuchi is a female singer-songwriter who has continued to release great songs for many years.
Thanks to the recent city pop boom, she’s become known not only among younger listeners but also around the world.
This time, we’ve picked out some of Mariya Takeuchi’s songs that are especially easy to sing.
We don’t just introduce the songs—we also explain concrete vocal techniques, so if you lack confidence in your singing, be sure to check it out.
From City Pop to Ballads!! Mariya Takeuchi’s Easy-to-Sing Songs (1–10)
Let's go homeMariya Takeuchi
Released in 1992 as her 21st single, this track was cut from Mariya Takeuchi’s album “Quiet Life,” which came out the same year.
Known for portraying women’s emotions in her lyrics, Takeuchi delivers here an adult love song that conveys not so much “romantic love” as the “love of family” shared by a long-married couple.
The song also features a distinctive West Coast–style band sound, highlighted by Tatsuro Yamashita’s 12-string guitar.
Why not try singing it in a bright, pop style?
Single AgainMariya Takeuchi
Released in 1989 as the 18th single, it was used as the theme song for the TV drama “Tuesday Suspense Theater.” The song portrays the wavering emotions of a woman who hears rumors that her ex-boyfriend, after marrying another woman, has divorced and become “single” again.
It has been covered by many artists, including Hideaki Tokunaga, Yasushi Nakanishi, and JUJU.
With a moderate tempo and manageable melodic range, its singability is one of its appeals, making it approachable even for karaoke beginners.
Once moreMariya Takeuchi
Released in 1984 as the artist’s 10th single, it became well known as the theme song for the hit TV drama “Kurenai-zoku no Hanran.” It was her first single in three years since the previous release.
While she had been active as a lyricist and composer during her marriage and childbirth, this work also marked her return as a singer.
The lyrics, which portray a woman’s delicate emotions, and the easy-to-sing melody are among the charms of Mariya Takeuchi’s music.
It’s no wonder that this song is sung by many people, from karaoke beginners to advanced singers.
Every day is special.Mariya Takeuchi
The 30th single, “Mainichi ga Special,” was selected as the 10th theme song for the morning information program Mezamashi TV.
It was also used in commercials for Sony’s Handycam and Kirin’s Wine Spritzer.
Its positive message—that our ordinary, everyday life is actually special—really resonates.
The finely rising and falling melody over a bouncy shuffle beat can be challenging, but because the key is low and the tune is easy to remember, it’s also recommended for karaoke.
It’s a catchy pop tune that brightens your mood just by singing it, so be sure to check it out.
Manhattan KissMariya Takeuchi
The 20th single, Manhattan Kiss, was newly written as the theme song for the film of the same name.
Its realistic lyrics depicting a forbidden love and the contrast with the sentimental ensemble leave a strong impression.
While the melody doesn’t move intricately and the vocal range isn’t wide, the key gradually rises toward the chorus, so be mindful of your pacing.
It’s a melancholic ballad that almost everyone has heard at least once—one you’ll want to sing at karaoke while visualizing the scenes.
stationMariya Takeuchi
Set to a minor key, this song paints a poignant scene of a woman who happens to catch sight of her former lover at a train station.
Originally written for Akina Nakamori, it was later self-covered by Mariya Takeuchi herself.
Rich with the essence of Showa-era kayōkyoku and set in a key that’s easy for anyone to sing, it’s friendly even for those who aren’t confident at karaoke.
As an aside, the heartrending sax solo by Hideshi Toki in the latter half of “Eki,” performed at Takeuchi’s first concert in 18 years in 2000, is also a must-hear.
Door of LifeMariya Takeuchi
The 35th single “Jinsei no Tobira,” released as a double A-side with “Chance no Maegami.” It was used in a Kyowa Hakko commercial and as the theme song for the TV drama “Musume no Kekkon.” The lyrics are lyrical, evoking the way the things you cherish increase as you grow older.
Although the vocal range is narrow and the tempo is relaxed, there’s a brief dip into the lower register that makes the pitch tricky; also take care not to go off-pitch when returning to the main melody.
With its pleasant triple meter and gentle ensemble, it’s a number I’d especially love listeners of that generation to sing while reflecting on their own lives.