Kiyoshiro Imawano’s classic and popular songs
Let me introduce songs by Kiyoshiro Imawano, one of Japan’s most iconic rock musicians, who passed away in 2009.
In addition to his solo work, Kiyoshiro Imawano was active in bands such as RC Succession and THE TIMERS, remaining a performer to the very end of his life.
He was memorable for his socially satirical songs and actions that often stirred controversy—classic rock in spirit—but that very stance was incredibly cool and captivated many fans.
His uniquely distinctive singing voice is truly one of a kind and his greatest appeal.
Please enjoy this playlist of Kiyoshiro Imawano, whose popularity shows no sign of fading.
Kiyoshiro Imawano’s classic and popular songs (1–10)
Two People Who Can’t Go HomeImawano Kiyoshiro & Inoue Yosui
It’s a song co-written by a young Kiyoshiro and Yosui, included on Yosui Inoue’s album “Kori no Sekai” (Ice World).
It’s also very popular among Yosui’s fans.
The lyrics of the first verse are straightforward and easily come across as good lyrics, but I used to think the second verse—said to have been written by Kiyoshiro—was plain.
Lately, however, I’ve been impressed by the brilliance of its wording.
phantomImawano Kiyoshirō
This is a song I loved from an old laserdisc of Kiyoshiro’s solo live performance, where he did a great acoustic rendition.
The flashy outfit and the many flowers on his head were incredible.
The lyrics are uniquely Kiyoshiro as well.
The performance was memorable, especially at the end when most of the floral headpiece had come off.
REMEMBER YOUImawano Kiyoshirō
It’s a rock ballad that holds both a sense of loss and a strong will, saying that even if everything changes, memories remain.
Co-written with Shinji Miyake, a close friend of Kiyoshiro Imawano, it’s also known for featuring Hiroto Kōmoto on chorus.
Included on the album “GOD,” released in March 2005, the song was chosen as the theme for the film “Earth Story: The Evolution of Dinosaurs and the Future of Humans.” After Imawano’s passing, it was also used as the ending theme for the 2010 film “A Boy and His Samurai,” deepening the lingering resonance of the story.
Rather than offering words of comfort, the vocals confront the void of reality, yet somehow carry a warmth that sinks into your heart.
It’s a song to listen to closely when you’ve lost something precious or on a quiet night when you want to reflect on the past.
Where Have All the Flowers Gone?Imawano Kiyoshirō
This is an anti-war song by Kiyoshiro Imawano, covering a classic by Pete Seeger.
Beginning with a flower and moving through a girl, a young man, a soldier, and a graveyard, it questions the folly of war through the cycles of life.
Released in November 2021, the work strikes the heart with Imawano’s powerful vocals and profound lyricism.
With his experience serving as music director for the film “119,” Imawano was perhaps uniquely able to render the song’s message with greater clarity.
It’s a track that everyone who hopes for peace should hear—surely, it will leave something resonant in your heart.
Let’s slip out of the party.Imawano Kiyoshiro & Shinohara Ryoko
This is a duet with Ryoko Shinohara, who was mainly active as a singer at the time.
It’s a very catchy song, and I remember the part where she kissed during a TV appearance.
Among Kiyoshiro’s female fans, there seemed to be quite a bit of jealousy toward Ryoko Shinohara.
The North Korea I admireZa Taimāzu
This is a song from an album released independently after Kiyoshiro’s record label decided to halt its release.
The lyrics make it unclear whether the country of North Korea is being praised, and the track brims with Kiyoshiro’s distinctive humor.
Happy happinessHIS
This is a song by the trio HIS, made up of Haruomi Hosono, Kiyoshiro Imawano, and Fuyumi Sakamoto.
Fuyumi Sakamoto is the main vocalist, and the song has a rhythm similar to an ondo.
The lyrics are great—something only Kiyoshiro could have written.
I think HIS has many masterpieces.
By the way, the unit name HIS comes from the initials of the three members.