RAG Musicartist
Lovely artist

Masterpieces and popular songs by Keisuke Kuwata

Here’s an introduction to songs by Keisuke Kuwata, who serves as the guitarist and vocalist for Southern All Stars and is also active as a solo artist.

His distinctive voice and singing style are striking, and he has a uniquely charming individuality that makes it instantly clear it’s Keisuke Kuwata singing.

Apparently, during his school days, he was really into bowling, and his best official tournament score was 297.

It’s also said that TV music programs began displaying on-screen lyrics because Kuwata’s fast singing made the words hard to catch, which prompted the addition of subtitles.

There are many other episodes like these, and they’re quite entertaining.

Now, please enjoy Keisuke Kuwata’s songs in this playlist.

Keisuke Kuwata’s Classic and Popular Songs (1–10)

Sad Feelings (JUST A MAN IN LOVE)Kuwata Keisuke

Keisuke Kuwata – Sad Feelings (Just a Man in Love) (Full ver.)
Sad Feelings (JUST A MAN IN LOVE)Kuwata Keisuke

A song that portrays the bittersweet feelings of a heartbroken man was released in 1987 as Mr.

Kuwata’s solo debut.

Included on the album “Keisuke Kuwata,” it reached No.

1 on the Oricon weekly chart, sold 650,000 copies, and won the Excellent Album Award at the 30th Japan Record Awards.

Although it’s an upbeat pop tune, the lyrics delicately express the sorrow of a breakup, leaving a strong impression.

Seasonal imagery—like the end of summer and the night breeze—further highlights the loneliness of parting.

For men in their 50s, it’s a song that overlaps with memories of their youth, and singing it at karaoke is sure to resonate with people of the same generation.

BAN BAN BANKuwata Keisuke

Keisuke Kuwata – BAN BAN BAN [Live at Tokyo Dome, 2022]
BAN BAN BANKuwata Keisuke

This is the debut single by KUWATA BAND, known for its upbeat sound and bittersweet lyrics.

Used in a Shiseido commercial, the song was released in April 1986 and spent 13 consecutive weeks in the Oricon Top 20.

Showcasing Keisuke Kuwata’s outstanding songwriting and composition, it expresses the pain of heartbreak and lingering feelings for past love through a blend of English and Japanese.

Its lyrics, portraying a fleeting summer romance, resonate deeply with listeners.

In 2022, it was also featured in a UNIQLO commercial, continuing to be cherished across generations.

It’s a recommended track for moments when you want to feel the ache of a breakup or reminisce about summer memories.

Thank youKuwata Keisuke

Keisuke Kuwata / Thank You by Tomi-san
Thank youKuwata Keisuke

It’s a song that reflects on the scenery of one’s hometown and the people who supported you there, speaking heartfelt gratitude straight from the heart.

It was included as the closing track on the 2002 album “ROCK AND ROLL HERO.” It has been said that the song was written with feelings for Chigasaki—a place of great importance to Keisuke Kuwata—and with thanks to the people involved.

The gentle, piano-centered arrangement paired with expansive, expressive vocals is memorable, evoking the warmth of a choral piece.

Imagining a choral singing style that delivers the words plainly and directly should make it easier to sing.

Keisuke Kuwata’s iconic and popular songs (11–20)

Shadow (kagebōshi)Kuwata Keisuke

A warm number by Keisuke Kuwata that you’ll want to sink into on a long autumn night.

With a sound imbued with deep respect for John Lennon layered with mesmerizing strings, it unfolds a world that feels nostalgic yet beautiful.

The lyrics depict a scene after the rain, gently staying close to someone dear who is steeped in sorrow.

This piece is included on the acclaimed album ROCK AND ROLL HERO, which won the Japan Gold Disc Award, and it’s also familiar as a Japan Coca-Cola commercial song.

A jewel of an autumn song, perfect for listening while thinking of someone special.

Soul Cobra Twist ~ Agony of the SoulKuwata Keisuke

Keisuke Kuwata – Soul Cobra Twist ~ Agony of the Soul (Full ver.)
Soul Cobra Twist ~ Agony of the SoulKuwata Keisuke

This is Keisuke Kuwata’s third digital single, released on August 30, 2021.

It was used as the UNIQLO “LifeWear” commercial song featuring Kuwata himself, and also served as the theme song for the Netflix exclusive film “Asakusa Kid.” Despite the slightly provocative(?) title, the song has a very relaxed vibe, and I think the tempo makes it quite easy to sing.

The vocal melody is filled with that signature Kuwata style, and since the range used isn’t very wide, I believe it’s a melody that many men will find easy to sing and remember.

As you all know, Kuwata has a very distinctive singing style—one of his charms—but if you’re aiming for a high score at karaoke, it might be better not to imitate his delivery too closely.

Ms. YoshikoKuwata Keisuke

Keisuke Kuwata – Yoshiko-san (Short ver.)
Ms. YoshikoKuwata Keisuke

It was released in 2016 as Keisuke Kuwata’s 16th single.

The song was used as the CM theme for WOWOW’s “25th Anniversary,” in which Kuwata himself appears.

He has said that the title is both a quote from a signature gag of the first Sanpei Hayashiya and the name of a staff member who helps him with his work.

It is regarded as a new frontier in Keisuke Kuwata’s pop music.

Spring is still far awayKuwata Keisuke

Spring Is Still Far Away cover Keisuke Kuwata
Spring is still far awayKuwata Keisuke

This is the final track on Keisuke Kuwata’s album “Garakuta,” his first original album in six and a half years, released as he marks the 30th anniversary of his solo career.

The slow, triple-meter song may seep into a lonely heart, evoking a sense of sadness despite it being spring.

It also has a touch of chanson, making it a fitting conclusion to the album.