Top Inoue Yosui Songs Ranking [2026]

New RhapsodyInoue Yosui15rank/position

New Rhapsody ~Live Sound~ Yosui Inoue

A 1986 single by Yosui Inoue that was featured in an ANA commercial.

Even now it sounds stylish and sparkling, yet the mature world he sings about is wonderful as ever.

The way he expresses feelings for a loved one so beautifully and dreamily is truly unique to Inoue.

The airy, pleasant mood—like the guitar riff in the interlude—feels as if you’re traveling through the sky.

The resonance and words carried by the simple sound are exquisitely beautiful.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

KEI

Report a problem

Make-up ShadowInoue Yosui16rank/position

Yosui Inoue - Make-up Shadow

It’s a song that feels like capturing the moment you transform into a new self, repainting your melancholy in front of the mirror.

Released by the one-and-only singer-songwriter Yosui Inoue in July 1993, it was used as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Subarashiki Kana Jinsei” (What a Wonderful Life).

The track is also included on the album “UNDER THE SUN.” It sets the complex inner state—hiding sorrow with makeup and presenting a glamorous facade—to a light, slightly mysterious sound.

It’s a renowned piece also known for arranger Jun Sato winning the Arrangement Award at the 35th Japan Record Awards.

On a morning when you’re not feeling your best, putting on your makeup with this song as your BGM might just turn those gloomy shadows into captivating ones.

TokyoInoue Yosui17rank/position

Yosui Inoue / TOKYO

Ginza, Hato Bus, the Kabuki-za, Shinjuku, Akasaka, Asakusa.

Under Yosui’s magic, even Tokyo’s scenery turns into a song like this.

It’s a track that makes you want to hop on a Hato Bus and go sightseeing in Tokyo, lured by a warm breeze.

It’s included on the 1990 album Handsome Boy.

canaryInoue Yosui18rank/position

Canary / Yosui Inoue

“Canary” is a song with a strangely captivating charm that I just can’t get out of my head.

Among Yosui Inoue’s works from the 1980s, it’s included on the highly acclaimed album LION & PELICAN.

“Canary” is characterized by its waltz rhythm and, for its time, an avant-garde, floating sound arrangement.

If you’re just singing it, there’s little that’s technically difficult beyond being mindful that the lyrics move a bit quickly.

However, please keep in mind that it’s not the kind of song that really builds to a climax.

When choosing it for karaoke, be careful to pick it when you’re with companions who will appreciate a song with this kind of distinctive atmosphere.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

KOH-1

Report a problem

evening showerInoue Yosui19rank/position

02_Sudden Evening Shower

Yudachi is a very strange and interesting song, characterized by the way Yosui Inoue sings as if he’s talking directly to the listeners.

It has a mood that feels like you’ve wandered into a maze, and both the shifting tone and the non-uniform lyrics are very characteristic of Inoue, making it a great song.

When My Daughter TwistsInoue Yosui20rank/position

16_When My Daughter Twists

“When My Daughter Twists” is my favorite song among Yosui Inoue’s tracks.

The title is unique and fun, and of course the song itself matches Inoue’s distinctive voice and lyrics perfectly—I can’t help thinking what a wonderful song it is.

This is exactly what a Yosui Inoue song should be!

Two People Who Can’t Go HomeInoue Yosui21rank/position

Inoue Yosui - The Two Who Can't Return

In 1973, Yosui Inoue released his third album, Ice World.

The album presented new musical possibilities to the scene at the time, and among its hidden gems is “Kaerenai Futari” (The Two Who Can’t Go Back).

The combination of simple folk-guitar accompaniment and a calm, wistful melody is exquisite, and its structure makes it easy to sing at karaoke.

After warming up your voice with this song, we recommend following it with the album’s title track, “Ice World!”

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Yuuki

Report a problem