What is your favorite genre of music?

Back in my student days, I listened to a lot of music. That period more or less shaped my taste—and most of the songs I love now trace back to what I heard back then.

I tend to prefer songs in Japanese, English, and Chinese. Honestly, I once got the most basic Japanese certification, but I still can’t really understand what the lyrics are saying 😆. And yet, the melodies just sound so good.

Songs like “Sekai ga Owaru made wa…” from Slam Dunk still fill me with energy. Detective Conan has countless opening and ending themes—each one feels like a little time capsule of growing up. And even now, I still remember the thrill of those Future GPX Cyber Formula soundtracks.

It wasn’t just anime, either. J-dramas had some unforgettable theme songs. Crying Out Love in the Center of the World, Under One Roof, Orange Days… all of them had soundtracks full of romance, sorrow, and pure youthful emotion. Even if I forget the plot, once the music plays, everything comes flooding back.

When it comes to English songs, movies played a huge role. Way Back Into Love from Music and Lyrics, the emotional ballads from Armageddon and Deep Impact—they became the emotional background music of my memories. Then there’s Amazing Grace, or ABBA’s Happy New Year—songs that carry a sense of ritual, like time suddenly rewinding.

Even though I don’t consider myself good at English, I somehow manage to understand some lyrics. Not everything, of course—but sometimes one line is enough to hit you right in the heart. Maybe the melody and emotion get there first, and the meaning follows.

Maybe not fully understanding some lyrics actually helps me focus on the music itself. No need to analyze or interpret—just listen, and feel. It’s a simple kind of joy.

To this day, I still go back to those old songs from my school days. They’re like a soundtrack that never fades, playing quietly in the background as I move through life.