ZARD Single Collection ~20th Anniversary is a definitive anthology released on February 10, 2011, marking two decades since the debut of the iconic J-pop unit led by Izumi Sakai. This collection serves as a comprehensive "trajectory" of ZARD’s career, capturing the emotional depth and catchy melodies that made them the "voice of Japan’s Lost Decade". The Essence of the Collection
Includes rare collaborations and guest vocal performances, such as "Hateshinai Yume o" (with ZYYG, REV, and WANDS) and Sakai’s work with Barbier.
Yes – select ZARD albums are available in 24bit/96kHz or 24bit/192kHz FLAC on platforms like e-Onkyo Music, mora, and OTOTOY.
The popularity of this single collection led to the release of another box set in 2012: . This 12-CD set includes all 11 original studio albums, from Good-bye My Loneliness (1991) to 君とのDistance (Kimi to no Distance, 2005). It also features a premium disc of unreleased and rare recordings, including TV on-air versions, alternate arrangements, and a demo of "さらば青春の影よ" (Saraba Seishun no Kage yo).
While the temptation to look for unofficial downloads is high, it’s worth noting that the "new" way to experience ZARD has shifted. In recent years, much of the ZARD catalog has finally made its way to official streaming platforms and high-resolution digital storefronts.
ZARD, fronted by singer and lyricist Izumi Sakai, was one of the most successful Japanese musical acts of the 1990s. Known for her poetic lyrics, crystal-clear vocals, and famously enigmatic public image, Sakai crafted anthems that defined an era. Her sudden passing in 2007 shocked the music world, but her legacy continues to influence generations of listeners and artists alike. What is the ZARD Single Collection ~20th Anniversary~?
Try Japanese auction sites (Yahoo Auctions), secondhand CD stores (Suruga-ya, Book Off), or proxy services like ZenMarket and Buyee. International retailers like CDJapan occasionally have stock.
ZARD, fronted by the reclusive yet immensely talented Izumi Sakai, was one of Japan's best-selling music acts, with over 38 million records sold as of 2023. Debuting on February 10, 1991, with the single "Good-bye My Loneliness," the band's sound evolved to define an era of Japanese pop-rock. Their timeless anthems of hope and resilience, such as "Makenaide" (負けないで) and "Yureru Omoi" (揺れる想い) , have become ingrained in Japanese culture, serving as motivational staples in schools and public life for decades.
All 45 singles (A-sides and B-sides) in chronological order.
Every track was given a pristine digital remastering under the supervision of ZARD’s original recording engineers, breathing new life into the 90s production. Key Highlights of the Collection
The 20th Anniversary Collection gathers every single commercial release, offering a complete look at how ZARD’s sound evolved from early 90s blues-rock influences into polished, timeless pop anthems. Album Structure and Key Tracks
"The remastered sound is very clear and I was completely satisfied." – Fan Review