Favorite J-Pop Singles: Matsu Takako / Kisses

Matsu Takako "Stay With Me"

Though I really loved Takako Matsu as an actress (in such fave dramas as Long Vacation and Hideyoshi), I wasn’t a big fan of her foray into singing, but there was one tune that I really, really adored from her, and it was actually the coupling song of her single “Stay With Me”, a sweet and gentle song called “Kisses”.

Matsu Takako c/w "Kisses"

Thinking back, there were a lot of actresses releasing J-pop songs  then, and indeed, even most of Takako’s leaned more towards the poppy, but Kisses was different, a simple piano-driven song that slowly swelled up into this lush, beautiful tune...

MAN, did I love this song-Takako’s soft voice singing of the way kisses intertwined through the romance of life- I remember listening to it on my walkman when I was riding the bus home, and getting goosebumps right there in the back, such tender and loving lyrics:

Arigatou no KISU o shita

Gomen ne no KISU shite "Ai shiteru"

Ohayou no KISU

Oyasumi no...soshite

Tadaima no KISU

Hajimete no KISU

Wakare no KISU

Watashitachi ikutsu kawasu darou

Hitotsu zutsu subete ga ai no uta

Motto motto kazoe kirenai kurai

Ippai no KISU wo shiyou yo

“Thank You” Kiss,

“I’m sorry” Kiss, “I Love You”.

“Good Morning!” Kiss,

“Good Night” and also “I’m Home” Kiss

First Kiss and Farewell Kiss

How many kisses will we exchange

One by one, together they’re a song of love

More and more, more and countless

We’ll have an overflowing of Kisses

Ack, I’m crying just typing up these lyrics, heh… *hides face* Love, Love this tune.

(Romanization by Cori-chan)

  Fast forward to 2013 and I hadn’t thought about Takako Matsu or her beautiful song in YEARS, and what do I come across on Youtube, but LIVE Concert Clips of Takako Matsu singing.. and she was performing Kisses!!! YATTA! Oh my GOSH, watching this brought tears to my eyes, it was such a sweet blast from the past!

MAN. still floors me til this day!
Posted by zdorama @ zdoramaagain.blogspot.com