Song Introduction (Emerald no Densetsu)

Song Title: Emerald no Densetsu (Title meaning: The Legend of the Emerald)
Artist: The Tempters
Lyricist: Rei Nakanishi
Composer: Kunihiko Murai
Arranger: Makoto Kawaguchi
Record Label: Philips Records / Nippon Victor
Overview:

“Emerald no Densetsu” is the third single by The Tempters, released on June 15, 1968.
It achieved the number one spot on the Oricon charts in Japan.

Source of Article:
The Legend of the Emerald – Wikipedia
Source of Picture:
Kenichi Hagiwara – Wikipedia

About the Song

The songs by The Tempters were traditionally composed by their leader, Yoshiharu Matsuzaki.
However, “Emerald no Densetsu” was crafted by professional writers.

The lyrics tell the story of a man mourning his lover, who threw herself into a lake.
Her eyes were like emeralds, and now even the lake has turned emerald green.

The protagonist cries out in his heart, desperately longing to see her emerald eyes once more, but he knows it is all in vain. In his grief, he kneels by the lake and kisses the green water.

Kenichi Hagiwara, also known as “Shoken,” delivers a powerful vocal performance, as if he is wringing out every ounce of emotion.

His voice and the song perfectly match, making it a moving piece that often brings tears to the listener’s eyes.

Song Video

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Artist Introduction (The Tempters)

Artist: The Tempters
・Yoshiharu Matsuzaki (Band Leader) – Lead Guitar & Vocals
・Kenichi Hagiwara – Vocals & Harmonica
・Toshio Tanaka – Guitar & Keyboard
・Noboru Takaku – Bass
・Hiroshi Ōguchi – Drums
Active Years: 1967-1970

Artist: Kenichi Hagiwara (Real name: Keizo Hagiwara)
Date of Birth: July 26, 1950
Place of Birth: Yono, Kitaadachi District, Saitama Prefecture (now Chūō-ku, Saitama City)
Official Website: Kenichi Hagiwara

Artist Trails

The Tempters made his debut in October 1967 with the single “Wasureenu Kimi” and went on to produce hits such as “Kami-sama Onegai,” “Emerald no Densetsu,” “Okaasan,” and “Jun’ai,” establishing The Tempters as one of the most iconic bands of the Group Sounds era.

After The Tempters disbanded, Kenichi Hagiwara and Hiroshi Ōguchi formed the band PYG (pronounced “Pig”) in 1971 with former members of The Tigers (Kenji Sawada, Ittoku Kishibe) and The Spiders (Takayuki Inoue, Katsuo Ohno).

Following PYG’s disbandment in 1972, Hagiwara, also known as “Shoken,” pursued a solo career as a musician and actor.

Despite encountering numerous legal issues and personal troubles, Hagiwara later embraced a more peaceful life, dedicating himself to studying Eastern philosophy and Buddhism.

With his charismatic presence, he remains beloved by many as both a singer and an actor, leaving a significant mark on Japan’s entertainment industry.

Unfortunately, he passed away from illness on March 26, 2019, at the age of 68.