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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)

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

Shigeru Izumiya with LOSER - Detroit Poker (Yokohama National University)
Detroit pokerIzumiya Shigeru

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

Shigeru Izumiya & Char (Live) The Song of Yoitomake
Song of the Yoito-makeIzumiya Shigeru

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.

Shigeru Izumiya Popular Songs Ranking [2026] (11–20)

Rock ’n’ roll costs money.Izumiya Shigeru11rank/position

Shigeru Izumiya – Rock ’n’ Roll Costs Money
Rock ’n’ roll costs money.Izumiya Shigeru

This song is packed with the rock spirit of the Showa era.

Shigeru Izumiya’s distinctive voice pairs perfectly with the acoustic sound.

Released in 1988, it sharply portrays the gap between passion for rock and reality.

Chisato Moritaka’s drumming and Yosuke Eguchi’s guitar give the track both power and delicacy.

The lyrics, overflowing with love for music, are sure to resonate with anyone chasing their dreams.

It’s a perfect pick when you want to get fired up at a live house or rekindle your passion for music.

Personal reasonsIzumiya Shigeru12rank/position

Personal Reasons: Shigeru Izumiya Complete Songs Conquest Returns Vol. 1
Personal reasonsIzumiya Shigeru

When you listen closely, a powerful message that pierces the heart comes through.

Released on Shigeru Izumiya’s 1972 debut album “Our Failure,” this song is a classic that walks the royal road of folk rock.

It portrays an individual’s inner turmoil and relationship with society from a unique perspective and has been highly acclaimed since its release.

Izumiya’s rough-hewn vocals brim with emotion, conveying the weight of someone who has crossed life’s mountain passes.

The simple yet forceful melody line further deepens the lyrical worldview.

Like a journey of self-discovery, it evokes different impressions and resonances in each listener.

Under the fluttering national flagIzumiya Shigeru13rank/position

Shigeru Izumiya with LOSER - Under the Fluttering Flags (Yokohama National University)
Under the fluttering national flagIzumiya Shigeru

A signature work by Shigeru Izumiya, infused with sharp social criticism.

Included on the 1972 album “Jidaiokure no Seishun” (“Out-of-Date Youth”), this song was born against the backdrop of student movements and Japan’s high-growth era.

Its musical style fuses folk and rock, marked by a rough yet emotionally rich vocal delivery.

The lyrics symbolically question the meanings carried by the national flag and anthem, leaving a deep impression on listeners.

This piece strongly reflects Izumiya’s defiant spirit and his challenges to society.

It is a valuable musical legacy that deserves to be passed down across generations.

A Letter from a Cold CountryIzumiya Shigeru14rank/position

HD Shigeru Izumiya - A Letter from a Cold Country
A Letter from a Cold CountryIzumiya Shigeru

This is a song distinguished by a tender melody that stirs the heart and poignant, heartrending lyrics.

Centered on the motif of a letter sent from far away, it powerfully conveys the importance of human bonds and love.

You can feel how Shigeru Izumiya’s distinctive singing voice deepens the song’s world.

Released in 1972 on the album “Bokura no Yoake,” this track drew significant attention as Izumiya’s debut work.

It’s a song you’ll especially want to listen to as winter’s cold grows harsher.

Why not enjoy it at a leisurely pace with a warm drink in hand?