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[A Must-See for Rock Beginners] KiYoshiro Imawano's Easy-to-Sing Songs
Kiyoshiro Imawano, a legendary figure in Japan’s rock scene.
Not only did he make his mark with bands like RC Succession and The Timers, but he also created many classic songs as a solo artist.
Even now, after his passing, his musical style and values continue to be loved by many listeners.
This time, we’ve picked out some of Kiyoshiro Imawano’s songs that are especially easy to sing.
We’ll also feature tracks from RC Succession and The Timers, so be sure to read to the end!
Must-See for Rock Beginners: Kiyoshiro Imawano’s Easy-to-Sing Songs (1–10)
naive; inexperienced; sheltered; ignorant of the ways of the worldImawano Kiyoshirō
A masterpiece whose groovy rhythm, warm sound, and Kiyoshiro’s characteristically slightly cynical, introspective lyrics really resonate! This “Seken Shirazu” was the lead single from the classic 1992 album “Memphis.” It’s also known for being recorded in Memphis with the legendary band Booker T.
& the MG’s.
Originally a remake of a song from the ’70s, its B-side was the theme song for “Beat Takeshi’s TV Tackle,” so many people likely heard it back then.
The lyrics, which sing about not fitting into society, are perfect for moments when you want to pause and reflect.
The range isn’t wide and the tempo is relaxed, making it easy to sing, but be sure to cherish that distinctive, conversational nuance when you perform it.
KISSImawano Kiyoshirō
This is straight-ahead rock ’n’ roll from Kiyoshiro Imawano, memorable for a phrase that repeatedly chants the title.
Co-written with his close friend Shinji Miyake, it’s brimming with an irresistible urge to make your body move and the warmth that only a handmade production can deliver.
Included on the album “GOD,” released in March 2005, the track was created over the course of about a year at his private studio, the Rock ’n’ Roll Laboratory.
A key highlight is that Kiyoshiro himself plays drums, conveying a hefty, muscular groove.
It has an exhilarating feel that conjures a call-and-response at a live show, making it perfect for when you need a boost or as driving music.
Its very simplicity lets his one-of-a-kind shout hit you straight in the heart.
Mom, please stop.Imawano Kiyoshirō
It’s a track where a heart-wrenchingly urgent message fuses with a simple yet powerful rock sound, conveying Kiyoshiro’s sharp gaze toward society.
Included on the 2005 album “GOD,” this work is a shocking piece that depicts a painful cry within the home from a child’s perspective.
Co-written by Kiyoshiro and Shinji Miyake, it’s also known for featuring Kiyoshiro himself on drums—a soulful, hidden gem.
Though not released as a single, its lyrics delve into the darker side of modern society, powerfully shaking listeners and prompting reflection.
With few words and a straightforward melody, the pitch is easy to catch, but because of the heavy theme, try singing it with clear diction—conveying the words distinctly—while feeling the rock beat and pouring emotion into the performance.
Daydream BelieverImawano Kiyoshirō
For those who aren’t from the RC Succession generation, there may be people who first became aware of Kiyoshiro Imawano after hearing this “Daydream Believer” in Acecook’s popular “Super Cup” commercials.
Even after Kiyoshiro’s passing, it continued to play in 7-Eleven ads and has now settled in as a standard classic.
Originally a cover of The Monkees’ hit, it first appeared as the debut single by The Timers, so strictly speaking it isn’t a Kiyoshiro solo track.
However, the Japanese lyrics—written with thoughts of his birth mother, who died young—are filled with Kiyoshiro’s kindness and warmth, and they’re truly moving.
Since the original is a pop song written by an excellent songwriter, it’s easy for anyone to sing, and as mentioned, Kiyoshiro’s Japanese lyrics are wonderful—so sing it out freely and with feeling!
I want to brag about it to people all over the world.Imawano Kiyoshirō
The straightforward lyrics, which clearly bring out Kiyoshiro Imawano’s sentimental side, are truly moving and bring tears to your eyes! “Sekai-ju no Hito ni Jiman Shitai yo” (“I Want to Brag About You to Everyone in the World”) was released as a single in April 1996 under Kiyoshiro’s solo name.
The lyrics, which express a pure desire to boast about someone precious to you and about the bond between you and them, avoid any sense of insincerity precisely because Kiyoshiro is the one singing them, and they simply seep into the listener’s heart.
The soulful backing vocals are another highlight, showcasing a side of Kiyoshiro’s musicality distinct from domestic J-pop-style ballads.
The range is a bit on the high side, but the melody is easy to pitch.
Try singing it with your heart, savoring each word.
Transistor radioRC sakuseshon
Transistor Radio is the 11th single by RC Succession, released in 1980.
The lyrics, drawn straight from Kiyoshiro’s own childhood experiences, vividly evoke a time when radio was the gateway to music.
It’s a catchy rock ’n’ roll number that kicks off with a buoyant guitar, yet its gently bittersweet, nostalgic melody can really bring a tear to your eye.
It’s a very popular song that many people want to sing at karaoke, but because the pitch range is fairly wide and the highs and lows are quite extreme, you might find it surprisingly difficult when you actually try it.
If you listen to the original over and over and sing with the mindset of boldly exaggerating Kiyoshiro’s vocal style, you might be surprised how well it clicks!
Nuclear Power Plant Ondo (festival song)Za Taimāzu
Genpatsu Ondo is a song that humorously and satirically expresses the basic stance of Kiyoshiro Imawano—say what needs to be said.
Centered on a figure named ZERRY, who is presented only as someone “very similar to Kiyoshiro Imawano,” The Timers actively released songs that stirred controversy, and even within their discography this track is especially biting in its irony.
However, there’s no official audio release; you can only check out live recordings on YouTube and the like.
Set to an ondo rhythm familiar to Japanese listeners, the lyrics are easy to remember in several senses, and it’s so singable you could hum it absentmindedly.
That said, if you sing it in front of people who don’t know the band or the background of the song, they might misunderstand it in various ways—so be careful!
Daddy’s SongImawano Kiyoshirō
Even people who aren’t particularly interested in the artist Kiyoshiro Imawano probably know this song.
Released in 1991 as his sixth single, Papa no Uta became widely known and popular after being featured in a Shimizu Corporation TV commercial.
With Shigesato Itoi’s lyrics that exude humorous affection and Kiyoshiro’s moving melody and vocals, the song likely gave confidence to working dads across Japan.
Despite its simplicity, it’s surprisingly difficult to sing: the range is wide and the pitch moves up and down quite a bit, so you may find it harder to perform than expected.
Since the mood shifts between the verse and the chorus, it’s a good idea to practice each section separately.
In the night sky after the rainRC sakuseshon
When it comes to RC Succession, this is the song that many people think of.
The feel-good rock ’n’ roll number “Ameagari no Yozora ni” (“In the Night Sky After the Rain”) was co-written by Kiyoshiro Imawano and Reichi Nakaido and released as a single in 1980.
Nakaido’s dazzling guitar riff, Imawano’s soulful vocals, and the playful lyrics brought a fresh breeze to Japan’s rock scene.
Because the clear, enunciated vocal style differs from today’s J-pop, younger singers might find it unfamiliar at first—but if you ride the rhythm and sing its incredibly catchy melody, you’ll have a great time nailing it at karaoke.
To your daughterDANGER
This track features Kiyoshiro Imawano joining the Doktor Umezu Band, led by Kazutoki Umezu—known as the horn section “Blue Day Horns” from RC Succession—released under the name “DANGER.” If you’re expecting catchy rock ’n’ roll, you might be surprised: it’s a fairly avant-garde, free jazz–style sound over which Kiyoshiro sings with complete freedom, making it a rather unusual unit even within his discography.
Stripped down to the melody alone, though, it’s very simple and characteristically Kiyoshiro.
So if you’re going to sing it, it’s best to grasp the melody by tuning into the piano—the only instrument consistently playing chord tones.