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Toshinobu Kubota’s iconic and popular songs

Let me introduce some songs by singer-songwriter Toshinobu Kubota, also known as the King of J-Soul.

Kubota has captivated many fans with R&B- and soul-based tracks such as “LA・LA・LA LOVE SONG” and “You were mine.” While his remarkable vocal ability is a major draw, his career in the music industry began when he signed with Kitty Music as a music producer, and even at a young age he was writing songs for multiple well-known artists.

Now, please enjoy the music of Toshinobu Kubota, who helped raise the profile of Black music in Japan.

Toshinobu Kubota’s Best and Popular Songs (11–20)

Saddle of a Shooting StarKubota Toshinobu

Toshinobu Kubota – Shooting Star Saddle [Official Video Short ver.]
Saddle of a Shooting StarKubota Toshinobu

It’s a track released in 1986.

It’s catchy, with a soulful vibe that’s quintessentially Kubota and a funky feel.

The distinctive flavor of the programmed sounds from that era is sure to stir listeners’ sense of nostalgia.

Life Like ThisWONK,Kubota Toshinobu

WONK, Toshinobu Kubota – Life Like This (Visualizer)
Life Like ThisWONK,Kubota Toshinobu

It’s a gem of a soul number that stirs the heart with a miraculous cross-generational collaboration.

The uniquely wavering beat crafted by the experimental soul band WONK is stylish and downright cool.

On top of that, the groove woven by Toshinobu Kubota and WONK’s Kento Nagatsuka on vocals is absolutely stunning.

The song asks how we choose to live, even in a world swirling with conflict and anxiety.

And yet, it radiates a powerful resolve to keep our feet on the ground and face forward.

Released in September 2024, the track conveys the mutual respect both parties have for each other’s music.

When the daily news wears you down or you need the courage to take a step into the future, listening to this will surely give you a push.

JAM fo’ freedomKubota Toshinobu

Toshinobu Kubota – Jam fo’ freedom [Official Video Short ver.]
JAM fo' freedomKubota Toshinobu

This is a funk track marked by an energetic groove and vocals that make your heart skip just by listening.

It’s included on the album “Beautiful People,” released in November 2019.

The song delivers a powerful, positive message that celebrates everyone.

The remix with SASUKE was selected as the official theme song for the 2019–20 season of Japan’s professional men’s basketball league, the B.LEAGUE.

It stirs a sense of exhilaration as if you’re watching an incredible highlight play, and you can’t help but start moving to it.

It’s a perfect song to lift your spirits and give you a strong push when you’re taking on a challenge.

The North Wind and the SunKubota Toshinobu

This is a funk number featuring exhilarating guitar chucks and a bouncy rhythm that makes your body sway.

It was included on the album “GROOVIN’,” released in April 1987, and has remained a fan favorite, also appearing on the best-of collection “THE BADDEST ~Hit Parade~.” The lyrics seem to sing of a love that gently embraces like the warmth of the sun—standing by the small clouds that drift across a loved one’s heart without trying to force any change.

The message of stopping the competition and simply moving through the seasons together as a pair leaves your heart quietly warmed.

It’s the perfect track for a mood-boosting weekend drive or when you want to encourage someone special.

M☆A☆G☆I☆CKubota Toshinobu meets KREVA

Toshinobu Kubota meets KREVA – M☆A☆G☆I☆C [Official Video]
M☆A☆G☆I☆CKubota Toshinobu meets KREVA

It’s a playful number that brings together Toshinobu Kubota, the King of J-Soul, and the masterful rapper KREVA.

The song blends Kubota’s signature soulful vocals with KREVA’s skillful rap in perfect harmony, creating a magical groove that makes listeners feel happy.

Its theme is the synergy born from combining talents across different genres, and that sense of fun comes through directly.

Released as a single in August 2007, it was also beloved by TV audiences as the ending theme for Nippon TV’s Guruguru Ninety-Nine.

Later, it was included on the best-of album THE BADDEST ~Collaboration~.

It’s a surefire pick to lift your mood or soundtrack a drive for the best time.

Dream with youKubota Toshinobu

Toshinobu Kubota – Dream with You [Official Video Short ver.]
Dream with youKubota Toshinobu

It’s a song released in 1993 and was also used as a TV drama theme.

He looks very youthful, but his husky, sexy voice really stands out.

Where does the perfection of the lyrics and melodies he weaves come from? I can’t help but be envious.

Toshinobu Kubota’s iconic and popular songs (21–30)

His SugarKubota Toshinobu

This is a song that was featured in Pantene commercials from 2000 to 2001.

It’s a track from the 2000 album “As One,” and it’s a quintessential Toshinobu Kubota piece—mellow and sophisticated, leaving a strong impression.

The lyrics portray an aching, unfulfilled love.

That’s because the person the narrator has feelings for already has a partner.

They want that person to come to them, but they know it wouldn’t be allowed.

Many listeners may find themselves empathizing with such complex, heartrending emotions and feeling a tightness in their chest.