Top Inoue Yosui Songs Ranking [2026]

Frame of a picture of a long slopeInoue Yosui22rank/position

Frame of a picture of a long slope from NHK

The song Nagai Saka no E no Frame is a gentle, soothing, lovely piece.

It feels comforting, like a mother’s lullaby.

In this track, Yosui Inoue’s sweet voice particularly resonates, and I think it’s a song you can really immerse yourself in his vocals.

For some reason, Shanghai.Inoue Yosui23rank/position

08_Somehow Shanghai

For some reason, I think “Shanghai” is a unique and great song in the way it shifts from an intermittent melody to a more flowing one.

I love how Yosui Inoue’s vocals resonate so well.

It’s a song that makes me want to actually visit Shanghai, giving me a surreal and mysterious feeling.

JealousyInoue Yosui24rank/position

Jealousy — Yosui Inoue

Yosui Inoue’s “Jealousy” is a captivating number with a distinctive worldview centered on the theme of jealousy.

Its lyrics poetically express emotions drifting in envy, and if you sing it when you’re struggling with romantic jealousy, those feelings should gradually soften.

His languid, ennui-tinged delivery, which conveys an inexpressible sense of frustration, makes you want to imitate it.

While his songs—old and new—continue to captivate many fans, this piece stands out as a particularly long-running hit.

If you’ve never sung his music at karaoke, why not start by giving this song a try?

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Yuuki

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I don’t knowInoue Yosui25rank/position

Yosui Inoue - Wakannai

The title certainly makes an impact, but in fact, as you can tell from the lyrics, this “Wakannai” is an answer song to Kenji Miyazawa’s ‘Be Not Defeated by the Rain.’ It’s a track from Yosui-san’s highly acclaimed 1982 masterpiece album ‘LION & PELICAN,’ and it’s a gem where the stylish arrangement, Yosui’s theatrical vocal delivery, and lyrics that shine with a unique sensibility all come together beautifully.

With chord progressions and melodic turns characteristic of Yosui, it shouldn’t be too difficult if you’re used to singing Inoue Yosui’s songs.

Conversely, if you’re not, you might find the rhythmic feel and melodic lines a bit perplexing at first, but even those who struggle with high notes can definitely take on this song.

Give it multiple listens and be sure to master that signature Inoue Yosui style!

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KOH-1

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I don’t have an umbrella.Inoue Yosui26rank/position

No Umbrella – Yosui Inoue

It’s a fun date with someone you love, but it’s raining outside… That alone can make you feel pretty depressed, right? Inoue Yosui’s 1972 song “Kasa ga Nai” (“I Don’t Have an Umbrella”) sings about that familiar, everyday gloom that anyone can fall into, as well as the melancholy that overflows in the world.

There are all sorts of problems out there, and sometimes they even affect our own lives.

But the lyrics honestly say that the issue pressing down on me right now is, for me, the most important one of all—and that’s the charm of this song.

Perhaps when we feel down is precisely when we should think about what truly matters and what we truly need.

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SAKI

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Night busInoue Yosui27rank/position

01_Night Bus

“Night Bus” is a song that truly makes you feel as if you’re traveling on an overnight bus.

Since it’s from Yosui Inoue’s younger days, it conjures the image of a young man filled with hope setting out on a journey.

I’d love to listen to it while actually riding a night bus.

East and WestInoue Yosui28rank/position

East and West - Yosui Inoue 1992 SPARKLING BLUE (Nippon Budokan)

Literary and strongly message-driven, “Higashi e Nishi e” is a cynical cheer-up song also known for being covered by actor Masahiro Motoki.

Featured on Yosui Inoue’s second album, “Yosui II: Sentimental,” released in 1972, the track enjoys high recognition despite not being a single.

That makes it a crowd-pleaser at karaoke.

Its vocal range isn’t wide, so even those who aren’t confident singers can give it a try.

When you need one more push with your studies or work, sing this song and get fired up!

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Yuuki

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