Kiyoshiro Imawano’s Most Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

You only need to think about today, tomorrow, and the day after.Imawano Kiyoshirō43rank/position

King of Rock, Kiyoshiro Imawano’s famous quote. Are there great quotes behind great songs?!

It may sound like living from hand to mouth.

But if we try to live each day with all our might, maybe humans can only think as far as the day after tomorrow.

I picture the late Kiyoshiro, lightly skimming over the essence with a slight smirk on his face.

Good citizenImawano Kiyoshirō44rank/position

Zenryoun Na Shimin

This is a rock number by Kiyoshiro Imawano & 2-3’s, the band led by Kiyoshiro Imawano, where a sharp look at society coexists with humor.

While vividly portraying the lies behind politics, it also expresses the frustration of people who get caught up in them.

This piece is included on the album “MUSIC from POWER HOUSE,” released in October 1993.

Even after the passage of time since its release, its unfading message resonates deeply with those of us living today.

It’s perfect for when you’re feeling uneasy about the contradictions in the world or when you want to hear a solid, cathartic sound.

Be sure to check it out.

BoyhoodImawano Kiyoshirō45rank/position

Boyhood / Kiyoshiro Imawano

The original song is by Yosui Inoue.

Kiyoshiro Imawano, with a completely different character from Inoue’s distinctive vocals, delivers it in a light and poppy reggae-style arrangement.

Yet it also brings on that indescribable end-of-summer melancholy—a track with a uniquely captivating charm.

Love and peaceImawano Kiyoshirō46rank/position

Ai To Heiwa

A song by Kiyoshiro Imawano, who has continued to lead Japan’s rock scene and is hailed as the King of Rock.

Even while tackling the grand theme of a wish for peace, its sprightly rhythm and wordplay are superb, leaving no sense of preachiness whatsoever.

Kiyoshiro Imawano’s warm vocals are striking, resonating directly with the heart before reason can catch up.

Included on the album “GOD,” released in March 2005, this piece was created over the course of more than a year together with his close ally Shinji Miyake at their private studio, the Rock ’n’ Roll Laboratory.

Why not give it a listen when you want to suddenly recall the important things that are so obvious we tend to forget them? Precisely because it’s simple, it hits you hard in the chest—a gem of a rock number.

Heavy rainImawano Kiyoshirō47rank/position

Kiyoshiro Imawano – Hard Rain

With lively drums, a bright horn section, and a catchy melody, this classic by Kiyoshiro will make your body and soul start dancing! This “Hageshii Ame” isn’t a cover of THE MODS, but rather a track included on Kiyoshiro’s sixth solo album, Yumesuke, released in 2006.

It also drew attention for featuring Kiyoshiro’s longtime ally from the RC Succession days, Reiichi Nakaido, in the songwriting.

It has that quintessential Kiyoshiro vibe, and while the surprising chorus that even mentions “RC Succession” sits a bit on the higher side of the range, the jumps aren’t too extreme.

If you relax into the upbeat groove and sing along, the rhythm comes naturally, making it easy to perform.

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Where Have All the Flowers Gone?Imawano Kiyoshirō48rank/position

Where Have All the Flowers Gone – Kiyoshiro Imawano

This is an anti-war song by Kiyoshiro Imawano, covering a classic by Pete Seeger.

Beginning with a flower and moving through a girl, a young man, a soldier, and a graveyard, it questions the folly of war through the cycles of life.

Released in November 2021, the work strikes the heart with Imawano’s powerful vocals and profound lyricism.

With his experience serving as music director for the film “119,” Imawano was perhaps uniquely able to render the song’s message with greater clarity.

It’s a track that everyone who hopes for peace should hear—surely, it will leave something resonant in your heart.

Theme of the TraitorImawano Kiyoshirō49rank/position

Theme of the Traitor

It seems the lyrics of this song were written based on a real experience of Kiyoshiro’s—one he would rather not remember.

It’s a pretty hard-hitting rock ’n’ roll track and really cool.

I also liked the parody version he did during a live CS TV broadcast right after the album Fuyu no Juujika was canceled for label-related reasons and then slated for release on an indie label.