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 classic and popular songs (41–50)
Hymn for NobodyImawano Kiyoshirō
A moving song that blends poignancy and hope.
It’s imbued with the deep love felt in everyday life and a dreamlike wish for that love to last forever.
Kiyoshiro Imawano’s distinctive voice and Masahiro Sayama’s delicate musicality harmonize beautifully, stirring the listener’s heart.
Featured on Masahiro Sayama’s album “HYMN FOR NOBODY,” this track is also known as a rare work that is currently difficult to obtain.
It’s recommended for times when you want to reaffirm your feelings for someone you love, or when you want to reflect on the meaning of life.
This piece can be called a touching masterpiece in which Imawano’s philosophical lyrics and Sayama’s subtle musicality are seamlessly fused.
Kiyoshiro Imawano’s classic and popular songs (51–60)
IMAGINEImawano Kiyoshirō
Speaking of songs that wish for peace, John Lennon’s “Imagine” comes to mind.
This is a Japanese rendition of “Imagine” sung by the beloved rock singer Kiyoshiro Imawano, who sadly passed away in 2009.
There’s a message that truly resonates because it’s sung by artists who genuinely believed in and wished for love and peace.
JUMPImawano Kiyoshirō
With its light guitar riffs and sparkling piano, a soulful horn section, and Kiyoshiro’s signature full-throttle vocals and lyrics, this is a quintessential, no-questions-asked Kiyoshiro Imawano classic! Released as a single in 2004, “JUMP” was also used in the Acecook Super Cup 1.5 commercial, so many people have probably heard it.
The chorus, where the title is shouted with gusto, is easy to remember, and the lyrics—packed with Kiyoshiro’s biting message yet delivered in a fun, uplifting way—make it a song you’ll want to sing at karaoke.
The pitch may feel a bit high for lower-voiced men, but the melody line is straightforward, and you can sing it without trouble by adjusting to your own vocal range.
Oh! RADIOImawano Kiyoshirō
The wistful sound of the harmonica and the nostalgic melody, along with the laid-back vibe, reveal a different side of Kiyoshiro from his rock ’n’ roll persona.
The song was originally created as a campaign tune to commemorate a radio station’s 20th anniversary and was provided to a group of popular musicians.
However, there exists a demo recording on which Kiyoshiro himself performed all the parts, and this posthumous work was released as a single in June 2009, one month after his passing in May of the same year.
The melody, sung in a relaxed, flowing style over a so-called 8-beat shuffle rhythm, sits generally on the higher side of the range, so men with lower voices might find it somewhat high.
That said, the pitch stays fairly consistent, so if you adjust it to fit your vocal range, you should have no trouble singing it at karaoke.
ROCK ME BABYImawano Kiyoshirō
Opening his fifth solo album, GOD, released in 2005, is the breezy, R&R-flavored track ROCK ME BABY, just as its title suggests.
Even within its characteristically simple lyrics—so typical of Kiyoshiro, who never forgot the heart of a kid who loves rock ’n’ roll—there’s a subtle yet important message that showcases his impeccable sensibility.
It’s a perfect karaoke song with a catchy melody you can memorize after just a few listens, though you might find the pitch range a bit demanding.
Since this is the kind of song where the groove matters most, start by going all-in with the energy—try imitating Kiyoshiro’s style, including the final shout.
Call it the talent of believing in yourself or just conviction, but anyway, people who think “I might not be good enough” or “I’m just okay” are clearly weaker than those who think “I’m the strongest.” Without that kind of confidence, I don’t think I could’ve made it this far.Imawano Kiyoshirō
One’s own ability is something that’s hard to judge.
Even then, those who can think, “I’m the best,” are strong.
Even if it’s a bluff or a lie, if you believe in yourself, the path will open.
The words Kiyoshiro Imawano left behind are all warm and encouraging.
Cycling BluesImawano Kiyoshirō
Kiyoshiro Imawano’s song is a work filled with love for bicycles.
It captures the sensation of slicing through the breeze on a refreshing ride, set to a bluesy melody.
Released in July 2005, the track offers a glimpse of his cyclist side.
Imawano, who started cycling in his fifties, pours his passion into every line of the lyrics.
It’s recommended not only for cycling enthusiasts but also for anyone who wants to feel a sense of unity with nature.
Sing it at karaoke, and you’ll surely feel a pleasant wind.