Eigo Kawashima, a singer-songwriter who introduced disjointed-style folk as a member of Homo Sapiens and later pursued a solo career after the group disbanded.
The messages in his lyrics—strength, sorrow, kindness, and the feelings of a father—are things many men can relate to, and you can sense them in his massive hit “Sake to Namida to Otoko to Onna” (Sake, Tears, Men and Women).
This time, we’re introducing a ranking of Eigo Kawashima’s most popular songs, so whether you’re a man or a woman, try listening while picturing the scenes they evoke.
- A Must-Read for Men: Sing at Karaoke! A Showcase of Moving Masterpiece Ballads
- Tear-jerking songs recommended for men in their 50s: classic and popular Japanese hits
- Best Songs and Popular Tracks by Male Singer-Songwriters: 2026 Rankings
- Kiyoshiro Imawano’s classic and popular songs
- [Tears Guaranteed] Heartwarming songs I especially want men to hear
- Songs Women Want Men to Sing: Popular Karaoke Picks Chosen by Girls
- Yoshi Ikuzo Popular Song Rankings [2026]
- A heartbreak song that resonates in the chest of a man in his 60s: memories of youth woven by classic Showa-era masterpieces
- Men’s enka: a collection of classic songs portraying the way men live and their fighting spirit
- A classic Japanese song that sings of a man's tears
- Miyuki Nakajima’s Tearjerkers: Best Crying Songs and Popular Tracks Ranking [2026]
- Hiroshi Itsuki Popular Songs Ranking [2026]
- Shigeru Izumiya Popular Songs Ranking [2026]
Lyrics that capture a man’s emotions strike a chord! Ranking of Eigo Kawashima’s most popular songs
Sake, Tears, Men, and WomenKawashima Eigo1rank/position
The poignant lyrics that evoke the sorrow and vulnerability of men make “Sake, Tears, Men and Women” a song that truly resonates.
Included on the 1975 album “Jinrui” (Humanity) by Eigo Kawashima and Homo Sapiens, it was released the following year as a single under Kawashima’s solo name and has since become a classic.
It’s also widely known for being featured in a commercial for the sake brand Kizakura.
Kawashima’s deep, husky voice gently enfolds a sense of aimless loneliness and the bitterness of life.
On nights when you feel weighed down after taking on many responsibilities and pushing yourself too hard every day, why not avoid forcing yourself to get back up, and instead spend a leisurely moment with your favorite drink in hand while listening to this song?
outdatedKawashima Eigo2rank/position
Singer-songwriter Eigo Kawashima, who gained popularity for his profound, message-driven songs.
He was also active in writing songs for others, and the number of masterpieces he’s produced is practically countless.
Among Kawashima’s works, the one I especially recommend as an easy choice for karaoke is Jidai Okure (Behind the Times).
It’s a classic that shines with masculinity, and its vocal range is well-suited for male singers.
When performing this song, it’s best to sing in a rugged, full-bodied style.
Wild BoyKawashima Eigo3rank/position
Many men in their 50s have children, and some may have sons who are about to reach adulthood.
For those fathers, I recommend “Nokozō.” This song, which ruggedly sings about what a father wants to do with his son when he turns 20, is perfect for coloring the father–son relationship.
The vocal line leans heavily into enka and kayōkyoku influences, so it’s simple overall.
The chorus sits in the mid-to-high range; if that part feels difficult, try lowering the key by one semitone.
balance scaleKawashima Eigo4rank/position
This is a song by Eigo Kawashima, a singer who passed away at a young age.
It likens the irrational world of humans to a balance scale, repeating as if crying out about contradictory events and ways of being.
It straightforwardly sings about the contradictions and foolishness of humanity that can never be fully resolved.
How are you?Kawashima Eigo5rank/position
In the Tohoku Electric Power Group’s “Business” commercial aired in 2026, Eigo Kawashima’s song “Genki Desu Ka” was used.
This track was written specifically for Tohoku Electric Power’s commercials and has been featured since the 1990s.
Although it was not officially released for a long time, it was included in the 2011 compilation “Old Friends Reunited: Best of Eigo Kawashima.” The lyrics, which depict the pursuit of dreams, are inspiring to listen to.
