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Yuzo Kayama’s Most Popular Songs Ranking [2026]
For younger generations, he might only be known as the older guy who sings “Sarai” on 24-Hour TV or the guy who hosts a walking show on television, but Yuzo Kayama is a pioneering singer-songwriter in Japan.
His starring film series, the Wakadaisho (Young Guy) films, were hugely popular at the time, and he has many signature songs—he’s truly one of Japan’s most beloved singers.
Here is a ranking of Kayama’s popular songs.
Yuzo Kayama’s Most Popular Songs Ranking [2026] (1–10)
Forever with youKayama Yūzō1rank/position
As an immortal wedding song that vows eternal love, this piece—considered a signature work of Yuzo Kayama, known as the “Young General”—has been sung since the Showa era.
Released as a single in December 1965, it’s well known as the theme song for the film “The Young General of the Electric Guitar.” The lyrics, written by Tokiko Iwatani, depict a beautiful twilight scene and unchanging love, while the composition—credited to Kosaku Dan—reportedly sold over three million copies at the time.
The spoken line in the interlude, “I feel so happy,” is extraordinarily famous and warmly envelops listeners, filling them with joy.
This moving ballad, elevated by grand strings, is perfect for a moment when the groom expresses his honest feelings to the bride.
How about singing it with heartfelt emotion at the wedding reception to celebrate the couple’s new beginning?
SaraiKayama Yūzō & Tanimura Shinji2rank/position
A moving ballad featuring two stars who represent the Japanese music scene, Yuzo Kayama and Shinji Tanimura.
The lyrics were written based on viewers’ messages, and the song was created as part of a project to complete it within a 24-hour broadcast.
Released as a single in November 1992, it’s well known as the theme song for Nippon TV’s “24-Hour Television: Love Saves the Earth.” With its relaxed tempo and gentle melodic contours, it allows for easy breathing and is very singer-friendly.
The chorus builds a unifying sense of excitement that brings the audience together—perfect for linking arms and singing along as a group near the end of a karaoke session.
Come Be My Bride 2015Kayama Yūzō feat. PUNPEE3rank/position
An ambitious work that breathes new life into a classic Showa-era song.
Born in December 2015 through a collaboration between Yuzo Kayama and PUNPEE, it portrays modern romance with witty turns of phrase, resonating closely with listeners.
The moving chorus invites empathy and seamlessly draws you into its world.
It’s easy to enjoy casually, yet each revisit to the lyrics reveals new depths—truly a song of discovery.
Expect a moving experience that transcends the boundaries of hip-hop.
Captivating fans across generations, this release is the perfect companion for a drive.
SaraiTanimura Shinji, Kayama Yuzo4rank/position
This song, Sarai, is well known for the grand chorus performed by the cast at the end of the charity program “24-Hour Television: Love Saves the Earth,” which airs every summer.
The music was composed by Yuzo Kayama, and the lyrics were written by Shinji Tanimura based on messages gathered from across the country.
It’s a song that resonates with people of all generations.
You may have heard it often, but try listening to it closely just once.
It will surely soothe you and stay close to your heart.
Be my bride.Kayama Yūzō5rank/position
This is a song by Yuzo Kayama featuring a light, pleasant ukulele tone that evokes a Hawaiian holiday.
It portrays a straightforward, romantic desire: proposing marriage to a loved one and inviting them to live together in a house by the sea.
The simple, unadorned words are so pure that listeners will likely find themselves smiling.
The song appears on the album “Hawai no Kyujitsu” (Hawaiian Holiday), released in June 1966, and a film of the same name starring Kayama himself was also released that year.
Listening to this piece feels as if a gentle ocean breeze is blowing your way.
It might even inspire you to reminisce about your own wedding or share sweet memories with someone special.
Traveler,Kayama Yūzō6rank/position
It’s a heartwarming classic woven with words that gently accompany each person’s life, a song that sinks deep into the heart.
While evoking memories of one’s hometown, it stands out as an anthem cheering on travelers who keep walking forward, its lyrics brimming with tenderness and strength.
Yuzo Kayama’s clear, translucent voice blends beautifully with the harmonies of The Launchers, creating superb balance.
The piece was released to the world as the B-side to the single “Gazing at the Night Sky” in October 1966, and was also used as an insert song in the film “Let’s Go! Wakadaisho.” In May 2010, a duet version with Ryoko Moriyama was included on the album “50 Years of Wakadaisho!” It’s highly recommended for those standing at a crossroads in life or wishing to reflect on cherished memories.
Tokyo Olympic Ondo -2020-Ishikawa Sayuri, Kayama Yuzo, Takehara Pisutoru7rank/position
Sung with the concept of “HAPPY & PEACE” for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, this is the Olympic song.
“Tokyo Gorin Ondo -2020-” is a modern remake of “Tokyo Gorin Ondo,” which was created for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.
It also suits the Paralympics, and a key point is its choreography based on bon odori so everyone can enjoy it.
Delivered through a special collaboration by Sayuri Ishikawa, Yuzo Kayama, and Pistol Takehara, the song is a stylish track that captures the essence of summer, showcasing both splendor and the spirit of Japanese festivals.
