Songs sung by Downtown: classic tracks released as solos or by units
Masatoshi Hamada and Hitoshi Matsumoto of Downtown have left an indelible mark on Japanese television history and continue to captivate many fans to this day.
While the two are strongly associated with their image as comedians, did you know they have also pursued musical activities? Their songs brim with a variety of charms, from tracks filled with humor to ones with heartwarming lyrics.
In this article, we’ll introduce songs released under the Downtown name, each of their solo works, as well as tracks from the units they’ve participated in.
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Songs performed by Downtown: Classic tracks released as solos or units (1–10)
Be happyHamada Masatoshi
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.
Is spring here yet?Hamada Masatoshi
Released in December 1997 as Ms.
Hamada’s first solo single, this song was written, composed, and produced by Tamio Okuda.
It blends Okuda’s signature laid-back, mellow sound with Hamada’s unadorned vocals to perfect effect, vividly expressing the frustration of having no choice but to wait for a distant spring.
Some may remember it being used as the JR East “JR Ski Ski” campaign song.
It’s a number that quietly stands by those who, while feeling stifled by an uncooperative reality, choose to patiently wait for the right moment.
Hilarious lifeShōnan no Kaze feat. Hamada Masatoshi
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.
Songs performed by Downtown. Classic tracks released as solos or units (11–20)
Grandma Is Still AliveGEISHA GIRLS
This is the debut single released by GEISHA GIRLS in July 1994, in which Downtown’s manzai comedy is reconstructed into an avant-garde techno sound by Ryuichi Sakamoto.
Its unique world blends comical narration with cool beats, so first-time listeners will likely be very surprised.
The track peaked at No.
15 on the Oricon chart and sold about 260,000 copies.
Owing to its popularity, a remix album titled “Geisha ‘Remix’ Girls” was released soon after.
Its boundary-breaking, innovative sound is sure to liven up the atmosphere if you play it at a gathering with friends.
Live, Benjamin (ver. H. Matsumoto)Matsumoto Hitoshi
It’s a deeply evocative song that portrays heartbreak through the motif of a houseplant.
The lyrics mirror a man’s emotions after a breakup in the image of a potted plant standing quietly in the corner of a room.
In the silence after returning from a lively place, the way he speaks to the weakened plant feels as if he’s gently caring for himself.
Rather than simply offering encouragement, the song’s warmth lies in how it softly stands by you and whispers, “Live.” It was released as a single simultaneously with Masatoshi Hamada’s version in February 1991.
If you listen to it alone on a quiet night, you may find yourself deeply drawn into its world.
Sunset Familydauntaun
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.
Why the heck, geez!?Hamada Bamyubamyu
This song was released under the name Hamada Bamyu Bamyu, a persona born from the variety show Downtown no Gaki no Tsukai ya Arahende!! as part of the “Hamada Idolization Project.” It drew attention for being produced by Yasutaka Nakata, with Hamada positioned as the “younger sister” to the original Kyary Pamyu Pamyu.
The single was released in December 2015 and received a huge response after being performed live on the music program Best Artist 2015.
It’s a track you can’t help but get hooked on, with catchy melodies and lyrics that play like humorous punchlines coming from a cute-looking character.