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Classic and popular songs sung by actors

Many of today’s actors and TV personalities are multitalented, and we can expect them to shine in many different fields.

From insert songs used in films and dramas to independently released tracks, there are actually quite a lot of songs that actors have been involved with.

In this article, we introduce a number of classic songs released by actors.

“Oh, I’ve heard this in that drama!”

“Isn’t this the song from that variety show?”

I hope you’ll enjoy reminiscing about the stories behind these tracks.

Great and Popular Songs Sung by Actors (41–50)

mysteryHoshino Gen

Gen Hoshino – Fushigi (Official Video)
mysteryHoshino Gen

From the very first moment of meeting, Gen Hoshino paints a wistful, enchanting love story with keen insight and gentle sensitivity.

He gracefully expresses encounters and pure, reasonless infatuation, blending a comfortable, 1980s pop-inspired sound with soulful vocals in perfect balance.

Released in April 2021, the song was written as the theme for the TBS drama “Kikazaru Koi ni wa Riyū ga Atte,” and since 2023 it has also been featured in Kirin Beer’s Tanrei Green Label commercials.

It’s a track that tenderly embraces mature feelings of love—ideal for a quiet night with someone special or as the perfect companion on a drive.

Crimson BackfireRIKI

Riki Takeuchi, known as the king of direct-to-video films, sometimes uses the name “RIKI” for his music activities.

This song was released as a single in 2008 and was used as the image song for the Wii game “Zenkoku Dekotora Matsuri.”

i don’t knowOdagiri Jō

Joe Odagiri “I don’t know” PV (commercial song featuring the artist)
i don't knowOdagiri Jō

Including releases for the fan club as well as general sales, Joe Odagiri has put out three singles and two albums.

He seems particular about sound, even self-producing his albums.

This song, “i don’t know,” is included on one of the albums.

So sad I can’t bear itOdagiri Jō

Joe Odagiri – So Sad I Can’t Stand It
So sad I can’t bear itOdagiri Jō

Originally, it was a single released by The Folk Crusaders in 1968, but this video features a cover version by Joe Odagiri.

It’s included on the soundtrack of the film “Pacchigi!” in which Odagiri appeared.

His gentle singing voice is his hallmark.

Shinjuku Pure Love StoryNakamura Tooru

Shinjuku Pure Love Story — Toru Nakamura, Mina Ichijoji
Shinjuku Pure Love StoryNakamura Tooru

I feel like it used to be common for film leads to also sing the theme song, and Tōru Nakamura was one of them.

In the film with the same title, “Shinjuku Jun’ai Monogatari,” he duets with the heroine, but to be honest, even on the CD he’s off-key.

I’ve heard he’s really not good at singing, so it feels a bit cruel to make someone like that sing.

Kamen Rider BlackKurata Tetsuo

Tetsuo Kurata made his acting debut in Kamen Rider BLACK, which began airing in 1987.

He also sang the opening theme, and his distinctive singing voice is beloved by fans.

In addition, Kurata performed the insert song “Ore no Seishun” (My Youth).

GON GON GON ~ The Little KingKatō Seishirō

Anime “GON” Opening Dance Version “GON GON GON ~ The Little King”
GON GON GON ~ The Little KingKatō Seishirō

Kato Seishiro, who used to be the ‘Kid Manager,’ is now 16.

He has also released three singles.

He was still only 10 when he sang ‘GON GON GON ~ The Little King.’ He had such a cute voice, didn’t he? The song was used as the theme for the anime ‘GON.’