Debut one year after starting musical activities! Ranking of popular songs by imase

Et ceteraimase15rank/position

[imase] Etcetera (MV)

Have you ever experienced missed connections in your youth or carried feelings you couldn’t put into words? This song by imase gently brings back those memories tucked away in the depths of your heart.

Released in August 2024, it was written as the opening theme for the Netflix anime series “Kimi ni Todoke: 3rd Season.” Centered on a warm piano refrain, its sound—woven from a dramatic melody and falsetto—strikes a delicate balance between poignancy and pop sensibility.

While resonating with the world of the show, it also possesses a universal appeal that overlaps with each listener’s own memories of youth.

It’s a track you’ll want to hear as graduation approaches and you look back on days with your friends—especially if those unspoken feelings from back then suddenly pass through your heart.

Shine Outimase16rank/position

Nana Komatsu appears in Shiseido Anessa’s sunscreen commercial.

The products featured in the ad are a sunscreen cream and gel that not only protect against UV rays but are also said to help prevent future dark spots and provide moisture.

While the visuals evoke a bright, sunny season, Komatsu’s fair, beautiful skin conveys that the sunscreen stands up to even intense sunlight.

The background music is “Shine Out” by the much-talked-about singer-songwriter imase—an up-tempo, danceable track that incorporates the word “Dance” in the lyrics and feels perfect for summer.

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Hane Keisuke

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Metro Cityimase & natori17rank/position

[imase & natori] Metro City (MV)

A city pop–style dance number featuring a snappy guitar riff and breezy sax has arrived.

This second collaboration between imase and Natori deftly captures the feelings of young people moving from the countryside to a big city, with “moving to Tokyo” as its theme.

Released in September 2024, the track rides an easygoing rhythm to express both the allure of the metropolis and the gap with reality.

At karaoke, you can get into the spirit of heading to Tokyo with friends—belt out the chorus together or turn each other’s hometowns into playful parody lyrics—the ways to enjoy it are endless.

It’s a perfect pick for anyone who longs for the city or is just starting a new chapter in life.

Rainy Driverimase18rank/position

【imase】Rainy Driver（Official Audio）

Set against a rainy-day drive, this gem by imase delicately portrays the subtle dynamics and emotional shifts between lovers.

The rain that starts after crossing the Shuto Expressway mirrors the cold distance growing between the two, sensitively expressing the moment when a once-sunny relationship begins to cloud over.

The frustration of trying to convey your feelings only to be met with feigned indifference, and the hope that two parallel lines might one day converge, resonate alongside the sound of the rain.

Featured on the May 2024 album “Bonsai,” this track is highly recommended for anyone struggling with the instability of love or those who want to savor the special atmosphere of a rainy day.

to singimase19rank/position

[imase] Utau (Music Video)

Singer-songwriter imase stands out for pop music that resonates with teens and people in their twenties, blending relatable lyrics with an R&B essence.

His songs are also known for featuring lots of high notes.

Among his works, the one I especially recommend is “Utau.” The entire chorus is sung in falsetto.

It has a light, airy delivery, so it’s really a song only for those who can easily hit high notes.

Considering that, it’s definitely a track that ranks at S level.

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Ryo

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escapadeimase20rank/position

[imase] Elopement (MV)

In recent Japanese pop music, there’s been an increase in songs that use a lot of falsetto.

Since falsetto isn’t an easy technique, such songs generally aren’t ideal for aiming for high scores.

But Escape is different.

Renowned as one of imase’s masterpieces, this track has falsetto parts that are independent from the other sections, allowing you to attempt falsetto once your voice is properly prepared.

It’s also very slow in tempo, so as long as you can track the falsetto pitch, it’s possible to aim for a high score.

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Ryo

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pen pal correspondenceimase×Matsutōya Yumi21rank/position

[imase × Yumi Matsutoya] Correspondence (Music Video)

How about a special duet that bridges generations? It’s a song by imase, a singer of the new generation, and the legend Yumi Matsutoya.

Created to celebrate the 60th anniversary of audio equipment maker BOSE, it was released in May 2025.

Crafted in a relay style like exchanging letters, the song captures listeners’ hearts with a romantic worldview that longs for someone far away.

The sophisticated, bossa nova-inspired sound is irresistible.

If you sing it at karaoke, tune in to each other’s voices and keep it tender.