Title: アルデバラン (Aldebaran)
Artist: AI (not short for Artificial Intelligence, but the singer’s name, pronounced “Ai” (as in “eye”).
Theme song of NHK’s popular morning drama series Come Come Everybody, a show I introduce in my book that had a life-changing impact on me.
Her soulful voice embraces us all, making us feel that, though each of us may be imperfect and fragile, a motherly presence is always by our side, caring for us with unconditional love.
The song begins with a gentle, melancholic melody and gradually builds into a gospel-like passion that uplifts our spirits toward the end.
Title: 君をのせて(Kimi o Nosete)
Performed by: SeanNorth
Lyrics: Hayao Miyazaki
Music: Joe Hisaishi
This is the theme song of “Laputa: Castle in the Sky (天空の城ラピュタ),” the first animated film produced by Studio Ghibli, directed by Hayao Miyazaki.
On YouTube, countless people, from professionals to amateurs, have covered this song, and I especially love the version created by SeanNorth, a Japanese four-member pop band.
With the voice of overwhelming purity that soothes the heart, and a nostalgic arrangement, it evokes the vast universe and the sense that we are a part of it. It is a masterpiece I wish the whole world could hear.
Title: Beautiful
Artist: Superfly
Superfly’s voice is not only powerful and beautiful, but the lyrics themselves carry a profound resonance.
Beautiful is an anthem of self-affirmation, encouraging us to follow the path we believe in, even if it’s a detour.
We may have flaws and many shortcomings, yet we are still perfectly fine. As long as we are breathing, we are alive—and that is enough.
There is no need to become someone else. The song powerfully urges us to love ourselves at our own pace and to become yourself—”the one and only shining light in the world.”
Title: かたちあるもの (Katachi Aru Mono)
Artist: Ko Shibasaki (柴咲コウ)
Ko Shibasaki’s voice and her presence in a red skirt are both captivating. The video also beautifully depicts classic Japanese summer scenes that evoke a sense of Shōwa-era nostalgia — a wooden veranda, wind chimes, goldfish, paper fans, watermelon, shōji screens, mosquito nets, and Japanese-style sparklers.
Enjoy the nostalgic visuals, too
Title: 夏の終わりのハーモニー (Natsu no Owari no Harmony / Harmony at the End of Summer)
Artists: Yosui Inoue & Koji Tamaki
Lyrics: Yosui Inoue
Music: Koji Tamaki
(Unofficial Video)
A collaboration between two of Japan’s finest vocalists, Yosui Inoue and Koji Tamaki. Released in 1986, it still touches people’s hearts just as deeply today.
Title: さくら(Sakura / Cherry Blossoms)
Artist: Naotaro Moriyama with Miyagi Third Girls’ High School Choir
Lyrics: Naotaro Moriyama, Kaito Okachiachi
Music: Naotaro Moriyama
(Unofficial Video)
Cherry blossoms are one of Japan’s iconic flowers—gentle, beautiful, and loved by everyone.
From late March to early April, the “sakura front” gradually moves northward across the country as the trees bloom in succession.
Since most Japanese schools begin in April, late March also marks the end of the school year—a season of farewells.
Thus, cherry blossoms not only signal the quiet excitement of spring’s arrival but also symbolize endings and new beginnings.
Although the video is unofficial, it beautifully captures various scenes of cherry blossoms across Japan, allowing viewers to fully appreciate their charm.
Title: さくら(Sakura / Cherry Blossoms)
Artist: Naotaro Moriyama
Though it is a full-version commercial by Otsuka Pharmaceutical for their balanced nutritional food, Calorie Mate, the video realistically portrays the lives of Japanese high school seniors during the COVID-19 pandemic.
It shows scenes of face masks, disinfectants, acrylic partitions, online classes, and students breaking down in tears when the cancellation of the summer baseball tournament is announced.
It captures not only their unspoken frustration but also their perseverance and the bonds they share with their teacher, who says, “The effort to keep going even when things don’t go well — that’s sokojikara (inner strength).”
Set to the gentle and beautiful song “Sakura” by Naotaro Moriyama (introduced above), the following narration touches our hearts:
“The year we fought against invisible things was also the year we were supported by the invisible.”