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Shigeru Izumiya Popular Songs Ranking [2026]
He debuted in 1971 with “Shigeru Izumiya Tōjō” on Elec Records.
He went on to co-found For Life Records with Takuro Yoshida, Yosui Inoue, and Hitoshi Komuro.
He later flourished as an actor as well, becoming a multi-talented entertainer beloved by households across Japan.
These days, he’s so well-known in Japan that almost everyone recognizes him, and you often see him on variety and news programs, right?
This time, we’re putting the spotlight on him!
We’ll introduce a ranking of his most popular works from among all the releases so far.
Whether you’re a long-time fan or just discovering him, please enjoy.
Shigeru Izumiya Popular Songs Ranking [2026] (1–10)
Spring, Summer, Autumn, WinterIzumiya Shigeru1rank/position
Shigeru Izumiya, born in 1948, has been active in many fields as a singer-songwriter and as an actor.
His music falls within the folk and rock genres, and especially “Shunkashuto” (Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter) has long been cherished by many as one of his signature works.
Through the changing of the four seasons, the song delicately depicts life’s joys and sorrows, life and death, beginnings and endings.
Izumiya’s profound lyricism blends beautifully with the melody, stirring a wide range of emotions in listeners.
For older listeners, this song can inspire reflection on the various stages of life and offer the courage and strength to take the next step.
puka-pukaIzumiya Shigeru2rank/position
This is a classic song known for its light, catchy melody and lyrics that resonate with the heart.
Included on the album “Outdated Rock’n’Roll Band,” released in 1975, it is beloved by many fans as one of Shigeru Izumiya’s signature songs.
Imbued with a message that cherishes the small happinesses of everyday life, this work brings warmth to listeners’ hearts.
The unique quality of Izumiya’s vocals combined with the simple melody creates a world that soothes those who hear it.
It’s a recommended track for taking a breather amid busy days.
Ephemeral Creatures of the NightIzumiya Shigeru3rank/position
This is one of Shigeru Izumiya’s signature songs, which has captivated many listeners with his rich sensibility and unique worldview.
Included on the 1972 album “Shigeru Izumiya,” it delicately portrays the loneliness and poignancy of people living on the fringes of the city.
The soulful vocals of Izumiya and the timbre of the guitar weave a wistful melody that penetrates deeply into the listener’s heart.
It is striking in how it depicts human beings as fragile presences encountered on nighttime street corners, expressing both their beauty and their sorrow at once.
It’s a song that leaves a lingering resonance, making you feel as though you’re being asked about the meaning of life.
A Long Journey to FreedomIzumiya Shigeru4rank/position
This song holds an important place in Japan’s folk rock scene.
It’s striking how the deep bond between Nobuyasu Okabayashi and Shigeru Izumiya is expressed through the piece.
Included on the 1971 album “A Single Photograph,” the song centers on the feelings of young people seeking freedom and opposing the establishment.
It strongly reflects the era’s backdrop of active student movements in the 1970s, and its lyrics, which question social structures and conventional ideas, resonate deeply.
Izumiya’s characteristically powerful vocals and guitar accompaniment shake the listener to the core.
Listening to it when you want to think about self-realization and your relationship with society may offer a new perspective.
Black Boat SongIzumiya Shigeru5rank/position
With its emotionally rich vocals and moving melody, this song leaves a deep imprint on the listener’s heart.
It perfectly balances the strength and melancholy that are Shigeru Izumiya’s trademark, while the rhythmic tones of the guitar strings keep stirring the listener’s feelings like waves.
In the chorus, Izumiya’s voice gains even more depth, evoking a tenacious, oar-stroking persistence.
It’s a track with a mysterious charm, as if carrying the listener somewhere far away while rocking in a black boat.
Its memorable lyrics and melody reveal something new with every listen, offering a glimpse of why it is loved for so long.
Song of the Elderly RevolutionIzumiya Shigeru6rank/position
Released in 1973, Shigeru Izumiya’s work is a powerful protest song that calls for the dignity and social standing of the elderly.
The lyrics, packed with Izumiya’s distinctive perspective and sharp social critique, convey a deep insight into the inevitability of aging and the issues faced by older people.
Featured on the album “Hikari to Kage” (Light and Shadow), the song’s message remains undimmed more than 50 years after its release.
Its folk-rock sound and Izumiya’s forceful vocals make the theme even more striking.
In today’s aging society, it provides a prompt to consider intergenerational understanding and mutual support.
Bob LennonIzumiya Shigeru7rank/position
This song, captivating for its powerful vocals and distinctive worldview, is included on the 1974 album “Aozora, Hitori Kiri.” Shigeru Izumiya, inspired by John Lennon and Bob Dylan, created the piece with a wish for peace.
In the chorus, the lyrics and melody match exquisitely, making it especially memorable.
Izumiya’s emotionally rich singing brings out the song’s depth.
Its strong melody and unique worldview seize listeners’ hearts and are truly compelling.
Please enjoy this wonderful track.
Lock of DIzumiya Shigeru8rank/position
A signature song by Shigeru Izumiya that skillfully fuses elements of folk and rock.
It features powerful guitar and passionate vocals.
Included on the 1973 album “Our Failure,” its lyrics—depicting youthful rebellion and a thirst for freedom—resonated with listeners.
Loved across generations, this track is a staple of Izumiya’s live shows.
Perfect for when you want to feel that fiery rock spirit or when you’re questioning established values.
The more you listen, the more it strikes a chord—an enduring classic.
Detroit pokerIzumiya Shigeru9rank/position
Performed on a stage wrapped in heat, this piece rises like flames of passion.
While exuding the presence of a rock band that transcends the bounds of folk, it overflows with an energy that seizes the listener’s heart.
Released on the 1977 album Rock ’n’ Roll Heart, this track leaves a strong impression with its liberated expression of youth—made possible by the special setting of a campus festival live performance—and once you hear it, you’ll be drawn into the shared sense of unity of the moment.
Its timeless appeal, which has captivated countless music fans across generations, continues to enchant new listeners even today.
Song of the Yoito-makeIzumiya Shigeru10rank/position
Set against the backdrop of Japan’s period of rapid economic growth, this classic song depicts the growth and hope of a child from a poor construction worker’s family.
Written by Akihiro Miwa and later covered by Shigeru Izumiya, the song portrays a journey of overcoming social discrimination and prejudice, learning from the hardworking example of the child’s mother, and ultimately achieving success.
Released as a single by King Records in 1965, it became a major hit, selling 400,000 copies.
Izumiya’s cover, released in 1998, was also featured on Fuji TV’s “News JAPAN.” His powerful vocals and distinctive guitar playing vividly convey the song’s strength and sense of hope.