Masterpieces and popular songs by Dragon Ash
Dragon Ash is centered around vocalist Kj (Kenji Furuya) and consists of highly skilled musicians and dancers.
Formed in 1996, they are a mixture rock band that began their activities that year.
At the time, the concept of “mixture,” which crosses over different genres in the Japanese music scene, wasn’t as widespread as it is now.
In Japan, the pioneers of that field were Dragon Ash.
Staying true to their image, they’ve continued to evolve as a rock band ever since their debut.
This time, we’ll be taking a closer look at them!
We researched their past hits and classic tracks and handpicked a selection.
There are plenty to explore, so take your time and enjoy!
Masterpieces and Popular Songs of Dragon Ash (1–10)
ICE MANDragon Ash
“ICE MAN” is a track included as a bonus on the album “Buzz Songs.” At the time, the only way to hear it was by purchasing the CD, which helped it become quite popular among fans.
It’s an upbeat song that fully embraces a rock sound.
FantasistaDragon Ash
A number that’s almost always played at festivals and live shows—sure to send the crowd into a frenzy! When Kj shouts, “Do you like mixture rock?” it’s the signal that this song is about to start, and at festivals the so-called “Fantasia Phenomenon” occurs as the audience rushes toward the front of the stage! The single CD was released in 2002.
It was unveiled as the theme song for the 2002 FIFA World Cup, and in the music video you can see the members dressed in soccer jerseys.
InvitationDragon Ash
Released in 1997, this song was written and composed by Kj.
It’s a ballad that expresses the struggle of how to heal a wounded heart and keep living in a world where everyone has different values and ways of feeling.
Kj’s conversational singing voice makes you want to delve deeply into the meaning of the lyrics.
If I can see you in my dreamsDragon Ash
The distinctive instrumental that begins with whistling already gives it the feel of a classic.
It epitomizes Dragon Ash’s style of ballad.
Even cheesy lines go down smoothly thanks to Kenji Furuya’s power, plain and simple.
Among their mellow tracks, its level of completion stands a cut above the rest.
The sun rises again and again.Dragon Ash
Their second single, released in 1998.
It’s an early masterpiece with enduring popularity, having ranked No.
1 in a 2007 fan vote.
The “do-do-pan” drum sound at the beginning samples Queen’s We Will Rock You.
Throughout the track, the laid-back, stylish rap pairs with gentle, uplifting lyrics that give you a push forward.
As you listen, it feels like your stiff, knotted heart is slowly being loosened.
Unfortunately, it’s a rare song that isn’t performed often live.
If you’ve heard it, you’re lucky!
Curtain CallDragon Ash
A grand track that closes out the album THE FACES, where the word “goodbye” is repeated.
In the music video, striking footage of their actual live performance is showcased.
All those raised hands in the crowd and the sparkling smiles look beautiful! The song was originally created as the album’s outro and apparently didn’t have any lyrics.
But there’s an interview story that Kj felt he just had to sing, so he “wrote the lyrics in 30 seconds and recorded them.” It’s “goodbye” for today, but it feels like they’re calling out to us—sure we’ll meet again at some live venue somewhere, and that’s moving.
ShadeDragon Ash
I personally think this might be one of Dragon Ash’s hidden gems.
It’s such a great song that I’m surprised it didn’t make it onto an album.
I really love the sentiment of wishing to lift the other person’s gloom.
The music video is wonderful, too!
garden（Sugar Soul feat.Kenji）SUGAR SOUL
Although not under the Dragon Ash name, this song was born from a collaboration between the R&B unit Sugar Soul and Kj.
Kenji Furuya was involved as lyricist, composer, and arranger.
Back in 1999, when the Komuro Family and visual-kei bands were at their peak, I remember the first time this track came on the radio—its sheer coolness and the comfort of its organic beat completely captured my ears.
These days, covers by artists like May J.
are well known, but I really hope you’ll start with the original! The track is a replayed version of Mary J.
Blige’s “Real Love.” Once you listen, you’ll definitely think, “I get it!”
ROCK BANDDragon Ash feat. SATOSHI, KO-JI ZERO THREE
Dragon Ash has genre-defying connections with a wide range of artists across rock, hip-hop, and R&B.
Among those, this song distills Kj’s passion for rock bands into a single track.
The lyrics name real live houses where Dragon Ash once stood—SHELTER, Que, ASIA, and Yaneura.
Meanwhile, the featured guests are SATOSHI from Yama-Arashi and KO-JI ZERO THREE from GNz-WORD.
Even though it’s billed as a “rock band” track, it invites MCs from other bands as guest performers—am I the only one who feels Kj’s love for music itself, unbound by genre?
Under Age’s SongDragon Ash
Their third single, released in July 1998.
The choral intro, followed by Kj’s voice layering in as if chasing it, is so beautiful that it grabs your heart from the very start.
The title means “Song of the Underage.” The way he sings—like speaking gently, with the tension lifted—feels incredibly tender.
The lyrics carry a positive message: “I’ll keep singing so that (listeners) won’t forget the heart of a boy,” and “So don’t be afraid—spread your wings and take flight.” I think one reason Dragon Ash is so popular is that they can create not only cool tracks, but also gentle songs that resonate with those who feel left behind.