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  • Ashita no Joe (あしたのジョー) by Isao Bito (Lyrics: Shuji Terayama, Music: Masao Yagi): A Song of Getting Back Up

    Some songs carry the spirit of a whole era. "Ashita no Joe" (あしたのジョー), which means "Tomorrow’s Joe," is one of them for me.

    Recently, we heard the sad news that Tetsuya Chiba, the manga artist who drew "Ashita no Joe," passed away at the age of 87. While listening to this song again, I would like to say thank you to him.

    The song

    This was the theme song of the "Ashita no Joe" anime, which began in 1970. It was sung by Isao Bito. The lyrics were written by Shuji Terayama, a famous poet and playwright, and the music was composed by Masao Yagi. The original manga was written by Asao Takamori and drawn by Tetsuya Chiba.

    The manga is now loved around the world, too. An English edition came out in 2024, and it has received awards in the United States.

    What I remember

    I remember this song and the anime very well. Even as a child, I felt something deep in the story. Joe and his rival, Rikiishi, kept getting up again and again, no matter how hard they were hit. From them, I learned what it means to keep going and never give up.

    I also remember Joe’s coach, Danpei Tange. As a child, I felt a warm fondness for him, and I remember thinking, “What a good man!” This anime was the first time I ever learned about boxing.

    Memories from the Showa era are slowly becoming legends, one by one. I still love these songs today. Today is a good time, too, but that era was also a truly special time, full of things that shined.

    Listen

    Isao Bito on CD

    “Golden Best Isao Bito”, a best album with this song, is available from CDJapan, which ships worldwide (affiliate link):

    Is there an anime or a song that made you stronger as a child? I would love to hear about it.

    Thank you for listening with me. I hope this song stays in your heart, too.

  • How to Get Ghibli Park Tickets: A Gentle Guide for Visitors Who Find Booking Hard (2026)

    Ghibli Park is one of the most popular places for visitors to Japan right now. But many people tell me the same thing: getting tickets is not easy. To be honest, I am not good at this kind of ticket booking either. So I made this gentle guide for everyone who feels the same way.

    I have not visited Ghibli Park myself yet. This guide is based on the official information, and I will add my own photos and stories when I go someday.

    Where is Ghibli Park?

    Ghibli Park is in Nagakute, Aichi, not far from Nagoya. It is inside a large public park called the Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park, also known as Moricoro Park.

    The most important thing: book ahead

    • You cannot buy tickets at the park entrance. You must book in advance.
    • Tickets for each month go on sale two months before, on the 10th at 2:00 p.m. Japan time. For example, tickets for January 2027 go on sale on November 10, 2026.
    • Popular dates can sell out quickly, so it is a good idea to be ready a little before 2:00 p.m.
    • For overseas visitors, the official website lists Lawson Ticket and Klook as places to buy tickets online.
    • Each ticket type can be bought once a month, with up to six tickets at a time.

    Ticket types and prices

    There are two main passes. Prices are for adults, including tax (a small service charge is added when the ticket is issued):

    • Premium Day Pass: all five areas, 7,300 yen on weekdays and 7,800 yen on weekends and holidays.
    • Standard Day Pass: three areas, 3,300 yen on weekdays and 3,800 yen on weekends and holidays.

    Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse also needs a timed entry reservation. Please check the official website for the latest details before you book.

    Not good at booking? Try a tour

    If, like me, you find ticket booking stressful, a tour with a ticket included can be much easier. You do not need to wait for the sale time.

    Tip: please book on the Klook website through these links, not in the app, so that everything goes smoothly.

    No ticket? You can still enjoy the park

    Moricoro Park itself is open to everyone, even without a Ghibli Park ticket. You can walk the paths around the park, visit the Elevator Tower near the North Gate, ride the big Ferris wheel, and find official Ghibli Park goods at the Lawson convenience store near the north entrance.

    Nearby, you can also visit the Toyota Automobile Museum, the pottery town of Seto, or the old streets of Asuke.

    Are you planning to visit Ghibli Park? I hope your booking goes smoothly.

    Thank you for reading, and I hope you have a wonderful trip to Japan.

  • September by Mariya Takeuchi (Lyrics: Takashi Matsumoto, Music: Tetsuji Hayashi): My Favorite Song for Autumn

    September by Mariya Takeuchi (Lyrics: Takashi Matsumoto, Music: Tetsuji Hayashi): My Favorite Song for Autumn

    Autumn is my favorite season, and when the air starts to cool, there is one song I always want to hear. "September" by Mariya Takeuchi might be my very favorite song of all. When I think of Mariya Takeuchi, this is the song!

    Pink cosmos flower in autumn, September by Mariya Takeuchi
    Cosmos in early autumn. Photo: Segaijin

    The song

    "September" came out in 1979. The lyrics were written by Takashi Matsumoto, and the music was composed and arranged by Tetsuji Hayashi. Yes, the same Tetsuji Hayashi who composed "Mayonaka no Door" and "Kanashimi ga Tomaranai." It is a gentle, bittersweet song about the end of summer and the beginning of autumn.

    What I feel

    Today, many people around the world know Mariya Takeuchi for "Plastic Love," and I love that song too. But for me, "September" is the one that stays closest to my heart. Maybe it is because I love autumn so much.

    I am a little late, since September has already passed. But autumn is still here, and I think this song is perfect for these cool, clear days.

    My favorite part is the moment she says she will give back the dictionary she borrowed. It is such a small, everyday thing, but it tells you so much. The summer love is ending, quietly, with one little book. I love how Takashi Matsumoto can say so much with so few words.

    Listen

    You can also watch a live performance on her official YouTube channel:

    Mariya Takeuchi on CD

    "Expressions" is a best album that includes "September." CDJapan ships worldwide (affiliate link):

    Do you have a song that feels like autumn to you? I would love to know.

    Thank you for listening with me. I hope this song stays in your heart, too.

  • Fantasy (FANTASY) by Meiko Nakahara (Words & Music: Meiko Nakahara): The City Pop Song That Made the Internet Dance

    Have you seen the funny videos where people dance with their cats to a bright Japanese song? That song is "Fantasy" by Meiko Nakahara.

    The song

    Meiko Nakahara wrote both the words and the music herself. The song appears on her 1982 album "2-ji made no Cinderella -FRIDAY MAGIC-", released in the same year as her debut. It has a light, dancing groove and a sweet voice that feels like a Friday night in the city.

    Many years later, the song found a new life online, and now people all over the world are enjoying it again.

    What I feel

    To be honest, I do not remember this song from back then. I found it again only recently. But the first time I listened, I was surprised. Her voice is so clear and light, almost see-through, and the rhythm is wonderful. It made me want to move right away.

    It is another song I am getting to know together with the world, and I am so happy I found it.

    Listen

    You can also listen on YouTube (official audio):

    Meiko Nakahara on CD

    “2-ji Made no Cinderella -FRIDAY MAGIC-“, the album with this song, is available from CDJapan, which ships worldwide (affiliate link):

    Does this song make you want to dance, too? I would love to know.

    Thank you for listening with me. I hope this song stays in your heart, too.

  • Kimi wa Tennenshoku (君は天然色) by Eiichi Ohtaki (Lyrics: Takashi Matsumoto, Music: Eiichi Ohtaki): A Song Full of Color

    Some songs feel like sunshine. "Kimi wa Tennenshoku" (君は天然色), which means something like "You Are in Natural Color," is one of them.

    The song

    Eiichi Ohtaki released this song on March 21, 1981, together with his album "A Long Vacation." The lyrics were written by Takashi Matsumoto, and the music was composed by Ohtaki himself. The album sold over a million copies, and its bright cover art by Hiroshi Nagai is still loved today.

    Behind the bright sound, there is a gentle story. Matsumoto has said that he wrote these words after a time of deep sadness, when the world looked colorless to him. The song asks for color to come back. Knowing this, I hear it a little differently now.

    What I remember

    What I remember most is the very beginning. The song opens with a word about lips, and that first line always caught my ear. The sound felt so urban and modern to me. In casual Japanese, we might say it is "osshare," which means stylish and cool.

    Recently, I read the lyrics again carefully, and I laughed. Back then, I was humming along without really knowing the words at all. I simply loved the feeling of the song.

    There is one word in the song I did not understand for many years: "dinghy," a small sailboat. To me, it just sounded like summer.

    Listen

    You can also watch the official music video on YouTube:

    Eiichi Ohtaki on CD

    “A Long Vacation”, the album with this song, is available from CDJapan, which ships worldwide (affiliate link):

    Is there a song that brings color back to your day? I would love to hear about it.

    Thank you for listening with me. I hope this song stays in your heart, too.

  • Tokyo Night View from Roppongi Hills: Tokyo City View at Sunset

    Have you ever watched Tokyo slowly change from day to night? From the top of Roppongi Hills, I watched the blue sky fade and the city lights begin to sparkle, one by one. It was one of those quiet, magical moments that stays in my heart.

    Where is it?

    Tokyo City View is an indoor observation deck on the 52nd floor of Mori Tower at Roppongi Hills. The Mori Art Museum is right above it, on the 53rd floor, so you can enjoy art and a wide view of Tokyo in one visit.

    From the windows, you can see the city stretching out in every direction. On a clear day, you may even spot Tokyo Tower, the skyscrapers of Shinjuku, and sometimes Mt. Fuji far away.

    My tip: go just before sunset

    If you can, plan to arrive about 30 minutes before sunset. You will see the city in daylight, then the soft colors of the evening sky, and finally the sparkling night view. Three views for one ticket!

    Here is the short video I took that evening. You can watch the sky change color over Tokyo:

    Tickets

    • Just the observation deck? You can book a Tokyo City View ticket online in advance. Book Tokyo City View tickets on Klook (affiliate link). Please note this ticket does not include the Mori Art Museum.
    • Want to see the art too? Please check the Mori Art Museum official website for the current exhibition and tickets.
    • Sky Deck: There is also an open-air rooftop deck, which needs an extra fee at the counter. It may close in bad weather.

    Opening hours can change with exhibitions and events, so please check the official website before your visit.

    A lovely evening in Roppongi

    After the view, Roppongi Hills has many restaurants and shops, so it is easy to stay for dinner. It is a gentle, grown-up way to spend an evening in Tokyo.

    Thank you for reading. I hope you get to see Tokyo sparkle, too!

  • JR Pass or Single Shinkansen Tickets? A Former Tour Conductor’s Simple Guide (2026)

    JR Pass or Single Shinkansen Tickets? A Former Tour Conductor’s Simple Guide (2026)

    Riding the Shinkansen, Japan’s bullet train, is a dream for many visitors. But before your trip, you may wonder: should I buy a JR Pass, or just buy single tickets? As a former tour conductor, I would like to share a simple way to decide.

    Tokaido Shinkansen waiting at a Tokyo Station platform
    A Shinkansen waiting at Tokyo Station. Photo: Segaijin

    The quick answer

    • Just Tokyo and Osaka (round trip)? Single tickets are usually cheaper.
    • Traveling a lot in one week? For example Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, and back. Then the JR Pass may be worth it.

    Single tickets

    A reserved one-way ticket on the fastest train, the Nozomi, from Tokyo to Shin-Osaka costs about 14,700 yen and takes about two and a half hours. A round trip is about 29,000 to 30,000 yen.

    Non-reserved car 3 of a Tokaido Shinkansen at Tokyo Station
    Car 3 is a non-reserved car. Look for the sign by the door. Photo: Segaijin

    You can book single Shinkansen tickets online in English. On the Tokaido Shinkansen between Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto, and Shin-Osaka, you can even go through the gate with a QR code.

    Book Shinkansen tickets on Klook (affiliate link)

    The JR Pass

    The JR Pass lets you ride most JR trains, including the Shinkansen, as much as you like. From October 1, 2026, the 7-day ordinary pass costs 53,000 yen for adults.

    One important thing: the JR Pass does not cover the fastest Nozomi trains by itself. To ride a Nozomi between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka, you pay an extra supplement of about 4,960 yen. With the pass, you can take the Hikari or Kodama trains instead.

    Check the 7-day JR Pass on Klook (affiliate link)

    Tip: please book on the Klook website through these links, not in the app, so that everything goes smoothly.

    My favorite: the slow Kodama

    Here is a little secret from me. I get a bit tired when everything goes too fast. Of course, I take the Nozomi when I am in a hurry. But I really love the Kodama, the train that stops at every station.

    The Kodama stops at small stations like Mishima and Fuji, so the trip feels slow and relaxed, almost like sightseeing. At some stations, you can even step off onto the platform for a moment. Between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka, it takes about three hours and fifty minutes. If you have time, I think it is a lovely way to enjoy the journey itself.

    A seat with a view of Mt. Fuji

    When you travel from Tokyo toward Osaka, Mt. Fuji appears on the right side of the train. In the ordinary car, try to choose a window seat E. On a clear day, it is a view you will never forget.

    From Tokyo Station

    This photo was taken at Tokyo Station, where the Tokaido Shinkansen starts. The trains leave so often, and they are always right on time.

    Are you planning to ride the Shinkansen? I hope you have a wonderful journey.

    Thank you for reading, and I hope you have a wonderful trip to Japan.

  • Kanashimi ga Tomaranai (悲しみがとまらない) by Anri (Lyrics: Chinfa Kan, Music: Tetsuji Hayashi): The City Pop Song the World Can’t Stop Playing

    If you have ever watched a video about life in Japan, you may have heard this song in the background. "Kanashimi ga Tomaranai" (悲しみがとまらない), also known as "I Can’t Stop the Loneliness," is one of Anri’s best-loved songs.

    The song

    The lyrics were written by Chinfa Kan, and the music was composed by Tetsuji Hayashi, who also wrote "Mayonaka no Door ~Stay With Me." It appears on Anri’s 1983 album "Timely!!". The title sounds sad, but the sound is bright and dancing, and that mix is what makes it so special.

    Today it is often used in short videos about cafes, food, and everyday life in Japan. In a popular YouTube ranking of city pop songs made by people from abroad, it was chosen as one of the top five.

    What I remember

    Of course, I knew this song very well back then. But I often wondered, "Why is such a sad song so popular?" Maybe it is the rhythm. It makes you want to move, even when the story is sad.

    Now that I am older, I understand the words a little better. The song tells a tense, dramatic story about two women and one man, and I can almost feel the sparks between them. Back then, I did not really understand all of that. I was simply enjoying the mood of the song, just like many listeners around the world who do not speak Japanese enjoy it today.

    Listen

    You can also listen on YouTube (official):

    Anri on CD

    "Timely!!", the album with this song, is available from CDJapan, which ships worldwide (affiliate link):

    Where did you first hear this song? I would love to know.

    Thank you for listening with me. I hope this song stays in your heart, too.

  • Tasogare no Bay City (黄昏のBAY CITY) by Junko Yagami (Words & Music: Junko Yagami): A City Pop Song I Found Later

    Some songs find you later in life. "Tasogare no Bay City" (黄昏のBAY CITY), which means "Bay City at Twilight," is one of those songs for me.

    The song

    Junko Yagami released this song as a single on November 21, 1983. She wrote both the words and the music herself. Her voice is strong and clear, and it shines over a bright, dancing city pop sound, like the lights of a harbor town just after sunset.

    Today, people all over the world are listening to it again. In a popular YouTube video where people from abroad ranked their favorite city pop songs, it came in second. I also heard that it has been sampled by many artists, and you can even find a remix by Night Tempo.

    What I feel

    To be honest, I do not remember hearing this song back then. But I have always loved Junko Yagami. I already wrote about her song Purple Town here on this blog, and her voice still stays in my heart.

    So this time, I am listening to her song for the first time, together with the world. It feels new and familiar at the same time, and that is a little magical.

    Listen

    You can also listen on YouTube (official audio):

    Junko Yagami on CD

    This album does not include "Tasogare no Bay City," but it gathers her best-loved songs, such as "Mizuiro no Ame" and "Purple Town." CDJapan ships worldwide (affiliate link):

    Is there a song that you found only many years later? I would love to know.

    Thank you for listening with me. I hope this song stays in your heart, too.

  • Mayonaka no Door ~Stay With Me (真夜中のドア) by Miki Matsubara (Lyrics: Noriko Miura, Music: Tetsuji Hayashi): A Song the World Found Again

    You may already know this one. "Mayonaka no Door ~Stay With Me" (真夜中のドア) by Miki Matsubara is a Japanese city pop song from 1979, and these days people all over the world are listening to it again.

    To be honest, I did not remember it well. I did not remember hearing Miki Matsubara sing it back then, either. So this time, I am listening along with the world. And somehow, the melody felt familiar. It stayed quietly somewhere in my heart.

    The song

    The lyrics were written by Noriko Miura, and the music was composed by Tetsuji Hayashi. Miki Matsubara was only 19 when she sang it. Her voice is calm and a little mysterious, like a night when you cannot quite sleep.

    You can also listen on YouTube (official audio):

    Listening again now, I think the melody is truly beautiful. And there is a low sound moving under the music that is so cool. I think it might be the bass. The tempo feels so comfortable, too. Maybe this is what people all over the world love about this song.

    A good song stays

    Songs from the Showa era were made by wonderful professionals, and I think that is why we can still sing them today. Maybe good songs are like fashion. They go away for a while, and then they come around again.

    Do you have a song that came back to you after many years? I would love to hear about it in the comments.