sunsun Kawaii Japon

City Pop

  • Midori no Machi ni Maiorite (緑の町に舞い降りて) by Yumi Matsutoya: A Song Seen from an Airplane Window

    Some songs feel like looking out of an airplane window. “Midori no Machi ni Maiorite” (緑の町に舞い降りて) is one of them. It is a soft, sparkling song about the view from the sky as you come down toward a town.

    The song

    This song is on the 1979 album “Kanashii hodo Otenki” (悲しいほどお天気) by Yumi Matsutoya (松任谷由実), also known as “Yuming.” She wrote both the words and the music herself.

    The song begins with a view from an airplane window, and it carries the light, open feeling of spring and early summer. It is a gentle song, and the scenery seems to open up as it goes along.

    Why I chose it

    This is a song from the late 70s, and its stylish, airy sound belongs to the world of what people now call “city pop.” If you enjoyed “Chuo Freeway,” I think you will love this one too.

    What I remember

    I love the sound of the name “Morioka” in this song. Every time it comes, it stays in my heart. I have always loved airplanes, so the view from the window, with the shadows of the plane and the clouds, is something I enjoy imagining.

    The lyrics say that the name sounds like the Russian language. That image stayed with me, and I used to wonder, “Does it really sound like that?” Whenever I hear the song, I say the name quietly to myself and listen again.

    Airplanes parked at an airport terminal under a wide cloudy sky, seen across a quiet runway
    Looking out over the airport under a wide sky. Photo: Segaijin

    A few years ago, The New York Times placed Morioka second on its list of 52 places to go in 2023, just after London. When I read the news, I felt so happy, as if a place I had loved quietly for a long time had finally been found by the world. (Source: Unseen Japan)

    Listen

    Also on YouTube Music (official, 2022 mix)

    If you would like to hold the album in your hands, CDJapan ships the CD worldwide (affiliate link).

    Is there a song from the 80s you would like me to cover next? Tell me in the comments.

  • Chuo Freeway (中央フリーウェイ) by Yumi Arai: A Night Drive Song That Feels Like a Runway to the Stars

    Some songs make an ordinary road feel like a story. “Chuo Freeway” (中央フリーウェイ) is one of them. It is a gentle, sparkling song about driving, and it still feels fresh today.

    The song

    “Chuo Freeway” was released on November 20, 1976, on the album “The 14th Moon” (14番目の月). At that time the singer used her maiden name, Yumi Arai (荒井由実). Today many people know her as Yumi Matsutoya (松任谷由実), or simply “Yuming.” She wrote both the words and the music herself.

    The song paints a picture of a drive along a highway, with the scenery passing by on both sides. It is said that she drew on views she had seen many times while growing up. It was never released as a single, but it has become one of her best-loved songs, and people still choose it as a favorite song for driving.

    Why I chose it

    This song is part of the roots of what people now call “city pop.” The sound is light and stylish, and it carries the quiet, sparkling mood of a city at night. If you love city pop, I hope you will enjoy listening to where that feeling began.

    What I remember

    When I drove past the racecourse, I often played this song. The calm, sparkling mood of the music fit the scenery so well. I would listen quietly and gaze at the view, and I felt as if I had become a shooting star.

    The song describes the road as if it were a runway stretching into the night sky. I have always loved airplanes, so this image stayed in my heart. As I listened, I felt as if the road and the sky were connected.

    A long airport runway stretching straight toward the horizon under a wide blue sky
    It is not a night sky, but a runway stretching toward the sky, just like in the song. Photo: Segaijin

    I also love the opening of this song. Even now, when I hear it, it feels bright and gentle, and it takes me right back to the road.

    Listen

    The original recording by Yumi Arai: Spotify / YouTube Music (official)

    The same song, a different color

    A good song can be sung by many voices, and each one gives it a new feeling.

    With Miki Imai (2013): her version feels different. Her voice is pure and crystal clear, like clean, fresh air. Listen on Spotify

    It makes me happy to see a Showa song still loved by new generations.

    You can also find this song on the album “The 14th Moon” (CDJapan, affiliate link):

    Is there a song from the 80s you would like me to cover next? Tell me in the comments.