KAN's supreme pop music, ballads, and hidden gems

POPS writer/editorKEI
Since discovering music during my school days, I’ve mainly listened to Japanese and Korean pop. I have experience writing articles for sites like Utaten. 2000s J-pop and 2010s K-pop were especially the soundtrack of my youth. With the mindset that “good is good,” I enjoy music across genres. Thanks to past work environments and their influence, I was exposed to lots of classic rock and kayōkyoku (Japanese popular songs), which may have broadened the scope of what I love. At RAG MUSIC, I currently focus on K-pop and J-pop. I strive to edit with a feel for the scene and an eye for hit potential.

Singer-songwriter KAN, known for his signature song “Ai wa Katsu” (“Love Will Win”).

He is passionately supported by artists and public figures such as aiko and Mr.

Children’s Kazutoshi Sakurai, and his gentle voice and deeply resonant lyrics have encouraged countless listeners.

This article introduces some of KAN’s wonderful songs.

While KAN is strongly associated with “great songs,” he actually has many tracks that are comical, playful, and fun.

Above all, his music brings peace to the heart.

He passed away in November 2023, but KAN’s beautiful music will live on in our hearts.

May the greatest pop music live forever!

KAN's Finest Pop Music, Ballads, and Hidden Gems (21–30)

Let’s talk with the clouds sometimes.KAN

Sometimes, let’s talk with the clouds / KAN

Let's talk with the clouds sometimes.KAN

This is a famous song sung by KAN, known for “Ai wa Katsu.” It’s an uplifting anthem for office workers: when you’re worn out from work, you climb a hill, gaze slowly at the sky, and talk with the drifting clouds to soothe your heart.

It’s an encouraging song that turns the often negative image of a cloudy day into a source of comfort.

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Sakura Night FeverKAN

Sakura Night Fever

Sakura Night FeverKAN

A song that approaches cherry blossoms—one of spring’s iconic sights—through a disco tune.

Released in February 2015 as the 35th single.

Its pop sound, with an 80s-inspired beat, is pleasantly catchy, and Sho Wada (TRICERATOPS) joins as a guest guitarist.

From the perspective of a cherry tree, it also takes a socially conscious stance, questioning today’s “sakura fever.” The lyrics wryly poke fun at the rowdiness of the hanami season, eliciting a chuckle and showcasing KAN’s signature playful spirit.

It’s a track that prompts you to reconsider the beauty of cherry blossoms—a perfect pop tune for your hanami BGM!

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KAN's finest pop music, ballads, and hidden gems (31–40)

BRACKETKAN

Bracket

BRACKETKAN

A buoyant, dancing piano and KAN’s slightly mature, smoky vocals make this a track that lifts your spirits with its rhythmic melody.

The lyrics, depicting the end of summer and love, were written by Rio Nagashima.

Although it’s a pre-breakthrough work from his second single in 1987, its jazz-tinged moodiness is incredibly cool! The scat singing in the interlude and the stylish brass arrangements sound delightful and absolutely top-notch.

It’s a standout song where you can savor KAN at his coolest!

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Swayed by rock ‘n’ rollKAN

Swayed by rock 'n' roll

Swayed by rock 'n' rollKAN

A life sung along to a bouncing melody.

This track, placed at the very end of the 2016 album “6×9=53,” features co-written lyrics with singer-songwriter Toshihide Baba, known for “Start Line.” Baba’s signature, road-movie-like storytelling that weaves through different eras shines throughout, and the layered vocals—Baba’s refreshing tone and KAN’s deeply expressive delivery—add richness and depth.

It’s a song that will likely resonate more and more as you grow older.

A masterpiece that gently accompanies many different ways of living.

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As Scheduled by Chance (with ASKA)KAN

As Scheduled by Chance (with ASKA)

As Scheduled by Chance (with ASKA)KAN

A rare duet song by KAN, collaborating with the esteemed ASKA.

The lyrics and composition were co-written by KAN and ASKA, making this track truly a dreamlike crystallization of two golden talents.

The lyrics—encouraging us to “think a lot about the universe, the future, and love”—carry the pair’s feelings from many angles.

ASKA’s passionate vocals, reminiscent of CHAGE and ASKA, are supremely energetic.

The full-length version of this song is included on the album “Kanchigai mo Hanahadashii Watashi no Jinsei” (“My Life of Monumental Misunderstandings”).

It’s a track we hope even non-fans will give a listen!

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Taki no namida pin ku

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Saint PetersburgKAN

KAN – Saint Petersburg

Saint PetersburgKAN

Singer-songwriter KAN, known for his exceptional piano technique.

When you think of KAN, his bright expression and catchy lyrics really stand out! You can savor his strengths in depth in this track, “Sankt Petersburg.” The song is included on his 1998 album TIGERSONGWRITER.

It’s a distinctive piece filled with puns woven throughout the lyrics.

Be sure to check out the lyrics as well!

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Pop musicKAN

KAN 'Pop Music' Short Version

Pop musicKAN

An addictive disco tune with a sparkling rhythm.

It’s the 35th single, released in 2020.

The insanely catchy hook in the chorus is the best, and the 80s-flavored programmed sound gives it a pleasantly retro feel.

The choice of words is fun too! The dance choreography by Karco, who worked on Wink’s “Lonely Tropical Fish” and Shingo Mama’s “Ohayo Rock,” is also adorable.

It’s an uplifting number packed with KAN’s pop-ism!

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