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.
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Yuzo Kayama Popular Songs Ranking [2026] (11–20)
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yuzawa Travel SentimentsKayama Yūzō20rank/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.