Haruko Hara’s Popular Songs Ranking [2026]
She is widely known as “Keisuke Kuwata’s wife,” the keyboardist of Southern All Stars, and she also works solo as a musician and singer-songwriter.
In fact, she has collaborated with a variety of musicians and left behind many wonderful songs.
Even on Southern All Stars tracks, her arrangements and backing vocals add tasteful color.
Despite that image, she’s surprisingly adept at earthy blues and Southern rock–influenced playing.
So this time, based on feedback from music fans submitted to our site, we researched her most acclaimed tracks and picked out, in ranking format, the songs by her that proved especially popular.
Now, please enjoy!
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Yuko Hara Popular Song Rankings [2026] (1–10)
Kyoto StoryHarayuko8rank/position
A masterpiece set in Kyoto, born from the ultimate dream team: lyrics and composition by Keisuke Kuwata, sung by Yuko Hara.
The sound, interwoven with what seems like koto tones, feels like a perfect blend of J-pop with a traditional enka sensibility—an ideal match for Hara’s whispery vocals.
The lyrics touch on key Kyoto landmarks—Kamo River, Gion, Arashiyama—rich with emotion, tracing meetings and partings of people while Kyoto has watched over them all this time, and will continue to do so… that narrative is exquisite.
If this is a lesser-known song, I wish more people would hear it.
They should play it at Kyoto Station!
Last Single X’masHarayuko9rank/position
This is a quintessential 80s ballad that sings of Christmas memories filled with nostalgia and bittersweet longing.
Haru Yuko’s gentle, warm vocals tenderly envelop the lingering feelings for a love that has passed.
Included on the album “Harayuko ga Kataru Hitotoki,” released in April 1981, the song also had its instrumental version used as an insert track in the film “Aiko 16-sai,” beautifully capturing the emotional tone of a coming-of-age movie.
With lyrics penned by Keisuke Kuwata of Southern All Stars, it deftly portrays the protagonist’s feelings as they look back on Christmases from their youth.
When the holiday season makes you want to reminisce about memories with a loved one, be sure to give it a listen.
Gudetama MarchHarayuko10rank/position
Yuko Hara, known as the keyboardist of Southern All Stars and as a singer-songwriter with charmingly cute backing vocals, has released her fourth original album, Portrait of a Lady, her first original album in 31 years.
The track Gudetama March, just as its title suggests, serves as the theme song for the Netflix live-action series Gudetama: An Eggcellent Adventure.
With its easy-to-remember, laid-back melody, it should be comfortable to sing at karaoke.
However, since the overall key is high, try adjusting it to a key that suits your voice and practice accordingly.
Yuko Hara Popular Song Ranking [2026] (11–20)
HeavenHarayuko11rank/position
This commercial highlights Daido Life’s efforts to support a wide range of companies and conveys the desire for them to become even more fulfilling organizations.
It expresses the idea that employees who work together for their company are like family, and it conveys a warm sentiment wishing for everyone in the family to be happy.
The song that further accentuates the gentle atmosphere depicted in the visuals is Haruko Hara’s “Heaven.” The blend of its soft sound and vocals is striking, leaving a calming impression.
Girls’ GenerationHarayuko12rank/position
This song features a nostalgic melody that gently embraces days gone by and resonates in the heart.
Originally written for Yuki Saito, it was included as a self-cover on the single “Makeruna Onna no Ko!” released in November 1991, and was chosen as the ending theme for the TV anime “YAWARA! a fashionable judo girl!” The bittersweet memories of youth, spun by Hara’s warm vocals, naturally overlap with the slightly lonely scenery of autumn as you listen.
It may touch you even more deeply if you play it at dusk while lost in thought.
A Smile for the Angel of TearsHarayuko13rank/position
This is a gentle piece woven by piano and strings, perfectly suited to autumn’s sentimental mood! It’s a solo number by Haruko Hara, also known as a member of Southern All Stars, with lyrics and composition by Keisuke Kuwata.
Released as a single in November 1997, it was used as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series “Amakarashan.” The lyrics are deeply moving, depicting a figure who, even in despair, finds a spark of hope and tries to face forward.
Listening to her warm, embracing voice feels like your heart is being cleansed.
The night of my birthdayHarayuko14rank/position
A single by Yuko Hara, released in March 1982 as her third solo work.
Also known as the keyboardist for Southern All Stars, she delivers a delicate vocal performance that leaves a strong impression.
Centered on the theme of a special night with a loved one, the song paints a scene of yearning while waiting for that person.
The image of the two sharing past memories conveys a warm affection.
Written and composed by Hara herself, the track fully showcases her musical sensibilities.
A nostalgic masterpiece recommended for anyone who wants to cherish time with someone special.