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 Most Popular Songs Ranking [2026]
- [A Must-See for Rock Beginners] KiYoshiro Imawano's Easy-to-Sing Songs
- Iconic ballads of 90s J-pop: nostalgic mega-hits and fan favorites
- Songs to give to your lover or someone you like. Love songs devoted wholeheartedly to your boyfriend or girlfriend.
- A Showa-era song that had a revival hit on YouTube Shorts
- Yoshimi Iwasaki Popular Songs Ranking [2026]
- The allure of surf music: a supreme healing space lured by the ocean’s tones
- RC Succession Popular Song Rankings [2026]
- Kishidan’s famous and popular songs
- Classic Japanese punk songs. Recommended popular tracks.
- [J-Rock] Timeless masterpieces that colored the 1990s. Nostalgic hit songs.
- Kyosuke Himuro’s iconic and popular songs
- Keizo Nakanishi’s approachable hit songs and fan favorites
Kiyoshiro Imawano’s Masterpieces and Popular Songs (11–20)
helicopterZa Taimāzu
This is a song from the second album by The Timers, the band where Kiyoshiro didn’t use his real name and went by Zerry.
The lyrics are incredible in how they express anger toward the media helicopters flying over Kobe to broadcast the city as it was engulfed in flames during the Great Hanshin Earthquake.
Intense RomanceMitsukiyo
It’s a collaboration between Mitsuhiro Oikawa and Kiyoshiro.
According to Oikawa, when he asked Kiyoshiro to write a song and Kiyoshiro immediately asked for the title, Oikawa managed to say, “Kyōretsu Romance.” Kiyoshiro then suddenly started drumming for a few minutes and said, “Something like this?” and began composing.
It’s a cool rock ’n’ roll track.
Sunshine LoveImawano Kiyoshirō
A pre-release single from the album “Rainbow Cafe,” which was released in 1998 after moving from Toshiba EMI, where she had been for about 14 years, to Polydor.
She was very active in the media at the time, so this is a song she often performed on television.
SiM
It’s a parody of Chuck Berry’s Roll Over Beethoven.
It’s by a unit called SIM, made up of Fuyumi Sakamoto, Kiyoshiro Imawano, and Shinji Miyake, which later led to HIS.
I think I also watched this on LaserDisc back in the day.
Kiyoshiro’s upbeat vocals are really appealing.
Hide-and-seekImawano Kiyoshirō
This is a bittersweet love song co-written with guitarist Char.
Interweaving lines from a children’s song, Kiyoshiro Imawano’s uniquely gentle lyrics strike straight to the heart.
Featured on a film soundtrack, the track was released on RC Succession’s 1983 live album “THE KING OF LIVE.” You can almost picture Kiyoshiro Imawano—nicknamed the King of Rock—commanding the stage with overwhelming presence.
Rooted in soul and blues, the rock sound powerfully conveys the feeling of longing for someone dear.
It’s a song I’d recommend not only to those wrestling with love, but also to anyone who has yet to experience Kiyoshiro Imawano’s music.
human scumImawano Kiyoshirō
This is a song included on an album that was banned from release due to the circumstances of Kiyoshiro’s record label at the time, and was therefore put out independently.
The lyrics likely include some of Kiyoshiro’s real-life experiences and deal with heavy themes, but it’s a unique track wrapped in a bright musical tone and Kiyoshiro’s distinctive humor.
Kiyoshiro Imawano’s famous and popular songs (21–30)
Coward (Bye-Bye)Imawano Kiyoshirō
A number by Kiyoshiro Imawano whose message—facing the weakness and timidity within oneself and declaring a clean break—resonates deeply in the heart.
Set to straightforward rock ’n’ roll, its worldview of saying goodbye to the self full of excuses gives listeners a powerful push forward.
It’s also known as a fiery live staple that unites the venue through call-and-response with the audience.
This piece is included on the album “GO GO 2・3’s,” released in November 1992.
It was also featured on the 1998 best-of compilation “GOODBYE EMI,” selected by Kiyoshiro himself, suggesting it was a work of special significance to him.
When you want to change your situation but can’t find the courage, or when you’re ready to take a new step, listening to it will mysteriously fill you with strength.
Be sure to check it out.