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)
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!
Daddy’s SongImawano Kiyoshirō
Even people who aren’t particularly interested in the artist Kiyoshiro Imawano probably know this song.
Released in 1991 as his sixth single, Papa no Uta became widely known and popular after being featured in a Shimizu Corporation TV commercial.
With Shigesato Itoi’s lyrics that exude humorous affection and Kiyoshiro’s moving melody and vocals, the song likely gave confidence to working dads across Japan.
Despite its simplicity, it’s surprisingly difficult to sing: the range is wide and the pitch moves up and down quite a bit, so you may find it harder to perform than expected.
Since the mood shifts between the verse and the chorus, it’s a good idea to practice each section separately.
Live your life to the fullest!Imawano Kiyoshirō
Kiyoshiro Imawano is one of Japan’s most iconic rock stars.
“Live your life to the fullest!” may be a simple phrase, but it carries real weight precisely because it comes from Kiyoshiro, who put his life on the line to keep calling for love and peace and kept singing fearlessly in the face of anything.
Strange WorldImawano Kiyoshirō
Kiyoshiro Imawano consistently took an anti-war stance.
His song “Strange World,” which he sings, was released in 2003.
The lyrics contrast a world where ordinary yet irreplaceable everyday moments flow by, with a strange, seemingly unreal world of war.
Perhaps he wanted to say: cherish daily life, and realize quickly that war is wrong and bizarre.
Everyone knows war is pointless.
It’s important to keep that awareness alive.
Kiyoshiro Imawano’s Famous and Popular Songs (61–70)
BoyhoodImawano Kiyoshirō
The original song is by Yosui Inoue.
Kiyoshiro Imawano, with a completely different character from Inoue’s distinctive vocals, delivers it in a light and poppy reggae-style arrangement.
Yet it also brings on that indescribable end-of-summer melancholy—a track with a uniquely captivating charm.
Heavy rainImawano Kiyoshirō
With lively drums, a bright horn section, and a catchy melody, this classic by Kiyoshiro will make your body and soul start dancing! This “Hageshii Ame” isn’t a cover of THE MODS, but rather a track included on Kiyoshiro’s sixth solo album, Yumesuke, released in 2006.
It also drew attention for featuring Kiyoshiro’s longtime ally from the RC Succession days, Reiichi Nakaido, in the songwriting.
It has that quintessential Kiyoshiro vibe, and while the surprising chorus that even mentions “RC Succession” sits a bit on the higher side of the range, the jumps aren’t too extreme.
If you relax into the upbeat groove and sing along, the rhythm comes naturally, making it easy to perform.
You only need to think about today, tomorrow, and the day after.Imawano Kiyoshirō
It may sound like living from hand to mouth.
But if we try to live each day with all our might, maybe humans can only think as far as the day after tomorrow.
I picture the late Kiyoshiro, lightly skimming over the essence with a slight smirk on his face.