Kiyoshiro Imawano’s classic and popular songs

bento boxImawano Kiyoshirō

Obentou Bako

A number themed around everyday vessels, its profound kindness—big enough to take on someone’s pain and past in their entirety—strikes straight to the heart.

It’s a richly flavored track included on the album “Music From POWER HOUSE” by Kiyoshiro Imawano & 2・3’S, the band led by Kiyoshiro Imawano.

Released in October 1993, the album was carefully crafted in London.

Its rugged band sound melds with friendly, poppy melodies, and many listeners may find their hearts warmed with every play.

Co-writer Noriwo Yamakawa has kept the song alive on stage, and it continues to be cherished by fellow musicians.

It’s a masterpiece to put on when you want the comfort of someone’s kindness, or on a quiet night when you’re thinking of someone dear.

Working PeopleImawano Kiyoshirō

Hataraku Hitobito

With its repetitive rhythm, humorous chants, and distinctive groove, this is one of Kiyoshiro’s hidden gems that cheerfully portrays the melancholy of labor! The track was included on the 12-inch “DANGER II,” released under the name DANGER in July 1985.

It’s also known for being performed when he appeared on the Japanese broadcast of Live Aid on Fuji TV at the time.

The style, which sings about the repetition of working days with plenty of irony, pairs with a sound that fuses blaring horns, jazz, and rock to create a highly addictive effect.

This work, which elevates social satire into pop, is a song I especially want those overwhelmed by their daily jobs to hear.

Don’t overthink it—if you sway your body and hum along, you’ll mysteriously feel energized.

Mom, please stop.Imawano Kiyoshirō

Mama Mouyamete

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.

naive; inexperienced; sheltered; ignorant of the ways of the worldImawano Kiyoshirō

Unsophisticated Man

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.

Love and peaceImawano Kiyoshirō

Ai To Heiwa

A song by Kiyoshiro Imawano, who has continued to lead Japan’s rock scene and is hailed as the King of Rock.

Even while tackling the grand theme of a wish for peace, its sprightly rhythm and wordplay are superb, leaving no sense of preachiness whatsoever.

Kiyoshiro Imawano’s warm vocals are striking, resonating directly with the heart before reason can catch up.

Included on the album “GOD,” released in March 2005, this piece was created over the course of more than a year together with his close ally Shinji Miyake at their private studio, the Rock ’n’ Roll Laboratory.

Why not give it a listen when you want to suddenly recall the important things that are so obvious we tend to forget them? Precisely because it’s simple, it hits you hard in the chest—a gem of a rock number.

Japanese personHIS

Nippon No Hito

It’s a masterpiece that transcends genre boundaries like rock and enka, achieving a miraculous fusion! This track is a single released in November 1991 by the unit HIS, consisting of Haruomi Hosono, Kiyoshiro Imawano, and Fuyumi Sakamoto.

Based on a song from Hosono’s album “Coincidental Music,” with lyrics written by Kiyoshiro, it portrays the loneliness of people living in the city and the warmth of hurrying home, resonating deeply with listeners.

It’s also known for being used as the ending theme for programs such as TBS’s “Tetsuya Chikushi NEWS23.” Sakamoto’s expansive vocals and Kiyoshiro’s choice of words are a perfect match, making it a wonderful song to listen to quietly at dusk or on a night you want to spend alone.

CHILDREN’S FACEImawano Kiyoshirō

Children’s Face

A track that epitomizes the early solo career of Kiyoshiro Imawano, with its dry beats recorded in London and standout performances by musicians connected to Ian Dury & The Blockheads! Featured in the latter half of the album “RAZOR SHARP,” released in February 1987, this piece rides a funky rhythm while sharply depicting the lightness of “trust” and “promises” in society.

By turning words that symbolize innocence on their head, the lyrics satirize irresponsible attitudes in a way that cuts deeper the more you listen.

And yet, what’s remarkable about Kiyoshiro is that he doesn’t stop at mere criticism—he transforms even that anger into groove.

When you’re worn down by friction in relationships or work and struggling with unresolved feelings, why not put this track on and let your body move?