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 (51–60)
Rock that sells millions of copies isn’t really rock.Imawano Kiyoshirō
Rock has the tricky aspect that when it sells well and starts pandering to listeners or becomes mainstream, it strays from the original concept of rock, doesn’t it? Perhaps the most beautiful stance is to succeed without pandering.
Isn’t Kiyoshiro Imawano one of the few musicians who managed to uphold that attitude?
Baby#1Imawano Kiyoshirō
An album of previously unreleased recordings by Kiyoshiro Imawano was released on March 5, 2010—the 40th anniversary commemorating his record debut on March 5, 1970.
Strictly speaking, it is one of RC Succession’s unreleased works.
It was used as a commercial song for House Foods’ “Curry Campaign.”
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.
Kiyoshiro Imawano’s Famous and Popular Songs (61–70)
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.
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.
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!