Kiyoshiro Imawano’s Most Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

Kadokawa BluesImawano Kiyoshirō50rank/position

Kiyoshiro Imawano, Reiichi Nakaido / Kadokawa Blues

I think they gave it this title because Kadokawa Bunko was a sponsor for the acoustic live performance that was broadcast on TV.

The lyrics, which quote words from a famous work by Kenji Miyazawa and were crafted in Kiyoshiro’s own sensibility, are unique and brought great comfort to my heart.

Hand Clapping Rhumba 2000Imawano Kiyoshiro & Tin Pan51rank/position

Kiyoshiro Imawano w/ Tin Pan – Hand Clapping Rhumba 2000

The backing band is a mixed group of Tin Pan Alley–style artists, which is really luxurious.

If there had been a TV program like this, I wish I had recorded it.

I hope they rebroadcast it.

The lyrics of this song are great, too.

And this video lets you enjoy Kiyoshiro’s unique stage performance.

Two People Who Can’t Go HomeImawano Kiyoshiro & Inoue Yosui52rank/position

The Two Who Can’t Go Home – Yosui Inoue & Kiyoshiro Imawano

It’s a song co-written by a young Kiyoshiro and Yosui, included on Yosui Inoue’s album “Kori no Sekai” (Ice World).

It’s also very popular among Yosui’s fans.

The lyrics of the first verse are straightforward and easily come across as good lyrics, but I used to think the second verse—said to have been written by Kiyoshiro—was plain.

Lately, however, I’ve been impressed by the brilliance of its wording.

Let’s slip out of the party.Imawano Kiyoshiro & Shinohara Ryoko53rank/position

Kiyoshiro Imawano · Ryoko Shinohara

This is a duet with Ryoko Shinohara, who was mainly active as a singer at the time.

It’s a very catchy song, and I remember the part where she kissed during a TV appearance.

Among Kiyoshiro’s female fans, there seemed to be quite a bit of jealousy toward Ryoko Shinohara.

Forbidden Rouge MagicImawano Kiyoshirō × Sakamoto Ryūichi54rank/position

Forbidden Rouge Magic / Kiyoshiro Imawano + Ryuichi Sakamoto [))STEREO((]

It’s a collaboration whose music, visuals, and music video are all sensational.

In particular, the video where the two share a kiss shocked many people.

The song itself is techno-pop with a simple structure, and the repeated chorus phrase is addictive.

S.FImawano Kiyoshirō55rank/position

S.F.

A collaboration with Char.

Right after SkyPerfecTV started and I signed up, Kiyoshiro appeared on a variety show broadcast on Fuji TV’s channel.

When I saw him in the singing segment, I was amazed at how cool young Kiyoshiro was.

The song is a really cool rock ’n’ roll track.

STAND BY MEImawano Kiyoshirō56rank/position

Stand By Me (Live From Nakano Sun Plaza / 1987)

The classic song “STAND BY ME,” covered by many artists around the world.

Among the versions covered by Japanese artists, the rendition by Kiyoshiro Imawano—which has garnered great popularity—was featured in a 2019 commercial for WONDA.

The fusion of the profound performances by the star-studded cast of Takeshi Kitano and Kankuro Kudo with Kiyoshiro Imawano’s “STAND BY ME” leaves a lasting impression.