Despite initially planning retirement in 2008, Hayashi returned to the spotlight due to fan support at a commemorative concert.
His legacy was celebrated with the release of the compilation album 50th Anniversary Special A Tribute of Hayashi Tetsuji: Saudade in 2023, accompanied by a concert showcasing his impact.
Exposed to Western pop music from an early age, he and his brother were lent an acoustic guitar by an employee of his father's.
He met singer Junko Ohashi before her debut in June 1974, and provided her with the songs "Kyashī no Uwasa" and "Rainy Saturday & Coffee Break.
"[4] In 1975, businessmen from Fuji Pacific Music showcased a demo tape of Hayashi's work, including songs by Ohashi, at Midem in Cannes, France.
[9][10] He contributed to writing all of their singles and multiple other songs, including "Summer Suspicion" (1983), "Kimi no Heart wa Marine Blue" (1984), and "Futari no Natsu Monogatari" (1985), the latter of which was completed in two days.
[citation needed] By 2008, Hayashi had decided to retire, but on October 23, 2008, he appeared at a concert to commemorate the 35th anniversary of his career at the Tokyo International Forum.
[citation needed] In November 2021, he composed the song "Watching Over You" by Peach & Apricot, a duo formed by Mariya Takeuchi and Anri.
[19] In September 2023, VAP announced the album 50th Anniversary Special A Tribute of Hayashi Tetsuji: Saudade to be released on November 8, 2023.
The album features multiple artists Hayashi had ties to, including Shoko Nakagawa, Akina Nakamori, and Kiyotaka Sugiyama.