Keizo Nakanishi’s approachable hit songs and fan favorites

POPS writer/editorKEI
Since discovering music during my school days, I’ve mainly listened to Japanese and Korean pop. I have experience writing articles for sites like Utaten. 2000s J-pop and 2010s K-pop were especially the soundtrack of my youth. With the mindset that “good is good,” I enjoy music across genres. Thanks to past work environments and their influence, I was exposed to lots of classic rock and kayōkyoku (Japanese popular songs), which may have broadened the scope of what I love. At RAG MUSIC, I currently focus on K-pop and J-pop. I strive to edit with a feel for the scene and an eye for hit potential.
Composer/arranger, guitarist, and bloggerSaitō Ayumu
I started playing guitar in elementary school, and in junior high and high school I played the horn in the concert band. In college I became engrossed in composing and began using DTM. These days, I provide songs to artists as a composer, run a blog under the name “Sakki,” and post music lesson videos on YouTube. My musical roots are in rock, but I also love dance music!

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.”

Keizo Nakanishi’s friendly hit and popular songs (31–40)

Precious LoveNakanishi Keizō

Keizo Nakanishi - 02 - Precious Love (Live 1993)

Precious LoveNakanishi Keizō

“Precious” means valuable, expensive, and in this song it’s a love song to someone truly dear to the heart.

The vibe of the track is on the high-energy side, but within that, there’s a gentle, intimate kind of love.

It’s also a song where you can fully enjoy Keizo Nakanishi’s outstanding sense of groove.

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Diamond RainNakanishi Keizō

Keizo Nakanishi - DIAMOND RAIN

Diamond RainNakanishi Keizō

It feels like something’s about to begin! This intro fills you with that kind of excitement.

Even after the vocals come in, the thrill gradually builds, and when the chorus hits, there’s a soaring exhilaration as the world opens up.

At the same time, there’s a bit of a gap between that feeling and what the lyrics actually say…? It’s a track that also shines with its captivating high-tone vocals!

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Love is nowNakanishi Keizō

Keizo Nakanishi - Love Now

Love is nowNakanishi Keizō

It’s a song sprinkled with thought-provoking messages throughout, and I think many of you will relate to or have felt the same things, even if not all of them.

The arrangement is a funky track that really brings out Keizo Nakanishi’s style, characterized by its great groove!

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Wish Upon a StarNakanishi Keizō

Keizo Nakanishi - 04 - When You Wish Upon a Star (Live 1993)

Wish Upon a StarNakanishi Keizō

The regret of “Why couldn’t I do it back then?” is, in a way, a life theme everyone shares.

It’s easy to call it a matter of imagination, but you can’t truly feel it until later, right? At times like that, it seems all we can do is wish upon a star.

That’s what this song is about!

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In conclusion

We introduced Keizo Nakanishi’s classic and popular songs.

Did you find a new favorite or make any new discoveries? As expected, many of his tracks have a catchy R&B style, and a lot of them make you feel positive when you listen.

I hope he continues to share his wonderful singing voice with us.