Song Introduction (Nagori Yuki)
Song Title: Nagori Yuki (Title meaning: Remaining Snow)
Artist: Iruka / Kaguyahime
Lyrics & Composition: Shōzō Ise
Label: PANAM (Nippon Crown)
Overview:
The song “Nagori Yuki” was originally included in Kaguyahime’s fourth album “Sankaidate no Uta,” released on March 12, 1974.
Later, on November 5, 1975, Iruka released a cover version as a single, which gradually gained popularity and became a massive hit, reaching number one on the Oricon charts.
Source of Article:
・Nagoriyuki -Wikipedia
・Iruka (singer) -Wikipedia
・Shōzō Ise -Wikipedia
Nagori Yuki
This song was created by Shozo Ise and became a hit when covered by Iruka.
The song’s lyrics depict a scene on a train platform where a man is seeing off his girlfriend who is leaving Tokyo.
“With your face pressed to the window of the train that has just started moving, you try to say something.”
“I looked down, afraid to see your lips form the words ‘goodbye.'”
Though it’s spring, snow flurries down on the platform, almost as if it’s mourning their farewell.
The song vividly brings to mind a bittersweet scene of youthful memories that everyone carries in their hearts.
It truly is a timeless masterpiece.
Song Video
- Iruka / Nagori Yuki (Single Mix) Official Audio
- Nagori Yuki (1976 Iruka Live Complete)
- Kaguyahime – Nagori Yuki (Official Audio)
- Iruka / Nagori Yuki (with Kosetsu Minami and Shozo Ise) from “Iruka with Friends Vol.10 (2014)”
Artist Introduction
Iruka
Artist: Iruka (Real Name: Toshie Kambe)
Date of Birth: December 3, 1950
Place of Birth: Nakano, Tokyo
Active Period: 1970 – Present
Official Website: Iruka Official Website
Artist Trails
Iruka is a renowned Japanese singer-songwriter and one of the iconic artists of the New Music scene from the 1970s to the 1980s.
One of her most famous songs is “Nagori Yuki,” originally written and composed by Shozo Ise, a member of the folk group Kaguyahime.
When Iruka released her version in 1975, it became a huge hit.
The song depicts a farewell scene that evokes the transition from winter to spring and has been loved across generations, becoming synonymous with Iruka herself.
Beyond her music career, Iruka is active in various fields, including appearances on television and radio, as well as writing essays.
Her essays candidly express her thoughts on everyday life, her feelings about music, and her love for nature, resonating with many readers.
Iruka’s gentle and warm voice provides comfort to many, and her songs carry a warmth that allows listeners to share in both joy and sorrow.
Kaguya-hime
Artist: Kaguya-hime (Second Generation: “Minami Kōsetsu and Kaguya-hime”)
Members:
Minami Kōsetsu (vocals & guitar), Shōzō Ise (vocals & guitar), Yamada Panda (vocals & bass)
Active Region: Japan
Active Period: 1971-1975
Official Site: Nippon Crown Introduction Page
Artist Trails
In September 1971, Kaguya-hime made a re-debut with the single “Seishun” (Youth) after their initial debut in 1970.
In March 1972, they released the single “Umi no Triton” as the theme song for a TV anime, performed by Rika Sudō and Minami Kōsetsu with Kaguya-hime.
In September 1973, they released the single “Kanda-gawa,” which eventually sold 1.6 million copies and became a major hit.
Although they were invited to perform at that year’s NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, they declined the invitation because the song mentioned a product name, “Kurepasu” (Craypas), and were asked to change it to “Crayon.”
The group disbanded after their final concert at Kanda Kyōritsu Kōdō in Tokyo on April 12, 1975.
Following the disbandment, Minami Kōsetsu and Yamada Panda continued their music careers as solo artists, while Masao Ise went on to form the folk duo “Kaze” and continued his musical activities.
Shōzō Ise
Artist: Shōzō Ise
Date of Birth: November 13, 1951
Place of Birth: Tsukumi City, Ōita Prefecture, Japan
Active Period: 1970s – Present
Official Website: ISE SHOZO OFFICIAL SITE
Artist Trails
Kōsetsu Minami, who was a senior in the music club at high school in Ōita Prefecture, had already formed the band Kaguya-hime in Tokyo.
Kōsetsu invited Shōzō Ise, who had just entered university, and added Yamada Panda to re-form Kaguya-hime.
“22-Sai no Wakare” was one of two songs created for Kaguya-hime’s album “Sankaidate no Uta” by Shōzō, with the other song being “Nagori Yuki”.
Although there were requests for a single release, it was not released under Kaguya-hime and was later released as a single by the band Kaze.
However, it was not included in Kaze’s album “Kaze First Album”.
Because Shōzō thought that this song was essentially a piece from the Kaguya-hime era, which is why it wasn’t included in the album.
For those who spent their youth during that time, “22-Sai no Wakare” might be seen as a symbol of their youth.
Truly, is it only me who finds that just listening to the acoustic guitar intro can bring tears?
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