Hit and popular songs by Kenji Ozawa
Kenji Ozawa has been active since the late 1980s as a member of Flipper’s Guitar, and he launched his solo career in 1993.
In the 1990s, he dominated the domestic pop scene and also crossed genres with the release of “Kon’ya wa Boogie Back.”
In this article, we’ll introduce a selection of recommended songs from Kenji Ozawa’s catalog—often praised for their sophisticated music and lyrics—all at once.
Whether you’re listening to his music for the first time or have been a longtime fan, take this opportunity to revisit his popular tracks.
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Ozawa Kenji’s Famous and Popular Songs (11–20)
Who is knocking on the door?Ozawa Kenji
Kenji Ozawa’s eighth single, “Who’s Knockin’ on the Door?” released in 1995.
This song was also a big hit, so many people of that generation have likely heard it even if they weren’t particularly fans.
It’s a track that represents its era—nostalgic yet, for some reason, it doesn’t feel dated.
It evokes winter without feeling cold; even in the chilly season, just being with someone you like is enough to make your heart race.
It gives the sense that they’re not quite an official couple, which is intriguing, yet it’s filled with warmth and love.
El Fuego (The Flame)Ozawa Kenji
Released as the second of three consecutive monthly releases in 2021, this track was issued digitally.
Its intriguing title, “El Fuego (The Flame),” was inspired by a character in the creative world of Kenji Ozawa’s eldest son and shaped into a song.
The track also served as the theme song for the drama Coffee Ikaga Desho? starring Tomoya Nakamura.
It sings about a warrior named “El Fuego” who lives in a science lab, and even within this single song, it invites listeners to imagine it like a drama, as a complete work in itself.
I’m gonna cry.Ozawa Kenji
Many of Ozaken’s songs make you feel like you’re peeking into his heart, as if you’re reading his diary, and that sense of reality fosters a feeling of closeness.
The song “Naichau” is one of those tracks—one you’ll want to listen to while carefully reading the lyrics.
It was released digitally in 2021.
Many of Ozaken’s songs include Tokyo scenery and place names, and “Naichau” also mentions specific locations.
If you live in Tokyo or know the area well, it’ll feel even more familiar and real.
Fate—or rather, a UFO (dui, dui)Ozawa Kenji
This song, “Fate, or rather a UFO (Dui, Dui),” released in 2021—just the title alone grabs your attention and makes you curious, doesn’t it? He disappeared from the spotlight for a while and paused his musical activities, but when you listen to this track, you can’t help thinking, in a simple way, “Ozaken really is amazing.” Whether you’ve been a fan since the old days or only started listening in recent years, this is a song that will resonate deeply with you in the Ozaken world.
It’s a catchy number you can’t fully absorb in a single listen and will want to play again and again.
A Certain Light (JFK 8’16” Full Length)Ozawa Kenji
This is the 17th single released in December 1997 by Kenji Ozawa, who has been active since the 1990s.
A grand piece that runs 8 minutes and 16 seconds, it is the longest of Ozawa’s singles.
Inspired the moment he arrived at JFK Airport in the United States, the song is said to be dedicated to his late grandfather.
Through depictions of city clamor and railway tracks, the lyrics resonate as they search for an enduring hope amid a sense of loss.
Although it was not included on any original studio album, it has long been celebrated among fans as one of his finest songs.
When you’re worn out by everyday life, it’s perfect to sing alone, quietly feeling the light within your heart.
Let your body move with the rhythm and cherish every word as you weave it.
Serenade of the Ginkgo AvenueOzawa Kenji
This song, Ginkgo Avenue Serenade, is included on the 1994 album LIFE.
It’s also known for being covered by artists like Haruko Hara of Southern All Stars and Hanaregumi.
When you hear “ginkgo-lined avenue,” doesn’t autumn, the season of fall colors, come to mind? It’s a slightly sad love song that perfectly suits that time of year.
As he looks back on his wonderful memories with her, the nostalgia only heightens the sense of longing, making it a number that brings along a touch of sorrow.
Kenji Ozawa’s classic and popular songs (21–30)
Arpeggio (Surely Beyond the Magic Tunnel)Ozawa Kenji
This song, “Arpeggio (Surely Beyond the Magic Tunnel),” was written as the theme for the film River’s Edge.
While it takes the friendship between Kyoko Okazaki, the author of the manga the film is based on, and Kenji Ozawa as its motif, it also fits the story perfectly, giving it a mysterious charm.
Partway through the track there’s spoken dialogue—a back-and-forth between a man and a woman—voiced by the film’s stars, Fumi Nikaido and Ryo Yoshizawa.
The inclusion of dialogue adds depth to the song, making it one you can’t help but listen to intently.