Keizo Nakanishi’s approachable hit songs and fan favorites
Singer-songwriter Keizo Nakanishi is known for composing signature songs like “Woman,” ZOO’s hit “Choo Choo TRAIN” (later covered by EXILE and a social phenomenon), and Black Biscuits’ “Timing.” His clear, resonant voice blends elements of Black music such as R&B and soul, while remaining catchy, approachable, and effortlessly cool—one of his key charms.
His 2006 song “Boyoyon March,” released for NHK’s Okaasan to Issho, is also beloved.
Here, we’ll introduce Keizo Nakanishi’s celebrated and popular tracks that embody his motto of “bringing energy through song.”
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Keizo Nakanishi’s Friendly Classics and Popular Songs (21–30)
Unrequited Love BirthdayNakanishi Keizō
The first thing that grabs your ear is the bass playing in the intro.
It uses slap technique, giving the rhythm a unique flavor! Still, what a heartrending title.
You could almost understand the entire lyrics from the title alone.
And it’s something many people experience, too!
The Last RainNakanishi Keizō
For many years, Yasushi Nakanishi’s Saigo no Ame has been synonymous with men’s breakup songs.
It still enjoys strong popularity among men and is supported by younger generations as a karaoke staple.
Since many artists have covered it, the song is well-known across generations.
You sting my eyesNakanishi Keizō
It’s a song sprinkled with expressions of love so heartrending that it almost makes the listener blush.
The melody is catchy, and the opening chorus is addictive—you’ll find yourself humming it after just one listen.
The world of the lyrics matches the vibe of the track perfectly!
Tiny PlanetNakanishi Keizō
It depicts scenes of Tokyo’s Metropolitan Expressway, Tokyo Tower, and airplanes taking off and landing at Haneda Airport.
By the city of lights, do they mean Tokyo, the city that never sleeps? You know that feeling of wanting to show your favorite place to the person you love, right? That’s how special they must be.
Sleepless ThoughtsNakanishi Keizō
It was Keizo Nakanishi’s ninth single, released in 1993.
I remember being a bit taken aback the first time I saw him on video because of the gap between his appearance and his voice.
After he divorced Saya Takagi, I feel like I didn’t see him much anymore, but this song is truly a heartbreaking love song that grabs you by the chest.
Boyoyon March (With Mother)Nakanishi Keizō
I’d like to introduce a song performed on NHK Educational TV’s children’s program “Okaasan to Issho.” This piece is a bright, rhythmic march, featuring a distinctive choreography where you jump high during the chorus with a “boyoyoyo~n.” The lyrics carry a message of believing in your own strength and overcoming difficulties even when faced with challenges.
During the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, it was sung to children in the affected areas and became known as a song that gives the power to overcome hardship.
It’s cherished not only by children but also by adults as a tune that brings energy and courage.
Even beginners at the piano can start by playing the melody line with one hand, and once comfortable, try progressing to both hands.
The star where you areNakanishi Keizō
This song, with its striking synth bass performance, is a love song about ultimate love.
It may sound clichéd, but love truly strengthens people and makes them want to protect the ones they cherish.
Meeting someone like that is, above all, something wonderfully beautiful.
And that is my pride.