Off Course -- Aki no Kehai （秋の気配）

One of the first and loveliest examples of kayo kyoku that I'd ever heard come across was from this band and this song, "Aki no Kehai"(Autumn Flavor). If there is a song that just forced you to just stop and smell the roses or sit down for a bit, it is this one. Kazumasa Oda's（小田和正） dreamy vocals and relaxing arrangements just makes this ballad one of my all-time favorites.

Off Course（オフコース） had a 20-year-long run from 1969-1989 as a popular pop/folk/rock band from Yokohama. "Aki no Kehai"was released as a single in August 1977 before coming out as part of the album "JUNKTION" a month later.

(cover version)

According to an interview with Oda himself, part of which was re-written onto J-Wiki, the lyrics talk of a man sadly having to part with his girlfriend at her favorite park in Yokohama. Oda had initially felt that the protagonist was splitting up with her in such a gallant and tender way, as in a movie, but after thinking about it, he came to the conclusion that the guy was a bit of a bastard although that hadn't been Oda's intention!

In any case, it's just lovely to listen to...although perhaps you should think twice before playing it at your wedding.