Unknown Song - Fly away [Japanese Lost Tape]

[@hanchiman]

The sad thing is, the girl who sang this song probably forgot she even send this tape or even remember the name of the song she made and probably got "disappointed" when she send a Demo tape with no "reply" from any studio and moved on with her life doing other career. But there are other possibility why no one claim it was their song, the singer probably died and her parents or family never knew she sang a song like this.

[@n3okitty]

so true. it would be amazing for this girl, if still alive, to discover that there are hundreds of people enjoying her song which was most likely turned down by a label. what confuses me is why it was on a mixtape with songs from a top idol, who is not the same person and who sings this track ^. a mystery which perhaps will never unfold!

[@hanchiman]

@@n3okitty You know... this is my 5th time I listen to it again, for some weird reason, I am drawn to this song and it doesn't leave my head... maybe this is really cursed or something, haha. My theory why this tape was mixed with a top idol could be that it was after all some random mix tape and he happened to come across of a friend of his who sang this song in her garage or something or maybe that person was important to them, so he just kept this private song in the cassette

[@nsqponerbno]

@@n3okitty I think the singer was Okada Yukiko, an japan idol who commited svicide in 1986, after her dead 31 fans commited S too. It was a really popular new in Japan. Her voice is so similar to the voice of this tape.

[@n3okitty]

@@nsqponerbno i made a short video about this! kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJ28dH1td6ZkiKc

[@kingofstrangeness7014]

@@nsqponerbno her dead fans killed themselves?

[@poproxycodone6409]

why does lost media always slap so hard

[@n3okitty]

I know, right DX that's what makes it even more annoying to not know the artist ... we can't listen to their other music ~

[@elly.a4153]

Future generations will also be saying that about Anaconda

[@cheesemanthe2nd]

From someone who's listened to a lot of music from lost/amateur artists most of them aren't that good, but with so many independent and small bands trying to make it big out there you're sure to find some bangers eventually

[@uwda5228]

Example:Blind The Wind

[@cutetwirll]

poproxycodone6409 Yes, like "Plastic Pearls"! I really like that one

[@AgentSapphire]

Man this would be a dream come true. To just walk into a thrift store and buy an unmarked tape or CD and it turns out to be an absolute bop (as opposed to an evil curse or something)

[@n3okitty]

yes! I agree!

[@cerealata9035]

Then it becomes a lifetime quest to solve the mystery behind the unmarked tape/CD, which in turn leads to more unmarked tapes/CDs getting discovered.

[@ForelliBoy]

Wholesome twist: It puts the spirit at peace to know their music is appreciated after they're gone

[@saeki_san]

even better, an old not known godly anime with a opening this unknown

[@pumpkinmaryam5500]

i found an unmarked tape at a thrift store and brought it home and it was just a bootleg of a stevie wonder album 😂

[@RicardoCon94]

Wow, even KZbin's annoying copyrighted music detection system doesn't know the song ether. I hope someone solves the mystery someday. It's only a matter of time.

[@n3okitty]

I know, right >:( for the first time we'd be GLAD if KZbin's copyright claiming put in some effort...

[@JamesLee-on1yb]

KZbin detected as distancia 2 berti russell but the song seems to be a copy of this song maybe done by people to leverage on the Copyright fees

[@LikaLaruku]

It'd be hilarious if KZbin's DMCA was the thing that solved a mystery song's...mystery.

[@cfrnziiALT]

@@LikaLarukuthis actually happened with the song “himalayan griffon vulture”

[@poompoi66]

That says something, one time I used a song from that guy that makes EVERY royalty free song and it copyrighted as “Bravely” by I think their name was bandboy or something

[@CDDDD]

While in another parallel universe Fly Away is a famous song and it talks about a strange song called Plastic Love

[@railfandepotproductions]

Naw baby shark should be lost

[@jennydeaf9O9]

@@railfandepotproductions i'd give both my pinky fingers and both pinky toes to make this happen.

[@TearfulZorua]

Plastic love, What song is that a reference to?

[@CDDDD]

@@TearfulZorua kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipDPdGWFZtR8m9ksi=XNkrjwYo4XoCLoM7

[@splashykoy11]

@@jennydeaf9O9 curly toes

[@willis8907]

It's spooky how good this is - love that 80s horror-pop bass sound.

[@n3okitty]

yes! me too. many people say it sounds like It came from an anime at the time. possibly so ~~ :)

[@IamJacksSTD]

John Carpenter's "City Pop."

[@BloodyCatastrophee]

In some ways, with the cool sharp, stabbing spooky-colours keys, reminds me of a 80's New Wave song by Mecano - "Barco a Venus." Very similar vibe I enjoy, and very eccentric, lively tune, just a little brighter than dark. But very similar keys to Fly Away. Definitely check it out!! Really great track :0) But yes, Fly Away is A+ 👌👌👁🦇🙂🖤

[@alistairbuckfast9546]

wym "horror pop" ...

[@thefangirlingpuellamagi3345]

you mean darkwave?

[@Krankhafter]

I know Yukiko Okada is a popular theory for the artist, but I kinda don't think it's her, but rather a much lesser known artist (most likely undiscovered) who was making music during the height of Yukiko Okada's popularity, and maybe trying to emulate her vocal style because that's what was popular during the time.

[@onyankoclubcentral]

Yukiko Okada went to Horikoshi High School, (a high school with focus on the arts and entertainment industry) and many of the female vocalists that came from there around that era sounded very similar, probably because they were all being taught by the same vocal trainers and instructors. One example is anime singer Hiroko Moriguchi, she was Yukiko’s classmate who at that time had a very similar singing style.

[@alexlinkinparkful]

What about a Reiko Takahashi early demo?

[@Krankhafter]

@@alexlinkinparkful I think this is more plausible than Yukiko for sure, but I still think it's probably an artist we've never heard of. :(

[@zaynes5094]

@@Krankhafter I showed this to a friend who's much more well-versed on all things Japanese music, much more than me (a casual listener), and they even said that they don't really know or can't really even tell who the singer is, but that it's not Yukiko Okada (lol when I asked they were so surprised I even knew her name and a few songs). Said that it actually sounds like a unreleased, or just demo tape, of a younger Arika Takarano solo (or Ali Project) project. However, having also listened to Arika, I said that it doesn't really sound like her though and my friend just laughed and said "yeah, that would make sense since she was only 21 when she debuted with Ali Project, that was back in '84". So, it could be that it is either a younger Arika, or that it is Reiko Takahashi (although I'm not too familiar with her more obscure stuff), or even Hiroko Moriguchi.

[@zaynes5094]

@@onyankoclubcentral I don't think it is Yukiko and I also don't think it is Hiroko Moriguchi, even though someone else actually said that it sounds like her, I'm still stuck on it being either some unknown female artist, or it actually is Arika from Ali project but just experimental and her when she was young. I'm fine with either of those options.

[@stelliarsheep]

The song is eerie but it's genuinely amazing. I hope the singer can be found, especially since they've been unknown for almost 30+ years

[@n3okitty]

Yes, I agree. I believe our not knowing who the artist is makes the song eerie! thanks for listening :)

[@false_idol__]

Eerie how? It sounds suspenseful. Dramatic.

[@n3okitty]

@@false_idol__ that is probably a better way to describe it, yes! (English is not my first language.) something about the pitch change / disruption in the middle of the song at 1:34 gives me the shivers sometimes, but I think this is psychosomatic- if we knew the artist, and could put a face on who is singing, I doubt any of us would find it 'eerie'... the lyrics are also quite random and strange to some so perhaps that contributes ~

[@is_ley]

One of my favorite details in this song is it going to a more spooky-ish and slower-paced sound at 0:43, then returning to it's more fast-pace at 0:54; same goes for the other times throughout the song, too!

[@superplushtiman7ti075]

I agree, it's kinda eerie, you have a voice, but not a face, even if the artist is no longer with us, it may be the thing to either boost them posthumously into popularity, or cement their legend if they are known and it was just unreleased

[@Espantahumanos789]

The most misterious song of internet now

[@Yourcoolkurd12]

Streetslang: CIA:

[@aaronsaavedra6298]

The most misterious anime song of internet!

[@carystenbertoliniguerra5965]

Sim

[@TheDesolate.]

@@Yourcoolkurd12What is streetslang bro 😭

[@Yourcoolkurd12]

@TheDesolate. It's a British rap song that barely anyone tried to solve.

[@nutterbutter9404]

Its not even that creepy, but the only horrifying thing is that we still cant find who the fuck sang it

[@Pawsura]

Possibly Yukiko okada, as this song hints to her kiling herself.

[@nova2120]

@@Pawsura wait what😀

[@Pawsura]

@@nova2120 she killed herself

[@saeki_san]

@@Pawsura it's not her It's another woman, a teenager/early adult to be precise It isn't a high pitched nor mature voice tho

[@RubyChocoCookie]

​@@Pawsura THE SINGER OF TJE SONG DIED? NOOOOOOO 😭

[@Zaruie-The-One]

Alice's song - Found ✅ Like the wind - Found ✅ The mysterious song of Akihabara (Fly Away) - Still Lost ❌ Just one more to go ❤

[@aneurysm.865]

We have hope! If the most mysterious song was found then we have hope!

[@ambasing_omaygot]

There's still the CIA lostwave, hopefully both CIA and Fly Away gets found

[@DukLoverEKT]

I mean, there’s also Light The Lanterns, Your Eyes, C.I.A, Trip To Rio, Somewhere In The Night, Poor Christmas, and The Fallen King😭

[@Zaruie-The-One]

@DukLoverEKT yeah i know those too, but i wanted to make my own personal list of the most popular (at least in Latam)

[@ItsCassius]

I'm often naturally drawn to lost media, and this isn't my first rodeo when it comes to discovering a Japanese Pop song only to find that the artist has fell of the face of the Earth. Of course, this isn't entirely surprising, either. The influx of would-be Idols back in the 80's and 90's was not so dissimilar to people who want to be content creators on KZbin now. How often do you click on a profile and find they haven't uploaded in years? Projects half-finished, dead links, outdated tech. What happened to these people? What are they doing now? Are they in good health? There is always a sense of uneasiness and eeriness in the unknown. Lack of closure causes people's minds to wander aimlessly. As for the song? Well, the lyrics seem to suggest it's intended to be a song about a break-up or unrequited love. Hardly ground-breaking material when romantically-themed music is the entire foundation of the Japanese 'Idol' industry. The instrumentation may seem like it could only have been handled by professionals, but the reality is that they were affordable tools even for regular folk back then, and so the proficiency of whoever mixed it wasn't necessarily limited to the resources and technical prowess any record label - making it practically impossible to track that way. A lot of people are noticing the tonal shift of the chorus to be what makes it feel so uneasy, and I think that's by design. The song incorporates percussion during these sections, with the dreary vocals invoking a stark contrast, as if they are trying to blend pop music with a much more sinister, Gothic vibe. Ironically, I wouldn't be surprised if this is the very artistic choice that caused it to be rejected, as it seems mostly disconnected from the rest of the song. Nowadays, we may look at this as a bit of a banger, but record labels were getting these tapes by the bucketload back then; with similar vocalists, similar themes and lyrics, and it's unfortunately very likely that this simply isn't what they were looking for. Our only real hope is making this go so viral that the original singer, or someone attached to the song, picks up on it. But 30 years removed from the finding of the tape, would they even remember? Would a manager who went on to remain in the industry recall one of thousands of failed projects? Would a talent scout recognise this if they heard it? Well, stranger things have happened.

[@abandonedaccountiwontreply2250]

I love you for writing all this

[@fluffybunchy]

I strongly agree with your analysis, it’s so sad that we may never know who sung this song

[@BlakeGeometrio]

Very well written and levelheaded analysis. I completely agree with you and because of this, I don't find it all that creepy, just kinda sad.

[@M_reapr]

"they haven't uploaded in years" yeah there is a sense of hyper reality kicking in and we subconsciously assume the worst or even get a feeling that this person thing or concept just got deleted from reality

[@314rft]

About the KZbin creators part, that literally describes me for example. I tried to make stuff back in my teens, but have just given up on video making completely.

[@minmin-kz9rr]

約20年前から日本の80年代のあらゆる曲を聴いております。かなりマイナーな曲や歌手まで幅広く知っておりますが、この曲は森口博子さんの声に1番似てると思いました。よく挙げられる宝野アリカさん（本人否定）でもないし、岡田有希子（好きすぎてお墓にも行きました）の声でもありません。もっと力強くて歌唱力がある、アマチュアの声ではないと思います。曲調もかなり不安定ですが80年代はこういう試験的な曲が多かったので同人の仕事でもないような気がします。曲は多分84年から88年辺りにアイドルのアルバムからよく出てたメロディーだと思います。でも、ここまで知ってる人がいないし情報も出ないことから棄却されたデモテープの可能性が高いですね。

[@LordMoldoma]

Truly the Japanese equivalent of Like the Wind. Edit: What a wonderful turn of events...

[@TheCoyKoi]

Yes. Lost for years, but so beautiful sounding

[@ranpatoamami7048]

All the countries are getting their lost songs recently. I just saw "Kto tu jest niewinny?" (Who's the innocent here?" which is basically polish Everyone Knows That, it's from circa 80s and it's just a few seconds long snippet.

[@partyofocelots]

​@@andygup1585 yes, it is from *a polish.*

[@elpinguinocongelado3674]

I didn’t know that until now!

[@mikaelsza]

@@ranpatoamami7048 thankfully, the brazilian lost wave was found. Feels Like Wish, also known as Fond My Mind. It was a brazilian singer after all...

[@citadel4062]

alright the most mysterious song was found now it's your turn.

[@satanicXcultXrosary]

I agree with the idea that this might be a Yukiko Okada demo/unreleased track. It sounds a lot like her and has a very similar feel to a lot of her songs. Even little unique things she did vocally I hear on this song. Not saying it is 100% undoubtedly her, but I definitely feel like it’s a big possibility. And IIRC Yukiko had a lot of songs that never got released because of her untimely death. She was also was heading in a more mature direction and was doing less and less teenage romance kinda stuff. Either way this is a bop and I’d love to see this one get more traction and eventually be solved

[@n3okitty]

I agree, and I hope so too. I wonder if there could be a way to compare okada's voice / find her unreleased tracks. ~

[@platinumpotatochip8612]

AGREED

[@onyankoclubcentral]

this is definitely not yukiko okada, it doesn’t sound anything like her. Personally the singers style reminds me a bit of Hiroko Moriguchi, who went to the same school as Yukiko. But I don’t think they are the same people.

[@KpopStan2009]

To me it sounds more like it's from 高橋玲子 (Takahashi Reiko) her voice and song in ラブソングは唄えない (I can't sing Love Song/Love song I can't sing/Rabu Songu wa Utaenai) it sounds alot like this song.

[@ungratefullyalive]

ive been listening to okada yukiko for years and this doesn't sound like her tbh

[@neppie7661]

Honestly, just a cool song, if we didn't know the context, I doubt we would find it creepy, hope we can find who made this

[@n3okitty]

totally agree. not knowing the artist is part of what makes it eerie, I believe! sometimes I wonder whether the song is somewhere on KZbin, hidden where we cannot find it. :)

[@pumpkinmaryam5500]

@@n3okitty another reason it might sound eerie is because its in a minor key, which is usually associated with gloomier more moody songs

[@user-lc9yj5vm6q]

EKT found, TMMS found. There's still more than a month left, and if this song will be found too, 2024 will be the golden year of lostwave.

[@robbo5life]

I really hope the lostwave community start to look into this more now

[@glitchedblood]

CIA unknown song needs to be found

[@PmerjYT]

@@glitchedblood damenwahl also needs to be found

[@michikonakahara6098]

The lryics of this song actually have references to death, such as when It says things like going to distant town as In japanese death is like going to another world so I think the song is about her killing herself perphaps after maybe her boyfreind left her a lot of people on sakura stardusts video is recommending this aswell so maybe thats why many japanese people think Its a cursed song and her pitch when shes singing sounds a bit uneven sometimes and goes high to low or low to high like on 1:44 and many people get scared of sudden changes and noises as it sets something off in their brains so it could be physcological then theres also the creepy backstory however the song has some potential

[@KyubiMaster100]

I can relate to her. Kind of in the same situation right now.

[@Destroyal70]

I don't know why but, everytime that I hear this song, I just remember of Yukiko Okada.

[@michikonakahara6098]

@@KyubiMaster100 hope you are okay ❤

[@KyubiMaster100]

@@michikonakahara6098 Thank you 💜

[@alexawhyamistillalive6189]

ngl my dumbass didn't even notice the pitch change b4 ppl told me abt it so i never thought it was creepy

[@TheCbazza]

I don’t find this song eerie tbh It’s a bop and I can imagine it being used for a spooky anime opening song

[@markhenley3097]

Well the ''spooky'' part is what makes it eerie, probably along with the fact that the singer is unknown. I have listened to a lot of city pop and Kayōkyoku but this one sounds a little more ''scary/mysterious,'' maybe why it was abandoned.

[@n3okitty]

@@markhenley3097 i agree. I'm a 'hardcore' (XD) city pop fan and this sounds nothing like what I've listened to. it sounds more inspired by obscure new wave. perhaps this was the reason! whilst im not a music producer/expert, the pitch in the middle DOES seem to fluctuate in a way which almost seems like a flaw... perhaps this is also why~

[@granmascheesecake2]

fr, play this at a halloween party

[@DegrassiObssessedFan]

What if its the song from the Saki credits? Jk

[@redfoxbennaton]

Ge ge ge ge ge ge no ge KITARO!

[@KpopStan2009]

The lyrics to this song with translation: 風を追って何処へ行くの Kaze o otte doko e iku no Where are you going chasing the wind 夕陽色の枯れ葉たちよ yūhi-iro no kareha-tachi yo Dead leaves in the setting sun 扉を叩く音も無い tobira o tataku oto mo nai There is no sound of knocking on the door 壊れかけた椅子で眠る窓の外は灯る明かり koware kaketa isu de nemuru mado no soto wa tomoru akari Sleeping in a broken chair The light outside the window 見知らぬ町の夢を見る mishiranu machi no yumewomiru Dreaming of a strange town さよならあなたはNO SAY sayonara anata wa NO sei Goodbye you NO SAY 悲しい笑顔でFAIRWAY kanashī egao de feau~ē FAIRWAY with a sad smile FLY AWAY 遠い国へ furai au~ei tōi kuni e FLY AWAY To a distant country 旅立つ空にはああ星がかかる tabidatsu sora ni wa ā hoshi ga kakaru Ah stars hang in the sky 青い鳥を逃がす前に指でそっと羽根に触れて aoi tori o nigasu mae ni yubi de sotto hane ni furete Gently touch the feathers with your fingers before letting the blue bird escape 空を見上げ鳥が飛んでいる sora o miage tori ga tonde iru Birds are flying looking up at the sky さよならあなたはGO AWAY sayonara anata wa GO au~ei Goodbye you GO AWAY やさしい瞳がFAIRWAY yasashī hitomi ga feau~ē Gentle eyes are FAIRWAY FLY AWAY 遠い国へ furai au~ei tōi kuni e FLY AWAY To a distant country 旅立つ夜には AH tabidatsu yoru ni wa AH AH on the night of departure FLY AWAY 遠い国へ・・・・ furai au~ei tōi kuni e.... FLY AWAY To a distant country ....

[@Lara-vo6rp]

tysm!

[@KpopStan2009]

@@Lara-vo6rp You're welcome ^^

[@Lara-vo6rp]

@@KpopStan2009 ✌✨

[@courtneygreen1431]

Still trying to figure out why this comment hasn't been pinned at the top???

[@miamorg2352]

I mean there is a whole lot of reference to death in that song, but I think it's made for a anime... like a spooky one. 💁🏻‍♀️

[@CZESKI_KOT]

I bet this is the opening to "Saki Sanobashi" lol

[@Blexxstar]

Damn yeah

[@Yubel198]

I'd believe that

[@Skibdi2763]

Nah

[@n3okitty]

1:34 is what is described as the 'strange pitch' in this song, btw! this may have been purposeful, as it seems to add to the eeriness, or a mistake? I think the question of whether this WAS accidental or intended adds to the understanding of whether this artist was a less experiences, unprofessional singer who never made it big, OR a more well known idol's debut track/unreleased music!

[@priimcry]

hello! i'm a singer myself and i was comparing the voices and it sounds exactly like okada.... the song reminds me of hana no image, love fair, kuchibiru network, koi no etude, mizuumi, kaze no naka cafe terrace, akogare, perfect girl

[@666cyanide]

@@priimcryI thought it was Okada Yukiko as well when I first heard this the resemblance in the vocals are uncanny

[@valala2987]

I've read some theories that said that the weird pitch could come from the tape recorder having technical problems, like for example the motor being slightly too slow. Another theorie, which I believe more, is that the tape itself was just sticking. It would make sense that the tape just wasn't in a very good condition considering where it came from.

[@Rossallycious]

I think that's just the vocal style. There's a certain style of singing, present throughout 80s and 90s Japanese pop, in which singers go off tune slightly or add a certain trembling quality to the voice.

[@rinamine]

can somebody explain what's strange about it? i don't understand or hear anything weird

[@intreoo]

Imagine walking in a dark alleyway and picking this up, only to hear this. I'd feel like the universe's chosen character.

[@SpaceSloth707]

Man, why do these lost media songs always sound so good?! Well I guess that's obviously why they get discovered and everybody starts searching and looking for those that are behind these songs. I wonder if this one has be found yet or not. Since the most mysterious song on the internet has finally been discovered, I'm noticing myself getting more into lostwave/lost media music.

[@VictorCowo]

I was looking for this song after watching Sakura Stardust's video...so glad it was recommended to me

[@n3okitty]

I'm glad too :)

[@lindseycassella3015]

Same!

[@setyawanhartono7811]

we finally enters Silver Age of Lostwave, Since LTW found. Now we need to find Akiba Tape!

[@atletifannnn]

the next goal maybe „ who is there innocent“ [ kto tu jest niewinny]? polish song about we have many informations , but not full version :(

[@kynoahbond8256]

Girl makes badass city pop song in the 90's: Song gets forgotten about: Song is later found and given "creepy" context: The entire internet: OMG THIS SONG IS SO CURSED AND SCARY OMG

[@thefangirlingpuellamagi3345]

This is such a cool blend between City-Pop and Darkwave

[@illyad5435]

Lyrics translated Where are you going, chasing after the wind? The dead leaves are the color of the sunset There’s no noise when I knock on the door I sleep in a chair that’s just about to break Light shines outside the window I dream of an unfamiliar town Goodbye, there’s no say from you You wish me farewell with a sad smile Fly away to a faraway land In the departing sky, ah A star hangs down Before you set the bluebird free Gently place your fingers on its wings As it flees the sky, it has stopped crying Goodbye, you go away Your gentle eyes say farewell Fly away to a faraway land In the departing night, ah Fly away to a faraway land…

[@catyrmi_noob]

Obrigada pela tradução ❤🎉

[@tonatiuhornelas1472]

Man, the lyrics really are pretty depressing...

[@ARRIANH]

Chat we’re winning The akiba tape 2 was identified 2024 is truly a great year of lostwave

[@ARRIANH]

Im hoping this will also get identified 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@hana_desuuuuu]

If this doesn’t get identified I will die

[@ワルドのクレッタ]

PROOF????PLZZZ

[@blackman5867]

wait WHAT????

[@TW1ST9213]

​@@blackman5867 They are talking about Wagamama, the other song that was found in the same tape. That give us hope that Fly Away will be solved soon

[@-xzxzxzs--]

This is considered the most mysterious song of Japan, but thinking that this was a rejected demo, there could be more mysterious songs that aren't discover yet, waiting to be named "mysterious song", like thousands and thousands more... Is sad to think that many good songs (or any media) are lost (Sorry for bad English)

[@Lara-vo6rp]

your english is perfectly fine! Also i love your snoopy profile picture its cute!

[@-xzxzxzs--]

@@Lara-vo6rp thank u I said the bad english thing cause I usually have grammar mistakes 💀

[@huongnguyenthi2160]

Like The Wind is solved , now this is next

[@itried8968]

It seems like a demo imitating a popular idol that got rejected because it's kind of minor dreary chord structure was deemed that it wouldn't be a hit. This feels like an artsy demo that just didn't hit the mark. But I can't deny it does unsettle me.

[@TalkingP.J]

maybe someone trying to be a mix of okada yukiko and togawa jun maybe? idk thats what the vibes are giving me

[@itried8968]

@@TalkingP.J definitely the era! I happen to love the synthy sounds Okkada and artists like her came out with. It would not shock me if that was something they were going for.

[@marsburdis]

Oh this goes incredibly hard, I love the eerie energy

[@adamjeffs5930]

This song is incredibly addictive. It’s great.

[@n3okitty]

I agree !!

[@Emperor_Mateus_of_Palamecia]

The curse of this song is being unable to stop listening to it

[@loneknight3357]

Now to find the most mysterious song of Japan

[@rippepippe]

I still theorize that this is Etsuko Yamakawa, a studio singer/musician and songwriter. She was known for her electronic style compositions heavy on keyboards and drum beats. And she was a vocal guide/demo session singer for many artists like Seiko Matsuda, Onyanko Club and Kyouko Koizumi. (Meaning she sang the songs on the demo tapes for the singers to learn from since many were not able to sight read) Her singing voice is very similar as well, and this song appears to be in her writing/arrangement style. Check out Maiko Okamoto's second album "Fascination" to see what i mean. Etsuko composed and arranged almost all of the songs on that album. Since this song was found on a non labeled tape from an unknown company among other songs by the artist Yumiko Takahashi (unrelated singer) I suspect that this was a demo song previewed on a live radio show that was recorded on this mixtape by a listener. The poor quality and static suggest this as well. The tape, manufactured by ARA, an unknown company, was probably a disposable tape brand meant for recording from radio programs to preserve them.

[@aneurysm.865]

You’re onto something… is there anyway we can contact them?

[@rippepippe]

@ she has a website I think her name in JP is 山川恵津子

[@iShowPeenis]

Not a bad idea. Now we just have to ask her..

[@lechehehe]

absolutelyyy addicted to 1:36 as for theories, i feel like it might have been a demo of one of yukiko’s songs but a different singer? i remember hearing one that was quite similar but it might have not made the cut. i heard ali project was a popular guess amongst japanese users, i could see how since the time of this track would be the 80s and ali project has been active since 1984. i was considering contacting ali project but with how notoriously bad japanese companies/people are at responding to this sort of stuff (especially english), i know i wouldn’t get a response. contacting record labels that existed during the 80s in japan could be another possible option. if so, they should have archived it than just throwing it away. i do strongly hold the belief that this is a demo of some sort since it was basically discarded with no care and ended up in a ¥50 yen box outside a store. this makes me more sad than creeped out by the song because it’s beautiful that i wish it was taken care of a bit better and released. it would have been a hit maybe? super grateful to the OP of the song in japan that decided to buy this random cassette to open up a good mystery. otherwise, this song might have been lost forever!

[@n3okitty]

thank u so much for your insight !! Ali project's early songs from the late 80s sound super similar to the style and voice of this track, however I do agree with you- it most likely was a demo track. i wish the OP let us know what the other tracks on the tape were, though!! could have been huge in this discovery- even finding the production company, or maybe they were all linked in some way. totally feel the sadness too- the singer probably forgot about this song! if only she could know how many people are LOVING it 30 years later! wow. media is crazy. lost media is so fascinating. (thank u again!

[@Helienne]

The style of this song is very similar to Alipro's early works. However, that voice doesn't sound like Arika to me. In their beginnings, she used a more high-pitched, childish voice. I don't know, I really cannot find the resemblance.

[@Meg-ig7ph]

man, why most lost songs are masterpieces? it's such a shame...

[@fubukibuki--dai-35-gokuchi45]

I’ve many Japanese songs from the 80s and 90s in my house. The voice reminds me a little of Takahashi Reiko. I’ve heard many people say it’s maybe ALI PROJECT but I’m not really sure about that. The thing is in Japan during the 80s / 90s everyone could record a song and send it to a station, etc. and with hope they would play it. Especially since the equipment needed for music production at the time wasn’t very expensive. It’s the same with video games during the 80s basically everyone could’ve created a video (as a passion project, similar to Pokémon). People recorded one song out of fun and were done if it without chasing a music career.

[@n3okitty]

thank you for this information! you are not the first to mention Takahashi Reiko. I too find their voices to be similar! it is true, in fact, I believe we will never find the answer to this song. however, with leads of opinion and thoughts of voice similarity I think we can try! I am asking others on reddit to do some research into Reiko.

[@nyxencant4088]

i remember the original white - curse of the melody- song ,same vibes not gonna lie it bops like sailormoon in the 90's

[@el-karasu6070]

Honestly, I think the reason this is eery is because the singer wanted to make this song about something different, to break the mold of peppy pop songs that were popular at the time by making something somber and melancholy. And maybe the producers she pitched this to didn't see her vision, so sadly it got lost to time.

[@yuarentlucky]

I like this theory, the lyrics themself (according to the one person who attempted) are pretty sad, too.

[@junimoony]

If EKT got found today, then I've gained more confidence this can!

[@ILove2EatUranium]

Does he know?

[@junimoony]

@@ILove2EatUranium The second track on the tape got found, not this one

[@ILove2EatUranium]

@@junimoony God dammit.

[@AG-sb7pu]

So sad we won't have bangers like this anymore, 80s music in Japan were next level!

[@bearycotie04]

Yes we can still make bangers like this , but now singers have a different style and wanted to please to young generation so they stick with the styles now , but some people still makes songs like this . But mostly not getting any fame or recognition :)

[@Scorbunzx]

Hopefully this song will be found in a few months.

[@rachah2815]

Wow, this song is so good! I hope someday we find who sung this beautiful masterpiece

[@n3okitty]

I agree! I wish for it to receive more popularity, and for more to engage in a proper investigation of who the artist is, like with the famous 'most mysterious song on the internet'. but then again, there must be so many pieces of lost songs like this in the world ! so much hidden talent. ~~ thanks for listening ^_^

[@KpopStan2009]

I think it's 高橋玲子 (Takahashi Reiko). Her voice in ラブソングは唄えない (I can't sing Love Song/Love song I can't sing/Rabu Songu wa Utaenai) sounds identical to the voice of this song

[@moksori1975]

wow. youre onto something

[@n3okitty]

thank you for this lead! I have listened frequently to her song Sunset Road / September Blue in the past- no similarities ever caught my ear. however, in listening to ラブソングは唄えない, I can understand what you're saying! even the tone is similar. I am going to do some more research ~~ if I find anything substantial, I will make a follow up video! thank you!

[@KpopStan2009]

@@n3okitty @gis You're welcome ^^ I found this suggestion by stumbling upon a comment in a video that wasn't much viewed and when I heard it I was amazed by the similarities of the voices that I needed to let as much people know as possible, I'm glad to have brought in more clues to find this amazing song's singer. Also by the fact that this singer also suddenly stopped and doesn't have much information about her. Fun fact the song was also on an opening of a japanese drama called 妻たちの課外授業 (Tsumatachi no Kagai Jugyo/Wife's Many Lessons) that aired between 1986-1987 so basically as long as the singing carreer of Takahashi Reiko

[@KpopStan2009]

@@n3okitty (Idk why it keeps getting deleted but I try to edit hopefully it stays this time) 1968年8月17日生まれ(53歳)、東京都出身。 明治大学付属中野高等学校在学中にデビュー。趣味は英会話、エアメールを書くこと。スポーツはスキー、バスケット、バレーボールが得意。 translation: Born August 17, 1968 (53 years old), from Tokyo. She made her debut while attending Nakano High School attached to Meiji University. Her hobbies are English conversation and writing airmail. She is good at skiing, basketball and volleyball in sports.

[@KpopStan2009]

@@n3okitty I also heard from someone else that 高橋 由美子 (Takahashi Yumiko) name was mentioned on the tape which has a very similar name as 高橋 玲子 (Takahashi Reiko) So if it was in alphabetical order it could be even more of a possibility not to mention they where both from the same label Victor which is surprisingly also the same label as Ali Project and Pink Lady

[@tonatiuhornelas1472]

The guitar work on this song is insane

[@fairypenguinos]

Like another poster on here said, Onyanko Club Central, this is not even remotely close to being Yukiko Okada (Rest in peace). Okada has a completely different sound to her voice, the cutesy nasal voice that was common in some idol singers of the time. Yeah, since she was getting "older" (in the idol industry, brutal industry) she was going to be transformed into more mature singer but her voice wouldn't make this drastic change either. I have listened to 80s jpop music since 2006 and have listened to Okada's music for many hours, and many other idol singers and this is a lot less idol in sound for the voice, more experimental. The background instrumental for one thing, giving that eeriness or wanting, you would never hear that in your typical idol song. Secondly, I also concur with Onyanko Club Central that it sounds a lot like Arika Takarano voice or similar. I've listened to a lot of Ali Project (Gensou Teien, ALI Project's first album being my personal favourite album). Parts of the song that sound like early Arika: 0:43-0:54, 1:32 (long drawn out, fading, common with Arika), and this part in particular is very similar 1:35-2:00. That little whine up at 1:45. And then again at 3:02-3:16. 3:20-3:23 sounds extremely Arika. Let's not forget the early japanese style gothic sound to this, very early and not defined yet but it's there. Good song. Songs to listen to for comparison (early ALI Project): Kyoumenkai Im Juni, Ange Noir no Saigi, Kurenai Suiren no Gogo, Shojo Irenka (basically, just listen to Gensou Teien).

[@damienthonk1506]

Who the fuck threw this banger away 😭 bruh it's low-key a bop

[@MISTATHUNDRYSH]

The new most mysterious song on the internet.

[@twinkletwinkle374]

First of all, it's not Yukiko who is singing. When I first heard it, I thought it was a pre-production tape for Hiromi Miyano(宮野比呂美)

[@Emperor_Mateus_of_Palamecia]

Screw the Monster Mash, we’re playing this at Halloween parties now

[@mars42cc]

hell yeah!

[@Porrimgaming413]

this sounds like the opening for some kind of super artsy anime, filled to the brim with melancholy symbolism and things like that.

[@mars42cc]

man no one can explain how dreadful I feel when listening to this.... I feel bad that this singer is not found ... I hope they'll be able to find who made this soon I just hope one day the artist of this will be credited if found

[@n3okitty]

I know what you mean. I share your feeling!

[@Dragonrider1227]

I know, right? I kinda fear the possibility whoever this is may be dead. Possibly even suicide. It is sadly common in Japan

[@Axophyse]

sounds profesionally made, but it feels incomplete. It's like a demo song. it could be discarded on a thrift shop because it didn't make it into the final product they wanted it to be. edit: is this the full duration of the song? because it really feels incomplete, not because of the fade out of the audio.

[@n3okitty]

that's what I think, too !! I also agree. the song seems incomplete at the end... I think the OP did not post the full recording ~

[@vi0let831]

@@n3okitty Man, we should ask OP if they can release the entire song bc that would be so cool

[@vi0let831]

@@n3okitty Is OP even still active though?????

[@n3okitty]

@@vi0let831 I really WISH we could contact the OP!! apparently they are not active anymore, and not able to be contacted in any way :( ... it would be a huge help to get more info from them, too, like the other tracks on the tape !

[@vi0let831]

@@n3okitty NOOOOOOOOOO

[@sophiebiggar]

I enjoy listening to this…sounds similar to Ali Project’s works. this song is very gothic-like and also reminds me of the song A Forest - 2006 remaster by The Cure.

[@BloodyCatastrophee]

Yeah, definitely gave me Darkwave vibes as well 🖤🦇🙂🖤

[@railfandepotproductions]

I don't get those vibes, i get sybthwave vibes

[@RealLeFishe]

Like the wind, this song wanted to rise above the clouds and fly away. Now it's something that's long gone.

[@The3rdNationShow]

It really did fly away, now, did it.

[@lavenderbakery4184]

her voice is so beautiful. i hope we find her some day.

[@shinigami9395]

song: *cursed* me: 🎶🤩🤘🏻🤸🏻‍♂️🤸🏻‍♂️🏃🏻‍♀️🏃🏻‍♀️🏃🏻‍♀️

[@carlamariecadizon9101]

honestly this song feels like a very good OP or ED song for a shoujo anime like SailorMoon. it feels relaxing, and alluring in a way. not scary in my opinion~

[@n3okitty]

Many mentioned that it sounded like it came from an anime! I guess anime soundtracks from the time and music like this influenced each other, too ~

[@carlamariecadizon9101]

@@n3okitty it has a 90's vibe on it. good for listening while reminiscing~

[@marcygirl209]

Totally Sailor Moon Dark Moon or Helenia

[@frenchlad9441]

it sounds like city pop but the chord progression is really...eerie, not to mention this song is pratically unknown

[@yuarentlucky]

This sounds haunting but in a good way, omg. The way she sings the song feels purposely creepy, the tones she uses reminds me of something my choir teacher told me once about 'foxy notes' and stuff like that, this is so good omg.

[@Cedavis6]

I listen to this song so much I forget it's lostwave

[@n3okitty]

READ THE DESCRIPTON: ok seriously idk how so many people discovered this video but I've never gotten so many views 😭😭 also, no dislikes?! woah !! so cool that everyone loves the song :) if you like music like this, please feel free to check out my other videos ~ I post similar music ! thanks for listening, regards

[@n3okitty]

ok I spoke too soon. now there's a dislike XD

[@Randomness78]

@@n3okitty you probably have to thank this channel's clip 🙂 kzbin.info/www/bejne/p2i7Z3pjq8atsKM

[@n3okitty]

@@Randomness78 check the description :)

[@Randomness78]

@@n3okitty 😉

[@n3okitty]

@@Randomness78 😸😸

[@Haine-art]

I have a homemade recording by an "unknown japan band", the cassette have like 7 song. The female lead singer of the band was a friend of my aunt when they was young. I have it on my possetion, I really wanna share it, but i dont have how. (I whatched several tutorial, but the things I need to do it, are really salty in my country).

[@theepicrobloxian90]

sorry if im late,but cant you play it on a player and record it with a phone? (i know the quality might sound like shit)

[@iuseyomichan]

Hi, I can help you with this! It would be nice if we can get past those obstacles so that we can get the music on that cassette out there!

[@rayres1074]

This is some sick synthpop. To think it's possibly an unreleased demo is insane!

[@Kainlarsen]

It is slghtly unsettling in the key choice and chord progression, but I think context is key. There have been many western songs with a similar or comparable sound. To me, it seems like it wouldn't be out of place in the end credits of a supernatural mystery/thriller anime with a romance theme.

[@lb2.0.45]

Honestly I don't really find anything creepy about this. It sounds really good. Hopefully one day more information about this song will found.

[@Soooooooooooonicable]

Even though she probably doesn't know it (If she's even still alive). I'm glad this woman's song is getting recognition.

[@bluetear_drop]

This is a really cool song. Low key wish someone would use it mainstream media, or a famous youtuber or whatever just to see who comes out to claim it.

[@RedlikMusic]

that base line and that dark harmony 10/10

[@sauloptg]

This city background just make it better

[@zahnfleischbrei740]

the japanese version of the most mysterious song of the internet

[@yphoenix5957]

So this is the rumored 'cursed/ haunted' lost Akiba tape huh? Tbh this track sounds lovely, eerie maybe, I'd call it melancholic then spooky or cursed. I'd say its got Goosebumps opening theme. The vocalist, she has a lovely voice, I hope they can take pride in their creation someday if this really is a demo song from a once aspiring singer.

[@peterfalkfan]

i hope they find this one now... wonderful song...

[@ranchustars3050]

the first time i listened to this song it REALLY creeped me out, now it's one of my favorite songs ever.

[@rainbowfruitfly3189]

I may not know what this song is about, but I have this weird feeling in my gut after hearing it, and I don't know why.

[@n3okitty]

weird feeling? what kind of feeling? many say it has an eerie sound and feeling to it. I think not knowing who sang it, where it came from or really anything about it causes some fear, at least, for me! ~

[@killingfields6599]

Its just because of the context about it being a song that no one claims.

[@allwatchsomeshitpost]

I hear from others this song refers to [TW!!] Suicidal Thoughts. (Ex. Fly away to a distant country, Sleeping in a broken chair, and There’s no sound hitting the door are ways to describe taking your life VIA [another TW] hanging.)

[@Dragonrider1227]

I did too. I think mainly because of the mystery behind it. The unknown and easily give us an uneasy vibe

[@noorclean2915]

I dont know why people think it is creepy, this is really good… maybe because i am not japanese so i can only enjoy the sound and not understanding the lyrics

[@n3okitty]

haha perhaps! lyrics linked in the description, anyways ~

[@ranchustars3050]

the part near the end of the song where the guitar(?) starts going really hard is amazing, this is a genuinely amazing song, hope the people who made this song are doing well.

[@studiomg3212]

I agree! The driving beat of the drums with the guitar solo and synths are awesome!

[@Regian]

hi karkat

[@caydinthacker572]

I'm hoping this gets solved next because we already found one love, and I feel like this is the perfect time to solve this.

[@deltron4608]

The most mysterious banger ever heard

[@n3okitty]

read the desc ~ watch for more info on this song. I hope we find the original artist one day

[@n3okitty]

A commenter, @ephemeraleiswer9763, thinks it may be Japanese actress and singer Kazumi Kawai. Perhaps a demo? What do you guys think? Listen: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fWnCZJ13qs95Y6c / kzbin.info/www/bejne/nafVe35_aNuoadE I don't think it's her, but it led me to discover this wonderful artist. I love this song; kzbin.info/www/bejne/en-2hJSHd9CGbdU

[@briannamoonrise]

its actually very good i love older songs than newer

[@n3okitty]

I agree! me too!

[@gabimcclurkin6074]

It sounds like it came from some obscure anime. Considering how many pilots/old OVAs have probably been lost, it's not impossible.

[@bloketu]

ever since i found this song i can't stop listening to it, the mystery is drawing me in :')

[@chocomelo454]

Whoever made this song i hope she knows how much of a banger she made

[@n3okitty]

who knows if she even REMEMBERS it :(

[@wycxl7705]

@@n3okittywho knows if shes even ALIVE :(

[@ruryumi]

this honestly sounds amazing. were getting closer to finding the original artist guys!!!!!

[@GumMonster1]

reminds me of the time I found a mini cassette tape in a tape recorder with "trouble" by coldplay recorded on it when I was about 7 years old, but, I had no idea what the song was called, who it was by, or who made the recording until many many many many years after first hearing it. the tape was found in my mom's car and she had recorded it when it came on the radio but didn't remember doing so.

[@MrMelnur]

This song is always stuck in my head

[@georgetterenaud6617]

The name "Akiba Tape" sounds really cool ngl

[@Y4KU_420]

I love how this song sounds so familiar but ends up having a lot of backstory behind lol

[@MicahBuzanANIMATION]

This song should be famous for how hard it slaps.

[@jennydeaf9O9]

i'm just glad we have the whole song, gosh darn it EKT/Just A Game.

[@jennydeaf9O9]

i don't think this is minako yoshida.

[@mitos1199]

HLWIT was found, How Long by Paula Toledo

[@DVSnark]

The chords almost sound accidental, like someone started tapping them into a sequencer and sort of wound up with something workable but weird in the end. Like maybe someone composed this out on an electone organ as backing track. On the other hand the guitar (bass?) solo is pretty damn good and the Japanese love their weird jazzy chords and key changes. The song seems to improves towards the end as well. Hard to say if it’s an amateur home recording or some demo made in a studio…

[@sorrow_4]

The only curse on this track is for being so damn good and being nameless

[@grafrubenreiner2253]

For those who wanna sing this lost banger with me, here are the lyrics ^^ Kaze wo otte doko e yuku no? Yuuhi iro no karehatachi yo Tobira wo tataku oku mo nai Koware kaketa isu de nemuru Mado no soto wa tomoru akari Mishiranu machi no yume wo miru Sayonara anata wa no say Kanashi egao de farewell Fly away tooi kuni e Tabidatsu sora ni wa aa Hoshi ga kakaru Aoi tori wo nigasu mae ni Yubi de sotto hane ni irete Sora wo nigete namida tomatte iru Sayonara anata wa go away Yasashii hitomi ga farewell fly away tooi kuni e… Tabidatsu yoru ni wa aa fly away tooi kuni e…