A song, a TV drama, and a warm-hearted actor.
The song
“Moshimo Piano ga Hiketanara” (もしもピアノが弾けたなら) was sung by the actor Toshiyuki Nishida and released on April 1, 1981. It began as an insert song in the second series of the TV drama “Ikenaka Genta 80 Kilo.” At first it was the B-side of the drama’s theme song, “Ii Yume Miroyo.” But viewers loved it so much that it became the theme song instead, and the two sides of the record were swapped.
The lyrics were written by Yu Aku, and the music was composed and arranged by Koichi Sakata.
What I remember
When I think of this song, I think of the drama. It started airing on Nippon TV in 1980, with Mr. Nishida in the leading role. Kaoru Sugita was in it too, playing his daughter. To be honest, I don’t remember much of the story anymore. But I do remember how fresh it felt, even as a child, to hear an actor singing the theme song. I remember thinking, “Wow, he can sing, too!”
And I have always loved the piano introduction. Its gentle notes still stay in my heart.
That drama was also where I first got to know Mr. Nishida. Later, when I was a little older, I saw him in the “Tsuribaka Nisshi” (Free and Easy) film series, where he played the lovable Hama-chan. That was when I thought, “What a truly warm person he is.” I still remember that feeling.
The film series began in 1988 and ran for 22 films, until 2009.
Listen
Also on YouTube Music: Moshimo Piano ga Hiketanara (もしもピアノが弾けたなら) by Toshiyuki Nishida
You can find this song on this album (CDJapan, affiliate link):
If you would like to know more about Mr. Nishida, here is a book by him (CDJapan, affiliate link):
Is there a song from the 80s you would like me to cover next? Tell me in the comments.