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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] (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?

He and sheIzumiya Shigeru15rank/position

A classic by Shigeru Izumiya filled with comforting kindness.

Set to a gentle melody, it beautifully and poignantly portrays the everyday life of two people in love.

Featured on the album “Kazoku” and released in October 1976, this song seeps into the heart with Izumiya’s soulful vocals and the delicate tones of piano and guitar.

Pure affection and relationships that evolve with the passage of time—its lyrics capture such human drama with remarkable finesse, inviting you to nod in recognition.

A heartwarming song you’ll want to listen to with someone special.

There was a manIzumiya Shigeru16rank/position

Shigeru Izumiya - NHK drama 'Kaze no Tōge' theme song 'Otoko Arite' (There Stands a Man) - Shimokitazawa live version
There was a manIzumiya Shigeru

A signature song by Shigeru Izumiya, resounding with a soul-stirring, manly vocal presence.

Included on his 1972 album Lone Wolf, this work vividly captures the rebellious spirit of the youth of its time.

The powerful vocals paired with innovative lyrics leave a deep impression on listeners.

The lyrics, depicting young people in pursuit of freedom, continue to resonate with many across generations.

Izumiya’s passionate performance is best experienced live at a club.

It’s a moving masterpiece that shakes the soul—one we hope everyone who longs to live true to themselves will hear.

Island of FireIzumiya Shigeru17rank/position

Shigeru Izumiya with LOSER - Island of Fire (Yokohama National University)
Island of FireIzumiya Shigeru

A song that shifts dramatically from folk to punk rock conveys Shigeru Izumiya’s soul-baring cry.

Featured on his 1974 album The Golden Madness Era, this track symbolizes Izumiya’s musical evolution.

It reveals his true self, who underwent a transformation even more radical than Bob Dylan’s.

Embracing polar extremes, the piece shakes the listener to the core.

You can feel Izumiya’s burning spirit alive and unchanged across eras.

The passionate message embedded in the music is sure to resonate deeply within you.

Sleepless NightIzumiya Shigeru18rank/position

HD Shigeru Izumiya Sleepless Night
Sleepless NightIzumiya Shigeru

This is a soul-stirring song by Shigeru Izumiya that gently stays close to those who are troubled.

The soft tones of the guitar melt into the stillness of the night, and the woven lyrics embrace lonely hearts.

Included on the album “Ogongo Jidai,” released in August 1975, this piece resonated with many and has been loved for decades.

Its lyrics delicately depict universal themes such as heartbreak and inner conflict, striking deeply at the listener’s heart.

A classic imbued with warm comfort for all who spend sleepless nights.

Even now, it remains a source of support for many, a song that quietly keeps you company on nights when you struggle alone.

Bastards Without WingsIzumiya Shigeru19rank/position

HD Shigeru Izumiya - Bastards Without Wings
Bastards Without WingsIzumiya Shigeru

This piece, included on the 1975 album “Shigeru Izumiya no Sekai,” is a distinctive song that, while rooted in rock, incorporates elements of folk and blues.

Its lyrics carry sharp messages toward society, and Izumiya’s rough-hewn, passionate vocals captured the hearts of many listeners.

Reflecting a critical spirit toward the youth culture and social climate of the time, it strongly impresses Izumiya’s defiant attitude and unique artistic persona.

It has become an indispensable staple in his live performances and continues to be loved across generations.

The song expresses a powerful yearning for freedom and a determination to forge one’s own path without being bound by society’s frameworks, giving courage and hope to its listeners.

street cornerIzumiya Shigeru20rank/position

HD Shigeru Izumiya Street Corner
street cornerIzumiya Shigeru

It’s a song distinguished by delicate lyrics and a stylish arrangement.

In 1972, it was included on Shigeru Izumiya’s debut album “Bokutachi no Shippai” (Our Failures).

It is known as a track that had a major impact on Japan’s folk-rock scene.

The lyrics, which explore themes of urban loneliness and the fragility of human relationships, resonate deeply with many listeners.

Combined with Izumiya’s powerful vocals, it stands as a masterpiece that invites profound emotional immersion.

Created in the wake of Japan’s period of rapid economic growth, amid sweeping social change, the song struck a strong chord especially with young people of the time and continues to be loved by many to this day.