Ai Otsuka (大塚愛) is a Japanese pop female singer-songwriter and pianist who… Read Full Bio ↴Ai Otsuka (大塚愛) is a Japanese pop female singer-songwriter and pianist who was born on the 9th of September, 1982, in Osaka, Japan. As a child she wanted to be a ballerina. She made her solo debut on September 10, 2003 with the single, "Momo no Hanabira" (桃ノ花ビラ). Her second single, "Sakuranbo" (さくらんぼ), released on the 17th of December 2003, was a major success, staying in the Top 200 Oricon Weekly Singles Chart for 85 weeks.

A piano player since the age of 4, Ai Otsuka started composition and songwriting at the age of 15. Her music ranges from upbeat catchy pop/rock music that can be heard in tracks like "Happy Days" and "さくらんぼ" to touching ballads like "大好きだよ。" and "甘えんぼ". Several of her songs have also been used as theme songs, such as Planetarium in Hana Yori Dango, Cherish in Love for Nana, and フレンズ and ユメクイ for the Tokyo Friends drama and movie respectively (which she starred in).

She studied to go to Osaka University, and her highest level of education is junior college. She has stated in the past that when her music career ends, she'll teach kindergarten (which she has a license to).

LOVE LETTER
大塚愛 Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

恋のような愛のような
優しく触れてみる
あなたはほんのり温かい
幸せありがとう
月日とともに絆ができた
もうこんなに時間(とき)が経って
穏やかにあなたの成長を見た
恋のような愛のような

優しく触れてみる
あなたはほんのり温かい
幸せありがとう
ため息もらして
下を向いた向日葵になったら
あたしの名前呼んで
思い出して触れてみて
あたしの寝顔目を覚まし
抱きしめるよ
恋のような愛のような
優しく触れてみる
あなたはほんのり温かい
幸せありがとう
恋のような愛のような
優しく触れてみる

あなたはほんのり温かい
幸せありがとう

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to 大塚愛's song LOVE LETTER depict a love that is gentle, warm, and appreciated. The singer compares this love to that of a romantic love, but it is more like the love one has for a close friend. She thanks this person for being a source of happiness in her life and for growing alongside her over time. The reference to the sunflower signifies how even in moments of sadness (represented by the flower drooping), she knows this person will be there to call out her name and comfort her. The last verse suggests that this person is someone the singer can fully trust and rely on, as she is comfortable enough to show her asleep and allow herself to be held tightly.

Overall, the song is a heartwarming tribute to the special people in our lives who provide warmth, comfort, and support. The comparison between romantic and platonic love shows that both types of love can be equally important and impactful. The lyrics also highlight the importance of growing and evolving alongside those we love, and how that can deepen our bonds and make us appreciate them even more.

Line by Line Meaning

恋のような愛のような
It feels like both love and infatuation

優しく触れてみる
I gently try to touch you

あなたはほんのり温かい
You are just slightly warm

幸せありがとう
Thank you for the happiness

月日とともに絆ができた
With the passage of time, we formed a bond

もうこんなに時間(とき)が経って
Already, so much time has passed

穏やかにあなたの成長を見た
I peacefully watched you grow

ため息もらして
Taking a sigh

下を向いた向日葵になったら
When I become a sunflower that faces downwards

あたしの名前呼んで
Call out my name

思い出して触れてみて
Remember and try to touch