A passion project by Kasumi Abe (NYnote) featuring English translations of Japan’s beloved hits. Inspired by nostalgic songs shared in social media videos celebrating old Japan, I introduce these timeless classics to a global audience. Raised on Japanese pop music in the 80s and shaped by my career as a music editor, I translate the songs that have stayed with me.
✔️ Today’s song
I CAN’T STOP THE LONELINESS
Anri
I can’t stop the loneliness こらえ切れず 悲しみがとまらない（Korae kirezu, Kanashimi ga tomaranai )
I can’t stop the loneliness. I can’t hold it. the sadness just won’t end.
I can’t stop the loneliness どうしてなの 悲しみがとまらない（doshite nano, Kanashimi ga tomaranai
I can’t stop the loneliness. Why can’t I stop feeling sad?
あなたに彼女会わせたことを、わたし今も悔んでいる（Anata ni kanojo awaseta koto wo, watashi ima mo kuyandeiru
I still regret introducing you to her.
2人はシンパシィ感じてた。昼下がりのカフェテラス（Futari wa sympathy kanjiteta, hiru sagari no cafe terrace）
The two of them felt sympathy, at the cafe terrace in the afternoon
あの日電話がふいに鳴ったの。あの人と別れてと彼女から（Anohi denwa ga fui ni nattano, ano hito to wakarete to kanojo kara）
That day, the phone rang suddenly. “Break up with him.” she said
I can’t stop the loneliness…
Repeat [….]
悲しみがとまらない I CAN’T STOP THE LONELINESS
Kasumi’s note
Released in 1983, this iconic hit is a song that virtually every Japanese who grew up in the 1980s knows by heart. More than four decades later, it has found a new global audience through social media, where it’s frequently paired with nostalgic videos of Japan’s beautiful scenery and everyday life from the Showa era. The recent resurgence of city pop has also filled concert venues overseas, with Anri’s 2026 performances in Brooklyn and Los Angeles selling out.
Despite its bright, catchy melody, the song tells the heartbreaking story of a woman whose boyfriend was stolen by her friend. The contrast between its upbeat sound and bittersweet lyrics is exactly what makes this classic so unforgettable.
80年代を知る日本人なら誰もが知る、杏里の1983年の大ヒット曲。発売から40年以上たった今、この曲は海外のSNSで日本の美しい風景や昭和の映像とともに使われ、再び注目を集めています。2026年にニューヨークのブルックリンやロサンゼルスで開催された杏里のコンサートも満員になるなど、シティポップ人気が復活の兆し！歌詞は、恋人を友人に奪われてしまった女性の切ない失恋ソング。軽快でポップなメロディのおかげで、重たい内容を感じさせず、爽やかな余韻が残るのもこの曲の魅力。
Translated by Kasumi Abe
All articles on NYnote.com are protected by copyright. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.
These translations and notes reflect my own perspective as a bilingual journalist based in the U.S. I create them with respect for copyright. I hope they help you discover the stories and emotions behind these songs and enjoy them in a whole new way. Have a song you’d like me to translate and explain? Feel free to send me your requests!s!
⭐️ Thank you for reading my blog. If you enjoyed this article, I’d really appreciate it if you could click the ⭐️ button and subscribe to my email newsletter (or bookmark this site).
This blog is independently created and managed by me, Kasumi Abe. Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you sign up for a service through them—at no extra cost to you. Your support means a lot to me and helps me continue creating independent content. Thanks!
Discover more from 𝙽𝚎𝚠 𝚈𝚘𝚛𝚔 ＆ 𝙱𝚛𝚘𝚘𝚔𝚕𝚢𝚗 住んでいるように旅する
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.