Tomoyasu Hotei Popular Song Ranking [2026]

Freedom In The DarkHotei Tomoyasu22rank/position

Tomoyasu Hotei / HOTEI – “Freedom In The Dark” [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

This commercial depicts Masataka Kubota adventuring through a mysterious world in a Daihatsu Rocky, while also highlighting the exhilaration of driving.

Watching him race through an unknown realm conveys the Rocky’s strength and reassurance in adapting to any environment.

The song that emphasizes the unique worldview and power portrayed in the visuals is Tomoyasu Hotei’s “Freedom In The Dark.” The floating effects on the track and vocals are striking, evoking both the anxiety and excitement of leaping into the unknown.

At the same time, the powerfully resonant guitar tone within that sense of weightlessness seems to express a strong will to keep moving forward.

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kappamaki

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GUITARHYTHMHotei Tomoyasu23rank/position

Tomoyasu Hotei / HOTEI – “GUITARHYTHM”

It’s a truly signature track that made a striking impression as the opening chapter of Tomoyasu Hotei’s solo career.

The fusion of industrial beats and razor-sharp guitar riffs delivers a shock that shatters listeners’ preconceptions.

This challenging sound is the embodiment of his philosophy of “Guitarhythm,” which pioneers new possibilities for the guitar.

The song is the title track of his milestone debut album, GUITARHYTHM, released in October 1988.

Many were likely astonished by the sheer scale—recorded at a prestigious British studio just six months after BOØWY disbanded.

When you’re ready to take a new step forward, bathing in this shower of sound will give you the courage to carve out the future.

LORIOUS DAYSHotei Tomoyasu24rank/position

Tomoyasu Hotei / HOTEI – “GLORIOUS DAYS”

Not only as a guitarist but also as a composer and singer-songwriter, Tomoyasu Hotei has had a remarkable career.

While he isn’t the type known for powerful vocals, he has created many classic songs with his catchy musical style.

Among his tracks, one I particularly recommend is LORIOUS DAYS.

Despite its loud sound and uptempo feel, the vocal range is surprisingly narrow, and the melody line doesn’t fluctuate much in pitch, making it a song that’s relatively easy to score highly on throughout.

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Ryo

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RUSSIAN ROULETTEHotei Tomoyasu25rank/position

Tomoyasu Hotei / HOTEI – Russian Roulette

With its energetic guitar riff that shakes the soul, “RUSSIAN ROULETTE” is a track that leaves an overwhelming impact on listeners.

The technical playing crackles with a firework-like intensity while interlocking with exquisite precision—its sonic artistry is simply breathtaking.

Even as years have passed since its release, it hasn’t faded in the slightest, remaining etched in memory as a Japanese classic distinguished by its standout guitar riff.

There’s no doubt you’ll fully experience the magic of that riff.

STILL ALIVEHotei Tomoyasu26rank/position

Tomoyasu Hotei / HOTEI – STILL ALIVE

This is a hard rock number by Tomoyasu Hotei that evokes a life-or-death battle unfolding in a post-apocalyptic wasteland.

It was written specifically for a project tied to the hugely popular manga Fist of the North Star.

The innovative sound that slams in right before the first verse—said to express the protagonist’s scream through the guitar—sends listeners’ excitement soaring.

The track was released as a single in August 2010.

In the pachislot game Pachislot Fist of the North Star: Legends of the Post-Apocalyptic Savior, it plays during ART when Toki accompanies you in a special situation, making it a divine anthem that signals a big win for pachinko fans.

Savage Sun feat. GLIM SPANKYHotei Tomoyasu27rank/position

Tomoyasu Hotei / HOTEI 'Soul to Soul' Message from GLIM SPANKY

This track that played in Daihatsu’s compact SUV Rocky “Door to Another World” commercial comes from Tomoyasu Hotei’s collaboration album “Soul to Soul”—a cool song featuring GLIM SPANKY, purveyors of bluesy next‑gen rock! The guitar call-and-response between Hotei and GLIM SPANKY’s Kamemoto speaks volumes, and Remi Matsuo’s husky, profound vocals are incredibly cool.

It was reportedly recorded remotely, yet the seamless cohesion and groove never give that away and feel wonderfully tight.

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KEI

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THANK YOU&GOOD BYEHotei Tomoyasu28rank/position

Tomoyasu Hotei / HOTEI – THANK YOU & GOOD BYE

Tomoyasu Hotei is a legendary Japanese rock artist whom virtually everyone above a certain age knows.

After disbanding BOØWY in 1987 and starting his solo career, he released “THANK YOU & GOOD BYE” as his 16th single in 1998.

It’s well known that his former wife was Kumiko Yamashita, and this song is said to have been dedicated to her at the time of their divorce.

That’s why, even from the lyrics, you can feel a love so strong it makes you wonder, “Why do we have to say goodbye?” Even if it’s a farewell, when you want to express gratitude to someone special, this song is sure to deliver your love clearly.

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Yuuko.S

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