Masterpieces and popular songs by Keisuke Kuwata

Japanese Literature I Want to Sing Out Loud Kuwata Keisuke

Japanese Literature I Want to Sing Out Loud <Medley>

Here it is: an astonishing epic by Keisuke Kuwata that sets masterpieces of Japanese literature to rock and pop melodies and belts them out with flair.

Lines from literary giants like Chuya Nakahara and Osamu Dazai—names you remember from your school textbooks—leap out one after another, and the rapidly shifting musical styles make your heart dance.

Though the performance runs over 18 minutes, its rich variety draws you in so completely that it strangely never feels long.

It was included as the B-side to the single “Kimi ni Sayonara wo,” released in December 2009, and was born from a segment on the TV show “Keisuke Kuwata’s Ongaku Tora-san ~MUSIC TIGER~.” You can also find it on the best-of album “I LOVE YOU -now & forever-.” The sense of accomplishment after singing it through is exceptional, so it’s a perfect pick when you want to get hyped with friends who love literature!

Distant Street Corner (The Wanderin’ Street)Kuwata Keisuke

Distant Street Corner (The Wanderin’ Street)

Haruka Ayase appears as a florist in an apron in UNIQLO’s new commercial “AIRism Inner,” featuring Keisuke Kuwata’s song ‘Tooi Machikado (The Wanderin’ Street).’

This commercial portrays the casual, everyday life of a cohabiting couple and introduces AIRism innerwear as a constant, everyday staple.

It shows them spending time together in a way that looks very happy, and combined with the gentle visuals, it’s a spot that makes viewers feel happy too.

Of course, the BGM also plays a role in enhancing that mood—the song is Keisuke Kuwata’s “Tooi Machikado (The wanderin’ street).” Released in 1988, it was also used in a Fujifilm commercial in the past.

Sad feelingsKuwata Keisuke

Keisuke Kuwata – Sad Feelings (Just a Man in Love) (Full ver.)

This is the solo debut single by Keisuke Kuwata, the vocalist of Southern All Stars.

At first listen it has a bright, breezy sound, but beneath that lies the inescapable loneliness of a man heartbroken in love.

The contrast between the cheerful tone and the heartrending lyrics may, if anything, tighten many listeners’ chests.

Released in October 1987, it was later included on the album “Keisuke Kuwata.” Please take your time and give it a careful listen.

Shadow (kagebōshi)Kuwata Keisuke

Shadow (kagebōshi)

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.

toad lily [Tricyrtis]Kuwata Keisuke

toad lily [Tricyrtis]

Haruka Ayase is smitten with a puppy on set; the commercial song is Keisuke Kuwata’s “Hototogisu [Toad Lily]” for UNIQLO’s TV commercial “Life and Wear / Kando Pants Edition.”

This commercial opens with Takahiro Miura giving his on-screen father, Ken Mitsuishi, a pair of “Kando Pants” and a single flyer as a 60th-birthday gift.

The flyer turns out to be for a rescue dog adoption event, and Mitsuishi heads there right away wearing his new pants.

At the event, he meets a dog that, in human years, is about the same age as he is, and they begin living together.

While showcasing the light, comfortable feel of the Kando Pants, the ad warmly depicts how a lighter heart can inspire someone to take a new step forward.

The background music is Keisuke Kuwata’s 2017 song “Hototogisu [Tricyrtis],” whose graceful melody and beautiful vocals gently seep into the heart.

Thank youKuwata Keisuke

Keisuke Kuwata / Thank You by Tomi-san

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.

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Sad Feelings (JUST A MAN IN LOVE)Kuwata Keisuke

Keisuke Kuwata – Sad Feelings (Just a Man in Love) (Full ver.)

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.