[2026] Songs sung by comedians: from the latest tracks to nostalgic classics

Sunset Familydauntaun

Sunset Family

This is the landmark debut single released in October 1989 by Downtown, the duo that epitomizes Japan’s comedy scene.

It’s a richly emotive song that evokes images of a nostalgic family dinner table and the glow of the setting sun streaming through a window.

Sung by Masatoshi Hamada and Hitoshi Matsumoto, it conveys the tenderness hidden in everyday life and a touch of bittersweet emotion with even greater depth.

The track was also included on the classic 1991 album “Banriki no Kuni.” It’s a heartwarming number that, when played at the end of the day while spending quiet time with someone special, makes you feel that ordinary days are irreplaceable treasures.

Love letterHamada Masatoshi

Love letter

This piece features lyrics penned by broadcast writer Kosei Takasu, set to music by his close friend Tamio Okuda.

Released in November 2012 as a bonus with the magazine SWITCH, it appeared as a solo track by Masatoshi Hamada.

It’s a memorable number whose lyrics depict dreams and friendship, evoking images of Downtown in their younger days.

The work conjures vivid, realistic scenes—the smell of the curtain, the sounds backstage—and anyone who’s ever thrown themselves headlong toward a goal will likely see themselves in it.

It’s a pop-rock song whose story recalls nights spent talking about dreams with old friends, touching the heart with a warmth tinged with a gentle poignancy.

Be happyHamada Masatoshi

Masatoshi Hamada / Be Happy

This is the second solo work by Masatoshi Hamada of Downtown, featuring a gently poignant melody that truly touches the heart.

It sings of a bittersweet yet profound kindness—wishing happiness for someone you’ve parted ways with.

Hamada’s slightly unpolished but warm vocals align with the protagonist’s earnest feelings, and before you know it, your chest tightens as you listen.

Released in June 1999 as part of a segment on the TV program “Let’s Become Popular!” it debuted impressively at No.

4 on the Oricon charts.

The track is also included on the concept album “Las Vegas: First-Class Trip.” It’s a heartwarming song perfect for those who cherish a love that has passed, or for quiet nights when you find yourself softly wishing for someone else’s happiness.

Live, Benjamin (ver. M. Hamada)Hamada Masatoshi

Live, Benjamin.

This is the memorable first song that Masatoshi Hamada from Downtown released as a solo artist.

It came out in February 1991 as a counterpart to his partner Hitoshi Matsumoto’s version, and its unique concept drew a lot of attention at the time.

With lyrics by Takemi Shima and music by Masahide Sakuma, the track stands out not only for the clever idea behind it but also for its high musical quality.

The title’s message—“Live”—carries a powerful resonance that seems to strike straight at the listener’s heart.

When you’re feeling a bit worn down by life or need courage to move forward, Hamada’s unadorned, straightforward voice will push you from behind with the strength and warmth of a friend.

Hilarious lifeShōnan no Kaze feat. Hamada Masatoshi

Shonan no Kaze feat. Masatoshi Hamada “Jinsei Bakushou” Music Video

This is an exuberantly upbeat cheer song that blends sizzling reggae sounds with the humor of Kansai dialect.

The track, released in May 2025, features Shonan no Kaze with Downtown’s Masatoshi Hamada.

It was created as the theme song for “Gobugobu Festival 2025,” hosted by Hamada.

Shonan no Kaze’s signature energetic sound meshes perfectly with approachable phrases said to be gathered from Hamada’s everyday conversations with his friends.

It carries a powerful message: whatever happens in life, laugh it off in the end and keep moving forward.

It feels like a warm, strong push on the listener’s back.

It’s the perfect song for when you’re feeling down or when you want to rally your friends and boost everyone’s spirits.

It’s a class reunion.ojioji

[Divine Song] Oji-Oji 👴 It’s a class reunion, huh [Ariyoshi’s Wall] [Shisonnu]

On the variety show Ariyoshi no Kabe, popular comedians take on serious song-based sketches.

Each act has its own flavor, but the one I’ll introduce here is a song by the duo Sisonne called “It’s a Class Reunion.” Sung over a sound reminiscent of PRINCESS PRINCESS’s classic “Diamonds,” it tells a grandfather’s class reunion story.

He meets his classmates for the first time in 60 years, yet the moment he sees their faces, their names come right back to him.

It’s a slightly moving turn—“Some things don’t change, even with time”—but the punchline is that he’s the only one whose name no one remembers, which is kind of tear-jerking.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Araki Jakkan

Report a problem

Flame (En) ~kougu memory~KOUGU ishin

Ariyoshi’s Wall: KOUGU Restoration / Homura (En) ~kougu memory~ [MV]

Chocolate Planet’s TT Brothers and Jungle Pocket’s “Exercises That Are Effective Nowhere” both originated from the variety show Ariyoshi no Kabe.

Amid the flood of new gags and unit teams born from the show, the one that really stands out is KOUGU Ishin.

Their 2.5D musical-style performances that personify tools have a bright, addictive quality that makes you want to see more.

In the song “Homura (En) ~kougu memory~,” tools like screwdrivers and drills appear in the lyrics, which unfold with an undercurrent of battling an evil organization.

It’s packed with playful parodies that evoke the Takarazuka Revue and contemporary 2.5D musicals.

It’s a track everyone will want to listen to together while tossing in plenty of witty asides.