On the Dawn Soundtrack: Saori Yuki and the Song Landscape, 1969-1970

On the Dawn Soundtrack: Saori Yuki and the Song Landscape, 1969-1970

Saori Yuki made an impressive debut in 1969 with "Dawn Scat. The song was a novel approach, using only scat and almost no Japanese lyrics, but its beautiful melody and soft voice made it an instant hit, loved throughout Japan. At the time, Japan was in the midst of its rapid economic growth and urbanization, and people were looking for peace of mind away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Yuki Saori's clear voice was in tune with the atmosphere of the times and soothed the hearts of many listeners.

In the following year, 1970, "Letter" became popular for its more lyrical and sensitive lyrics that resonated with women and beautifully expressed the wavering emotions of a woman in love. These hits catapulted her to stardom, and she even participated in the Kohaku Uta Gassen (Red and White Singing Contest). Her calm and elegant appearance made her stand out from other singers of her generation.

While her contemporary Yoshiko Moriyama sang about the freedom of youth in folk songs and Ruriko Asaoka charmed audiences with her passionate chanson-like singing, Saori Yuki had an urban, sophisticated lyricism that established her position somewhere between mood songs and pop songs. Her songs also corresponded with women's social advancement and changing values in the 1960s, and she became a symbol of "healing" and "independence.

Later, however, she experienced a period of temporary lack of hit songs. She was not selected for the Kohaku (red and white) contest, and her personal life continued to be difficult, but she nevertheless continued her singing career and took on new challenges. In the late 1960s, she released songs in a new direction, such as "Koibun" and "Ikigai," and deepened her appeal as an adult woman.