Tomoyasu Hotei Popular Song Ranking [2026]

CHANGE YOURSELF!Hotei Tomoyasu21rank/position

Tomoyasu Hotei / HOTEI – CHANGE YOURSELF!

It was released in 1997 as Tomoyasu Hotei’s 15th single.

After BOØWY disbanded, Hotei experimented with various sounds, but this track is notable for bringing the BOØWY sound to the forefront.

The song was created for a Nissin Cup Noodles commercial, in which Hotei himself also appeared.

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.