I was inspired to write this song while watching NHK’s “Kohaku” New Year’s song competition, and being impressed by the looks on the faces of the girls idol groups’ fans. I’d been wanting to make a video for this song for years but could never find the images I needed . . . until Ai let me make them myself, and convert them to anime frames.

One of the first songs I ever wrote, all about a girl who had to go away. And never came back, as it turned out. Originally recorded on a 4-track deck, recently re-recored in Logic, but keeping that sweet 8os J-pop vibe.

Didn’t mean to come here anyway, took a drive and must have lost my way . . .

This one about a girl who put me under a spell from which there was no escape. It is possible I still haven’t found my way out.

We both know that there ain’t no way I’ll make it on my own, so show a little kindness, let me be the first to go . . .

Here’s a new one, a confession and apology for the wayward ways of my misguided youth. Have I learned my lesson? Find out in the last verse.

If I knew then what I know now . . .

Click to listen

Can love really last for a lifetime?

If I could do it all again . . .

Once upon a time on the Yamanote-sen, not so long ago . . .

And just beside me a sleeping beauty lies — how can I break the spell, how can I say goodbye?

Some observations for the young and young-at-heart.

Every dream I dream, I dream of you; every song I sing, I sing for you . . .

Golden days in old L.A. What a time to be alive.

Fond memories of more innocent times not so very long ago.

Are there any better words than “I love you?” All answers contained herein.

At long last, the official music video for “Touch the Sun” — music by Tetsuji Hayashi, words by myself — is on YouTube.

Please give a listen to my new tune about a girl with superpowers.

I’m going to play a few songs as a guest artist on Thursday evening, July 6th, at Crocodile in Shinjuku.

７月６日（木）に、 林 哲司の新生バンド、The Band 8 Eightのステージで、私が演奏します。