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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 Popular Songs Ranking [2026] (11–20)

Black Sand BeachKayama Yūzō & Za Ranchāzu15rank/position

Black Sand Beach / Yuzo Kayama & The Hyper Launchers Live
Black Sand BeachKayama Yūzō & Za Ranchāzu

This is a track that faithfully captures the surf rock sound pioneered by The Ventures.

The crisp, choppy “peke-peke” sound is alive and well.

Composed by Yuzo Kayama—known as the “Young General”—the song also drew attention when The Ventures themselves performed it live.

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To my little sisterKayama Yūzō16rank/position

This is the 30th single by Yuzo Kayama, released in 1976.

It was used as the theme song for a TV drama of the same name starring Kayama himself, and both the song and the drama became hits.

It’s a heartfelt track dedicated to a sister who is getting married and leaving home.

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The sea for just the two of usKayama Yūzō17rank/position

Yuzo Kayama, affectionately known as the “Young General,” is beloved by many, and for plenty of listeners this song conjures up shimmering images of the summer seaside.

Its sweet-and-sour lyrics, which depict a world for just the two of them, and the refreshing melody composed by Kayama himself under the pen name Yo Kusaku vividly bring back memories of youth.

Released as a single in February 1967, the track features The Wild Ones as the backing band.

It’s perfect not only for summer drives, but also for relaxing at home while you bask in the wonderful memories of your younger days.

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Sailing the EarthKayama Yūzō18rank/position

This is a song by Yuzo Kayama, known as the Young General.

A multi-talented figure—actor, singer-songwriter, and also a painter—Kayama sings here about ships and voyages, subjects to which he feels a special attachment.

The lyrics are lovely, evoking the grandeur of traversing the vast ocean.

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The sunset is red.Kayama Yūzō19rank/position

It depicts someone watching the sinking sunset, feeling a certain loneliness and emptiness at the passing of time, while wondering from afar whether that special person is looking at the same sunset.

It also conveys a facet of hope—the wish to meet again under the starry sky that appears after dusk.

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Shapes of Courage: To You, Who Changed MeTanimura Shinji, Kayama Yuzo20rank/position

Yuzo Kayama & Shinji Tanimura / The Shape of Courage ~To You Who Changed Me~
Shapes of Courage: To You, Who Changed MeTanimura Shinji, Kayama Yuzo

When it comes to the duo of Shinji Tanimura and Yuzo Kayama, most people think of Sarai, but does anyone remember this song that was used as the new theme for the 24-Hour Television broadcast in 2007? Since it wasn’t used from 2008 onward, it occupies a somewhat modest place in their catalog.

Incidentally, Tackey & Tsubasa, who served as the main hosts of the 2007 24-Hour Television broadcast, also took part in the recorded version.

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Yuzo Kayama Popular Song Rankings [2026] (21–30)

Yuzawa Travel SentimentsKayama Yūzō21rank/position

This song, included as the B-side of the single “Chotto Dake Stranager” released on July 1, 1988, is themed around Yuzawa, a town in Minamiuonuma District, Niigata Prefecture.

It is also known for being used as the hometown chime at Echigo-Yuzawa Station on the Joetsu Shinkansen.

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