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)

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.

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.

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

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.

A million years of happiness!!Kuwata Keisuke

Keisuke Kuwata – 1,000,000 Years of Happiness!! (Short ver.)
A million years of happiness!!Kuwata Keisuke

This is the song used as the opening theme for the anime Chibi Maruko-chan.

It’s an uptempo track, but with the theme of “a million years of happiness,” it’s a wonderful song that really makes you think about what happiness is.

The beautiful melody matches the gentle vocals perfectly—I highly recommend it!

Early in the Morning: The Morning of DepartureKuwata Keisuke

26 EARLY IN THE MORNING ~Morning of Departure~ (cover) / Beloved ELLEYS at Tokyo Kinema Club 2015-05-30
Early in the Morning: The Morning of DepartureKuwata Keisuke

Keisuke Kuwata’s “EARLY IN THE MORNING ~Tabidachi no Asa~” was the theme song for the TV show “Mezamashi TV,” and it became a hot topic for being a bit erotic.

There was also a calisthenics exercise event held to go along with the song.

Kuwata Keisuke

Keisuke Kuwata – A Letter to You (Full ver.)
Kuwata Keisuke

Impersonating Keisuke Kuwata—often called the pioneer of rendering Japanese music with English-like pronunciation—is one of the most popular impressions many people have tried, and it’s one you’ll want to master.

The key points are a rolled-tongue voice, a “sea lion” falsetto, and altering the pronunciation of the ta and da consonant sounds.

It’s said that mixing in a bit of rasp with these three elements works well.