

I walked alone on my way back home
Noticed two shadows where there was one
The loneliness I couldn’t name
Slipped away in the evening wind
I wrote your name across my chest
Too fragile to say out loud
Behind the season when we laughed
Were words I never found
Kindness alone was never enough
I had to pretend to be strong
Still, I held one thing so close—
That someday this would reach you
Even if it takes the long way
If my feelings were never lies
Through the tears, through all the doubt
I’ll be right here every time
I won’t forget you, even now
So for today, goodbye
On the platform I looked up high
And saw that same sky drifting past
If I could turn back time somehow
I’d never let go of your hand
I wanted to speak, but I was scared
So I kept it locked inside
But now I think I finally can
Say "thank you" from my heart
Even if it takes the long way
If this love still lingers on
To your back now fading far
I sent a silent wish along
I truly loved you—more than words
That’s the only truth I know
A final letter I couldn’t speak
The wind returns without a sound
I’ll dream alone from here on out
But maybe somewhere… you are too
Even if it takes the long way
Even if it won’t reach you again
Still, I’ll believe in the miracle
Of having met you back then
I truly loved you, even now
And maybe I still do
- Lyricist
Justin Otani
- Composer
Justin Otani
- Producer
Justin Otani
- Keyboards
Justin Otani
- Piano
Justin Otani

Listen to A Letter That Took the Long Way by Justin Otani
Streaming / Download
- 1
Still in My Heart
Justin Otani
- 2
The Reason You Remain
Justin Otani
- ⚫︎
A Letter That Took the Long Way
Justin Otani
- 4
I Just Wanted to Be Near You
Justin Otani
- 5
Still Your Name Remains
Justin Otani
- 6
Frozen Words
Justin Otani
- 7
That Night, I Should've Said...
Justin Otani
- 8
Words of Light
Justin Otani
- 9
Where the Wind Remembers
Justin Otani
- 10
A Prayer to the Stars
Justin Otani
- 11
Signal in the Sky
Justin Otani
- 12
Echo of You
Justin Otani
Unspoken words, love that slipped away, memories that linger in silence.
This album is a heartfelt collection of emotional, melancholic, and romantic ballads.
With gentle piano melodies, cinematic strings, and delicate female vocal's harmonies, each track captures a different shade of longing and tenderness.
It's a musical diary for anyone who has ever loved, lost, or held onto feelings they couldn't express.
Let this album be the light that softly illuminates your quietest memories-and the warmth that stays, even after the song fades.
Artist Profile
Justin Otani
Tokyo-based musician inspired by J-pop, anime, and classic JRPGs. Crafting emotional, cinematic melodies that blend nostalgia with storytelling-music that feels like a journey beyond worlds.
Justin Otaniの他のリリース
Oathfire Sound