Japanese singer Masahiko Kondo recounted a humorous encounter with a South Korean taxi driver during his birthday concert in Tokyo on Thursday [1].
The anecdote highlights the unexpected international reach and longevity of Kondo's musical career, specifically his hit song “ギンギラギンにさりげなく” [1, 2].
Speaking at the Tokyo International Forum Hall A during his “近藤真彦 BIRTHDAY LIVE 2026” event, Kondo described a trip to South Korea that took place about 40 years ago [1, 2]. He said that during the ride, the driver asked if he had come from Japan [2].
After Kondo confirmed his nationality, the driver told him to close the window so he could play a great song [2]. The driver then played “ギンギラギンにさりげなく,” the very song recorded by Kondo himself [1, 2].
Kondo said he almost told the driver, "No, that's my song!" but hesitated [1]. He said that unless he explicitly tells people it is his song, they may not realize who the artist is [1].
The story served as a highlight of the event, which lasted approximately two and a half hours [1]. The singer used the memory to illustrate the lasting impact of his music and to share a personal moment of irony with his audience [1, 2].
“"No, that's my song!"”
This interaction underscores the cultural export of 1980s Japanese pop music and its ability to resonate in neighboring markets like South Korea. The fact that the song remained a recognized 'great song' to a foreign driver decades later demonstrates the enduring cross-border appeal of J-pop's golden era.
