J-Canuck's Favourite Yuzo Kayama Tunes（加山雄三）

 

Entertainer Yuzo Kayama appeared for what was probably his final time on NHK's "Uta Con"（うたコン）a week ago shortly after announcing that he would retire from performing this year. And last Friday at Tokyo International Forum, the 85-year-old Kayama went on the stage for "The Last Show", his final performance in front all of his fans. Poignancy guaranteed. There was an NHK feature on the news this morning about "The Last Show" which prompted me to write this article.

Kayama, whose real name is Naoaki Ikehata（池端直亮）, will always be known as the Wakadaisho（若大将）. Now in my first article for the singer and actor, I translated that title into The Young Man About Town while Wikipedia gave its version of Young Man or Young Ace. I could also refer to him as The Big Man since it could also fit into any English translations for his "Wakadaisho" franchise movie titles. Regardless of how Wakadaisho is interpreted though, Kayama was seen in those movies as the best friend that any undergraduate could have; he can pal around with you and entertain you, but at the same time, he can also protect you from any bullies. At 85, he also seems to be the most cordial and humble fellow willing to have a nice chat.

My list for my favourite Yuzo Kayama tunes is shorter than the usual Author's Pick list but I did want to show the ones that were my very favourites by the Wakadaisho covering the two years of 1965 and 1966, around the time of my entry into this world. All four of the songs reflect how the Wakadaisho has shown himself all these decades: pride, amity, bliss, and the ability to enjoy a good party.

(1965) Kimi to Itsumademo（君といつまでも）

Bliss is the story here as Kayama sings about his devotion to his significant other. Not sure whether "Kimi to Itsumademo" would be played at any wedding receptions these days but why not?

(1965) Yozora no Hoshi （夜空の星）

As I mentioned in the original article featuring both songs, "Yozora no Hoshi" was the B-side to "Kimi to Itsumademo", the Group Sounds guitar fest. If the A-side is more for the reception segment where the groom is giving that speech of love to his blushing bride, "Yozora no Hoshi" is the party-hearty tune inviting the guests to hop onto the dance floor for the twist.

From funnybeing.com

Yeah, kinda like that.

(1966) O-Yome ni Oide （お嫁においで）

The single may have come out following "Kimi to Itsumademo", but the lyrical theme takes place during the early years of flirting and courting. It's all about the Wakadaisho being the fun guy at the college parties and seeing if there are any takers to his cheeky invitation.

(1966) Yozora wo Aoide （夜空を仰いで）

If I'm not mistaken, "Yozora wo Aoide" was most likely the very first Kayama song that I ever heard, and that was via "Sounds of Japan". When I first heard it, I took it in as being very heroic and wistful after the main character had achieved what he set out to do, and is now thanking the heavens. The lyrics, which were actually by Kayama under his songwriting pen name of Kosaku Dan（弾厚作）, have a completely different meaning but back in the day, that was how I interpreted "Yozora wo Aoide".

According to that NHK report, "The Last Show" ended with Kayama singing "Kimi to Itsumademo", except that he wasn't singing it to any lucky lady but to his entire fandom in gratitude. With all of the talk on persuading Akina Nakamori（中森明菜）to return to this year's edition of the Kohaku Utagassen, I could easily imagine the folks at the national network at least trying to see if Kayama would actually consider finishing his performing career with one last appearance at NHK Hall on New Year's Eve, despite "The Last Show". 

Kayama may no longer be performing anymore but he said that he would continue writing songs. But until we hear otherwise, when it comes to him singing in front of audiences, The Young Ace has left the building.