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.
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Shigeru Izumiya Popular Songs Ranking [2026] (21–30)
Brown SalesmanIzumiya Shigeru21rank/position

A song that fully showcases Shigeru Izumiya’s talent as he moves between the realms of folk and rock.
Featured on his 1972 album “Hitoribocchi no Futari,” this piece sharply portrays the anxieties and conflicts of young people at the time.
Through the life of its protagonist with sun-browned skin, it conveys a critical gaze toward society and a strong will to seek personal freedom.
Its distinctive rhythm and resonant lyrics seize the listener’s heart and won’t let go.
It’s a perfect song for those searching for their own path or questioning the contradictions of society.
You’re sure to find yourself empathizing with Izumiya’s soul-stirring vocals.
Ballad of the WildIzumiya Shigeru22rank/position

Set to a lively guitar, this track resonates with Shigeru Izumiya’s powerful vocals.
The wild, untamed lyrics and passionate singing stir the listener’s heart.
Included on his 1972 debut album “Shigeru Izumiya,” the piece is a pure cry of a soul yearning for freedom.
It sings of liberation from constraints and a longing to live beyond society’s boundaries.
As you listen, you may find your own inner wildness awakening.
Highly recommended for those who feel stifled by everyday life or want to reclaim their true selves.
stray dogIzumiya Shigeru23rank/position

A song that sharply depicts the feelings of people alienated from society by likening them to a stray dog.
Included on the 1972 album “Our Failures,” it also appears on Shigeru Izumiya’s debut album.
While yearning for freedom, it sings of grappling with harsh realities.
The lyrics symbolically capture the instability and sense of entrapment felt by young people in Japanese society in the 1970s, and Izumiya’s powerful vocals strike a chord.
A masterpiece that shines with a unique style fusing folk and rock.
It’s recommended listening when you feel lost in life or when you want to share your feelings with someone.
To the beginning with a long-time friendIzumiya Shigeru24rank/position

This is a song that showcases Shigeru Izumiya’s musicality, which explores the complexity and depth of life.
Delicate lyrics and a powerful melody blend exquisitely, resonating deeply with the listener.
Combining elements of folk and rock, the piece is further enhanced by Izumiya’s distinctive vocals and performance style.
While poetically expressing the loneliness and alienation of urban life and the difficulties of human relationships, it also carries a warmth that suggests a glimmer of hope.
Listening to it when you encounter new beginnings or stand at a crossroads in life may give you courage.
It’s also recommended as background music for spending meaningful time with friends.
In the night sky after the rainIzumiya Shigeru25rank/position

An emotionally rich folk song that brilliantly depicts the scene after the rain.
Characterized by Shigeru Izumiya’s distinctive vocals and guitar playing, this work has been continuously covered by many artists since its release in 1975.
The lyrics quietly, yet with profound feeling, sing of heartbreak and life’s setbacks, resonating deeply with listeners.
It’s recommended for those who want to spend time gazing up at the night sky after the rain, confronting life’s uncertainty and inner conflicts.
The philosophically deep lyrics, reflecting Izumiya’s life experiences, are sure to give you courage and comfort.
Silver Shoes at Lightning SpeedIzumiya Shigeru26rank/position

The guitar pours out raw emotion, and the rhythm evokes a punk band—both leave a strong impression.
It’s one of Shigeru Izumiya’s signature songs, a major influence on Japan’s folk-rock scene in the 1970s.
The melody slips gently into the listener’s heart and lingers, its resonance remaining in your ears even after the song ends.
The phrase “silver shoes” is repeated as a symbol of freedom and liberation, praising the courage and allure of someone released from their bonds.
When you want to feel the importance of living true to yourself, give it a listen.
black bagIzumiya Shigeru27rank/position

The heartbreakingly poignant lyrics are striking.
Shigeru Izumiya’s distinctive husky voice vividly conveys the protagonist’s inner turmoil.
Included on the 1972 album “Hitoribocchi no 203 Kōchi,” this song sharply captured the sentiments of young people at the time and resonated with many.
It’s a perfect track for those who feel rebellious toward society or a sense of loneliness.
You’ll be drawn in by Izumiya’s passionate vocals and find yourself reflecting on your own life and how you relate to society—an evocative song with real depth.
GeGeGe no KitaroIzumiya Shigeru28rank/position

GeGeGe no Kitaro has been adapted into an anime five times so far, but for those who are currently college students, the one they’re likely to remember watching in real time is probably the fifth series.
The character designs are quite modern, too.
It was unfortunate that not all of the foreshadowing was resolved.
War DittyIzumiya Shigeru29rank/position

The passionately charged “War Ditty,” imbued with irony toward war, was created by Shigeru Izumiya, a singer-songwriter who also excels as an actor and commentator.
The powerful guitar playing—like an expression of fervor from the heart—leaves a strong impression.
Its strongly messaged lyrics depicting every facet of war, together with his soulful vocals, resonate deeply.
Precisely because the song conveys unvarnished, straightforward feelings, it communicates the sorrow and pain inherent in conflict.
It is an anti-war song we hope to pass down for a bright future free of war.
spring’s dry windIzumiya Shigeru30rank/position

A work that sharply portrays social pressure and loneliness was included on the 1973 album “Light and Shadow” and later released as a single.
Shigeru Izumiya wrote and composed the song, with production by Kazuhiko Kato.
Interweaving the north wind of spring with the hardships of daily life, it delicately expresses the conflict between the self and society.
The power and message of folk music resonated with many artists, leading to covers by numerous musicians, including Anarchy, Keisuke Kuwata, and Masaharu Fukuyama.
I hope you will cherish moments when we share the feelings in our hearts through music.
This work contains many deeply moving words, and those who have rich life experience—especially older listeners—will surely grasp its essence.


