For many fans diving into the discography of Miki Imai （今井美樹）, her 7th single, “Piece of My Wish”, stands out as a potential masterpiece from her pre-Tomoyasu Hotei era. Released in November 1991, “Piece of My Wish” arrived before widespread internet access, making discovery a slower, more personal journey. For those of us in the pre-digital age, finding such gems often relied on word-of-mouth or dedicated friends. Imagine waiting to hear a song praised by someone who actually had access to Japanese music at the time!
“Piece of My Wish” is the creation of Yuuho Iwasato and Chika Ueda（岩里祐穂・,上田千華）, frequent collaborators with Imai in her early career. This song is a beautifully crafted, uplifting ballad. It begins with a slightly whimsical musical introduction before blossoming into a rich, emotionally resonant melody. Yuuho Iwasato’s lyrics speak of hope and anticipation for a brighter day after a night of tears, a theme that resonates deeply. Even decades after its release, “Piece of My Wish” retains its powerful impact, offering comfort and encouragement. Its positive message was further amplified by its selection as the theme song for the TBS drama “Ashita ga Aru kara” (あしたがあるから), meaning “Because There Is Tomorrow”. It’s the perfect song to unwind to after a demanding day, a true wish song for those seeking solace.
Miki Imai in Piece of My Wish era, a J-Pop singer with her hit song
What truly solidified “Piece of My Wish” as special was its remarkable commercial success. It became Miki Imai’s first No. 1 single, achieving the coveted milestone of selling over 1 million copies. In 1992, it ranked as the 9th best-selling single of the year, a testament to its widespread appeal. Within Miki Imai’s impressive catalog, “Piece of My Wish” stands as her second most successful song, only surpassed by her later hit “Pride”. Interestingly, “Piece of My Wish” wasn’t initially included on a studio album, allowing it to maintain a unique identity, although it naturally features on numerous BEST compilation albums. For many, “Piece of My Wish” represents a defining moment, a magnum opus for Miki Imai, particularly marking the culmination of her initial musical phase from the mid-1980s. While retaining her signature 80s sound, her subsequent single, “Blue Moon Blue”, signaled a shift in her musical direction, making “Piece of My Wish” a poignant and perhaps even transitional “wish song” in her evolving career.
