Masterpieces and popular songs by Keisuke Kuwata

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Keisuke Kuwata – Hitotatarashi [Anime Lyric Video]

Keisuke Kuwata, the central figure of the nationally beloved rock band Southern All Stars and known as one of Japan’s leading singer-songwriters.

Hitototashi, written as the opening theme for the TV Asahi anime Akanebanashi, began advance digital distribution in April 2026 and is slated for CD single release in June.

Its rousing, exhilarating beat and sonically Japanese sensibility create a unique soundscape.

The powerful message—breaking through outdated norms and suffocating stagnation—feels like it gives a push to anyone taking on a challenge.

It’s a track packed with the bewitching allure of Keisuke Kuwata, who continues to evolve even after reaching his seventieth year.

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Keisuke Kuwata – Hitotatarashi [Anime Lyric Video]

Keisuke Kuwata, who has long been active as the frontman of Southern All Stars, one of Japan’s most iconic rock bands.

In the 48th year since his debut, this work marks his first fully original song written for an anime.

It’s a track that layers the world of rakugo—where words captivate audiences—over the expressive power of pop music.

A vibrant beat infused with elements of Group Sounds and folk music colors the protagonist’s powerful drive to move forward.

Scheduled for release as a single in June 2026, it has been crafted as the opening theme for the TV anime “Akane-banashi,” and has already become a hot topic.

It’s a pop tune packed with fiery fighting spirit and a festive vibe—one you won’t want to miss this year.

If someone like me is okay with youKuwata Keisuke

If someone like me is okay with you

2026 UV Cut Life and Wear / Even on non-rainy days 30 seconds

In the “Not Just on Rainy Days” segment, it emphasizes that on sunny days it’s not rain but UV rays that are pouring down, and introduces a wide range of UNIQLO UV-protection items.

In addition to parasols, hats, and sunglasses, several UV-cut garments are highlighted.

The video’s vivid, colorful palette is striking and naturally draws the eye.

The background music is “Konna Boku de Yokattara,” whose lyrics gently comfort a heartbroken woman against scenes of a post-rain landscape.

It was included as the B-side to Keisuke Kuwata’s 2007 single “Ashita Hareru Kana.”

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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.

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.