Kiyoshiro Imawano’s Most Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

Forbidden Rouge MagicImawano Kiyoshiro, Sakamoto Ryuichi8rank/position

【HR-Hard】Naughty Rouge Magic – Kiyoshiro Imawano & Ryuichi Sakamoto

This track was released in 1982 and drew attention as an unconventional collaboration between two heavyweights, Kiyoshiro Imawano and Ryuichi Sakamoto.

With their distinctive personalities and a song that exuded a dangerously alluring “forbidden” vibe, it became a hit as a lipstick campaign song.

It evokes the image of a vividly colored spring song, yet it never fades with time—and it’s the kind of addictive track you occasionally feel like revisiting.

Collaborations like this are great because they offer both surprise and fun.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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Slow BalladImawano Kiyoshirō9rank/position

Slow Ballad / Kiyoshiro Imawano

Kiyoshiro Imawano, who formed RC Succession, is such a pivotal figure in rock that he’s often called the King of Rock.

Yet at his core he was also a soul singer, deeply influenced by soul and blues.

You can hear the influence of Otis Redding in his vocal style, and he even recreated the stagecraft of the Godfather of Soul, James Brown, in his live shows.

In 1992, he released the album “Memphis,” featuring Booker T.

& the M.G.’s, who had been Otis Redding’s backing band.

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Hamada Takuya

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REMEMBER YOUImawano Kiyoshirō10rank/position

Remember You

It’s a rock ballad that holds both a sense of loss and a strong will, saying that even if everything changes, memories remain.

Co-written with Shinji Miyake, a close friend of Kiyoshiro Imawano, it’s also known for featuring Hiroto Kōmoto on chorus.

Included on the album “GOD,” released in March 2005, the song was chosen as the theme for the film “Earth Story: The Evolution of Dinosaurs and the Future of Humans.” After Imawano’s passing, it was also used as the ending theme for the 2010 film “A Boy and His Samurai,” deepening the lingering resonance of the story.

Rather than offering words of comfort, the vocals confront the void of reality, yet somehow carry a warmth that sinks into your heart.

It’s a song to listen to closely when you’ve lost something precious or on a quiet night when you want to reflect on the past.

Cycling BluesImawano Kiyoshirō11rank/position

Cycling Blues

Kiyoshiro Imawano’s song is a work filled with love for bicycles.

It captures the sensation of slicing through the breeze on a refreshing ride, set to a bluesy melody.

Released in July 2005, the track offers a glimpse of his cyclist side.

Imawano, who started cycling in his fifties, pours his passion into every line of the lyrics.

It’s recommended not only for cycling enthusiasts but also for anyone who wants to feel a sense of unity with nature.

Sing it at karaoke, and you’ll surely feel a pleasant wind.

crowdImawano Kiyoshirō12rank/position

Zattou (2021 Remaster)

Singer-songwriter Kiyoshiro Imawano, beloved by many for his unconventional personality and distinctive musicality.

Though he’s a singer who represents rock and punk, he also released songs rooted in the blues, which could be called a close relative of those genres.

Among them, the one I especially recommend is “Zattō” (Crowd).

Surprisingly, Imawano’s uniquely colored voice pairs exceptionally well with the blues.

It’s a perfect pick for those who want to hear blues that carries a refined coolness while holding a subtle, wistful touch.

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Ryo

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Baby #1Imawano Kiyoshirō13rank/position

Kiyoshiro Imawano – Baby #1

What an unusual collaboration.

The person appearing is Ryo Ishikawa, a professional golfer who was extremely popular at the time.

But the one singing is Kiyoshiro Imawano.

What’s more, the familiar lyrics, “Ringo to hachimitsu torōri toketeru…” aren’t there.

It might have been the moment a fresh breeze blew through Vermont Curry for the first time since it began.

bento boxImawano Kiyoshirō14rank/position

Obentou Bako

A number themed around everyday vessels, its profound kindness—big enough to take on someone’s pain and past in their entirety—strikes straight to the heart.

It’s a richly flavored track included on the album “Music From POWER HOUSE” by Kiyoshiro Imawano & 2・3’S, the band led by Kiyoshiro Imawano.

Released in October 1993, the album was carefully crafted in London.

Its rugged band sound melds with friendly, poppy melodies, and many listeners may find their hearts warmed with every play.

Co-writer Noriwo Yamakawa has kept the song alive on stage, and it continues to be cherished by fellow musicians.

It’s a masterpiece to put on when you want the comfort of someone’s kindness, or on a quiet night when you’re thinking of someone dear.