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):
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!
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):
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):
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):
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):
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):
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.
Some songs wait quietly for years, and then find a whole new audience. “Watashi wa Piano” (私はピアノ) by Mizue Takada (高田みづえ) is one of them. It was a big hit in 1980, and this summer it came back into the spotlight in a way that touched many people.
About the song
“Watashi wa Piano” was written and composed by Keisuke Kuwata (桑田佳祐) of Southern All Stars. The band first recorded it on an album in March 1980, with keyboardist Yuko Hara singing the lead. Mizue Takada then recorded her own version, which became the best-known one. It reached No. 5 on the Oricon singles chart, and her record label says it sold about 490,000 copies.
Mizue Takada debuted in 1977 as a young idol singer, and she stepped away from show business in 1985. For many years, fans only had her records to remember her by.
Why it is in the news again
On August 25, 2026, she appeared on NHK’s music program “Utakon” for a special one-night comeback and sang this song and her debut single “Garasu Zaka” (硝子坂). According to her record label, the performance video was watched more than 3 million times on YouTube in the first week, and “Watashi wa Piano” went back into the digital download rankings. It is a lovely reminder that a good song can wait a long time and still reach people.
What I remember
I loved this song back then. Her voice sounded a little sad to me, and the melody felt so beautiful and gentle. I was too young to understand such deep feelings at that time, but the sadness in the music stayed with me.
The song also mentions two musicians, Larry Carlton and Billy Joel. I remember wondering who Larry Carlton was, and I came to love Billy Joel’s songs later on. A song can open a little door to other music, and this one did that for me.
It was only later that I learned it was a Southern All Stars song first. Now, when I read the words slowly, I feel how much deep emotion is inside them. Mr. Kuwata is truly a genius.
Listen
You can also listen on YouTube (official audio):
The soft piano and her clear voice make it a nice song for a quiet evening, perhaps with a cup of tea. If you have never heard it, I would love for you to try it once.
I also love “Garasu Zaka,” and I would like to share it with you another day. Is there a song from long ago that suddenly came back into your life? Thank you for listening with me. I hope this song stays in your heart for a while.
A shopping street that food lovers adore — and one that is always a joy to visit.
How to Get There
Take the Tsukuba Express to Asakusa Station, then follow the yellow signs to Exit A2. You’ll see “For Kappabashi Kitchenware Town” written in English, Japanese, Chinese, and Korean right on the floor.
From Exit A2, it’s a 7-minute walk. You can’t miss it.
つくばエクスプレス浅草駅A2出口を出て徒歩7分。床の黄色いサインが目印。
What Makes Kappabashi Special
Kappabashi — locals call it Kappa-bashi Dougu-gai — is a 170-meter street packed with over 170 shops selling professional-grade kitchen tools. Chefs from all over Japan shop here. And now, so can you.
Japanese knives are world-famous — and Kappabashi is where you buy them.
You’ll find everything from traditional shops with wooden displays of hand-crafted blades to sleek modern stores like ZAKU Knives, where the design feels more like a concept store than a kitchen shop.
Prices range from ¥4,100 for a basic knife to tens of thousands for professional chef’s knives. Labels are in both Japanese and English.
This is the detail most visitors miss — and the one they’ll remember forever.
Several shops on Kappabashi offer free name engraving on kitchen knives, completed the same day. You can walk out with a personalized Japanese knife in your hands within minutes.
Look for the sign: “Engraving a name — Free Charge. Today you can take out.”
It makes the perfect gift. Or keep it for yourself.
Kappabashi isn’t only about knives. Look out for shops like Soil, which carries handmade ceramics from regions across Japan — Hasami-yaki from Nagasaki, Mashiko-yaki from Tochigi, Yachimunn from Okinawa.
Each piece tells a story of Japanese craftsmanship. Prices are reasonable, and the display cases are beautiful enough to photograph.
包丁だけじゃない。波佐見焼・益子焼・やちむんなど全国の焼き物も揃う。
Tips for Foreign Visitors
Knives in checked luggage only — you cannot bring them in carry-on bags on flights
Most shops are open 10am–5pm, closed on Sundays
Cash and IC cards are accepted at most shops; some accept credit cards
The street is uncrowded on weekday mornings — the best time to visit
Have you been to Kappabashi? What did you buy? Let me know in the comments.
📖 Learn More: The World of Japanese Knives
Fascinated by Japanese knives? This beautifully illustrated book dives deep into the craft, culture, and history behind Japan’s legendary blades — perfect reading before or after your Kappabashi visit! 👉 The Anatomy of a Japanese Knife (Amazon)
Japan is famous for many things — cherry blossoms, sushi, and bullet trains. But there’s one liquid treasure that most foreigners leave Japan without truly understanding: sake (日本酒).
As a certified International Kikisake-shi (国際唎酒師) — Japan’s official sake sommelier qualification — and a wine sommelier with 15 years of experience as a tour guide, I’ve introduced sake to thousands of visitors from around the world.
This is the guide I wish every foreigner had before their first sip.
1. What Is Sake? 🍶
Sake is a Japanese alcoholic beverage brewed from fermented rice. Despite often being called “rice wine,” the brewing process is actually closer to beer — enzymes convert starches into sugars, which then ferment into alcohol.
Sake typically contains 15–16% alcohol — stronger than wine but usually drunk in smaller quantities.
It has been part of Japanese culture for over 2,000 years, used in religious ceremonies, celebrations, and everyday dining.
2. The 4 Main Types of Sake You Need to Know
Type
Rice Polishing
Flavor
Best For
Junmai (純米)
No requirement
Rich, full-bodied
Food pairing
Ginjo (吟醸)
60% or less
Fruity, light
Beginners
Daiginjo (大吟醸)
50% or less
Elegant, complex
Special occasions
Honjozo (本醸造)
70% or less
Smooth, easy-drinking
Everyday drinking
Pro tip from your sake sommelier: Start with Ginjo — it’s approachable, fruity, and easy to love for first-timers.
3. How to Taste Sake Like a Professional 👃
Follow these steps at any sake tasting:
Step 1 — Look: Hold the glass up to light. Good sake is clear and bright, sometimes with a light golden hue.
Step 2 — Smell: Gently swirl and nose the glass. Notice fruity aromas (apple, pear, melon) or more earthy, umami-rich notes.
Step 3 — Sip: Take a small sip and let it coat your tongue. Notice:
Sweetness vs. dryness (amakuchi vs. karakuchi)
Acidity
Umami depth
Finish length
Step 4 — Pair: Notice how the sake changes when eaten with food. This is where sake truly shines.
4. Hot or Cold? The Temperature Question
One of the most common questions from foreigners:
Temperature
Name
Type
Chilled (5–10°C)
Reishu (冷酒)
Fruity Ginjo/Daiginjo
Room temp (20°C)
Hiya (冷や)
Junmai
Warm (40–50°C)
Atsukan (熱燗)
Honjozo, Junmai
My recommendation: Premium sake (Ginjo, Daiginjo) is best enjoyed chilled. Everyday sake can be warmed for a cozy experience — especially in winter.
5. How to Read a Sake Label
Don’t be intimidated by Japanese labels! Here are the key words:
純米 (Junmai) — made with only rice, water, yeast
吟醸 (Ginjo) — premium grade
大吟醸 (Daiginjo) — super premium
辛口 (Karakuchi) — dry
甘口 (Amakuchi) — sweet
精米歩合 (Seimaibuai) — rice polishing ratio (lower = more premium)
6. Sake and Food Pairing 🍣
Sake’s secret power is its versatility with food:
Sushi & sashimi → Light Ginjo (complements without overpowering)
Hakkaisan Ginjo (八海山 吟醸) — Reliable, clean, widely available
Kubota Manju (久保田 万寿) — Elegant and complex, perfect as a gift
まとめ / Final Thoughts
Sake is not just a drink — it’s a window into Japanese culture, craftsmanship, and the seasons.
Whether you’re visiting Japan for the first time or ordering sake at a restaurant abroad, I hope this guide gives you the confidence to explore and enjoy.
Kanpai! 乾杯 🍶
Bring Sake Culture Home
Want to start your own sake journey? Here are my sommelier-approved picks, all available on Amazon Japan with international shipping options:
As a Certified International Kikisake-shi, these are tools and bottles I genuinely recommend for anyone exploring the world of Japanese sake.
🇯🇵 日本語まとめ — 国際唎酒師が教える日本酒入門
外国人に日本酒の魅力を伝えるための基本ガイドです！
日本酒はお米から作る醸造酒。ビールに近い製法
種類は4つ：純米・吟醸・大吟醸・本醸造
初心者には吟醸がおすすめ — フルーティーで飲みやすい
温度で味が変わる：高級酒は冷やして・普通酒は燗もOK
ラベルの「辛口・甘口・精米歩合」を覚えると選びやすい
料理との相性抜群 — 特に寿司・刺身・チーズ
デパートや専門店で質の高い日本酒が買える
ネット通販でも購入可能（海外配送あり）
注いでもらう時は両手でカップを持つのがマナー
「乾杯！」で始まる日本酒体験を楽しんでください 🍶
この記事を書いたのは国際唎酒師＆ソムリエ資格保持者のJinです。
📚 Want to Become a Sake Expert?
Ready to go deeper into the world of Japanese sake? This comprehensive guide covers everything from how sake is made to how to taste and pair it — written for English speakers exploring Japan’s favorite drink. 👉 The Japanese Sake Bible (Amazon)
