Song Introduction (Eki)

Title: Eki (Title Meaning: Station)
Artist: Mariya Takeuchi / Akina Nakamori
Lyrics & Composition: Mariya Takeuchi
Label: MOON RECORDS (currently Warner Music Japan)
Overview:

The song was included in Akina Nakamori’s album “CRIMSON,” released on December 24, 1986.
Mariya Takeuchi later released a self-cover in her 7th album “REQUEST” on August 12, 1987.
She also released it as her 16th single “AFTER YEARS / Eki” on November 28 of the same year.

Source of Article:
Mariya Takeuchi – Wikipedia
Eki (Akina Nakamori’s Song) – Wikipedia

About the Song

This song was composed specifically for Akina Nakamori.

Upon receiving the request, Mariya Takeuchi spent a long time looking at a photo of Akina and thought, “A poignant love story would suit her atmosphere.”

She then wrote the song in a minor key, which was unusual for her, in one go.
Mariya herself mentioned that she wouldn’t have been able to write this song if it hadn’t been for Akina’s request.

The lyrics depict a woman who happens to see her old lover at a station.
Overcome with nostalgia, she wanted to call out to him, but she couldn’t find the words, as the bitter memories outweighed the nostalgic ones.

While watching him from the next train car, with his head down, she reflects on various emotions and begins to tear up.
Eventually, they both return to the people waiting for them, parting ways amidst the rush of the crowd.

I believe this is a masterpiece that evokes the bittersweetness of youth, something many people have probably experienced.

Am I the only one who tears up every time I listen to it?

Song Video

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Artist Introduction (Mariya Takeuchi)

Artist: Mariya Takeuchi
Birth: March 20, 1955
Hometown: Shimane Prefecture, Hikawa District, Taisha Town (now Taisha Town, Izumo City)
Official Site:Maria Takeuchi Office Web Site

Artist Trails

Mariya Takeuchi is a Japanese singer-songwriter, lyricist, composer, and music producer.

She was born as the third daughter of the family running the long-established “Takenoya Ryokan” inn near Izumo Taisha Shrine in Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture in Japan.

During high school, she studied abroad in the United States, where her encounter with music in a foreign land had a significant influence on her later musical career.

In 1973, Takeuchi entered Keio University, where she joined a music band club and began her journey into the music industry by serving as a backing vocalist for the band “PEOPLE,” led by Masamichi Sugi.

In 1978, at the age of 23, she made her debut with the single “Modotte-Oide Watashi no Jikan” and the album BEGINNING.

Her single SEPTEMBER, released in 1979, became one of her signature songs.

Her 1980 single “Fushigi na Peach Pie” became a big hit as the theme song for a Shiseido commercial.

During this time, despite feeling conflicted about being expected to perform as an idol,
her encounter with arranger Tatsuro Yamashita marked a significant turning point in both her musical career and personal life.

In 1982, she married Tatsuro Yamashita and, while reducing her media appearances, continued to produce many hit songs as a lyricist and composer.

In 1984, she released her sixth album, VARIETY, which became a major hit.
This album, for which she wrote all the lyrics and composed the music, marked a significant step forward, not just as a return to her career as a singer-songwriter.

Her 1987 album REQUEST included many self-covers of songs she had provided to other artists, featuring classic tracks like “Eki” and “AFTER YEARS.”

In 1989, her single “Single Again” became the theme song for the TV drama “Tuesday Suspense Theater“, and it was a huge hit.

Her 1992 album Quiet Life achieved million-seller status, and in 1994, her single “Junai Rhapsody” became her biggest hit.
The best album “Impressions”, released that same year, sold over 3 million copies, solidifying her position in the Japanese music scene.

Entering the 2000s, she expanded her activities further, holding her first full-scale live concert in about 18 years.

Her 2001 album Bon Appetit! and her 2003 cover album “Longtime Favorites” both reached number one on the Oricon charts, demonstrating the continued cross-generational appeal of her music.

In 2007, she released her first original album in six years, Denim, which also topped the Oricon charts.

In 2008, she celebrated her 30th anniversary since debut, and her music was re-evaluated in new forms, such as the jukebox musical Honki de Only You, which featured only her songs.

Her best album Expressions, released in October 2008, serves as a summary of her music career and continues to be cherished by many fans.

Even decades after her debut, Mariya Takeuchi continues to create timeless songs that resonate across generations, offering inspiration and emotion to a wide range of listeners through universal themes and melodies that transcend trends and eras.