Popular Songs Ranking of Saburo Kitajima [2026]
He must be one of the most difficult Japanese singers to rank by popular songs.Yes, Saburō Kitajima.His track record since starting as a traveling singer and making his record debut in 1962 is nothing short of remarkable.His hit songs are works that continue to be sung across generations and eras.
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Saburo Kitajima Popular Song Ranking [2026] (11–20)
mountainKitajima Saburō11rank/position
Saburo Kitajima’s portrayal of a man’s way of life is deeply moving.
This work expresses an unwavering will like a majestic mountain.
You can gradually feel the strength to overcome life’s rough seas.
Although released in January 2022, it’s a masterpiece that conveys a timeless universality, like the earth itself.
Its life philosophy, linked with a yearning for mountains, is also superb.
It’s imbued with the resolve to fear no hardship and stay true to one’s own path.
A song you should listen to when you’re uncertain about work or life.
Kitajima’s voice, steeped in a masculine aesthetic, will surely give you a push forward.
Bungacha-bushiKitajima Saburō12rank/position
It’s a legendary debut song that was banned from broadcast just a week after its release.
Apparently, after they performed it three times on TV, it got banned, so I listened to see what kind of song it was—and it turned out to be bright and fun.
Back then, the shouted “kyutsu-kyu-kyu” seems to have been a major issue.
I wonder who came up with that.
Happy 70th Birthday (Koki Celebration)Kitajima Saburō13rank/position
This song is a heartfelt expression of gratitude to a partner who has shared a long life together.
Its narrative lyrics and Saburo Kitajima’s emotionally rich vocals resonate deeply with listeners.
Released on January 1, 2018, the song celebrates the bond of a couple reaching their seventieth year, and is included on the single “Shiawase Koki-iwai/Michinoku Ryojo.” It was also featured in the “Saburo Kitajima Complete Collection” released the same year.
Marking the milestone age of 70, it looks back on the journey so far and expresses thanks for the days spent supporting one another, making it a perfect piece to play at celebrations of longevity, wedding anniversaries, and other occasions for sharing life’s joys.
Chūji’s Wandering JourneyKitajima Saburō14rank/position
The single released in 2008 is a song featured in the stage production “Saburo Kitajima Special Performance: Chuji Kunisada.” Saburo Kitajima, who is second to none at singing about manliness, fits perfectly with the image of Chuji Kunisada in a traveling gambler’s attire.
The lyrics depict the scene where Chuji parts ways with his followers, and the mention of the ‘karakkaze’ (dry, gusty wind) is quintessentially Gunma Prefecture.
fatherKitajima Saburō15rank/position
Saburo Kitajima is known as a heavyweight in the enka world and for having closed out NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen many times.
His voice carries a profound weight, making it clear why he’s called a master.
This song, released as a single in 2002, is titled “Chichioya,” read as “Oyaji” (Dad).
Sung from a male perspective, it portrays a father’s presence and greatness, leaving you with the sense that no matter how hard you try, you can never surpass your father’s stature.
Rugged yet filled with love and tenderness, it’s a song that will make many listeners want to become that kind of father themselves.
A Man’s LifeKitajima Saburō16rank/position
A heartfelt, powerful song that reexamines the joys and sorrows of life and celebrates living with sincerity.
It carefully weaves together a half-life spent overcoming hardships and trials while valuing duty and truth.
Released by Saburo Kitajima in January 2011, this work conveys the sentiments of his more than 50-year career in show business with a mature vocal performance that deeply resonates with listeners.
While honoring the traditional flavor of enka, the song features contemporary arrangements that give it a profoundly moving quality that sinks into the heart.
It is a gem of a masterpiece to listen to when you stand at a crossroads in life or want to savor your gratitude toward someone important.
Namida-bushiKitajima Saburō17rank/position
A song set on the seas of Hokkaido that portrays the harsh lives and romances of fishermen.
Tetsurō Hoshino’s emotionally rich lyrics blend beautifully with Tōru Funamura’s wistful melody, and Saburō Kitajima’s powerful vocals resonate deeply with listeners.
Released in June 1962, it became a million-seller and won the New Artist Award at the 4th Japan Record Awards.
Long carried on as one of Kitajima’s signature songs, it is still loved by many.
Its lyrics, depicting the loneliness and farewells of men of the sea, overlap with the life experiences of those who have aged, evoking deep empathy.
It’s the perfect song for looking back on memories with someone dear.
A perfect day for cosmos flowersKitajima Saburō18rank/position
Saburō Kitajima is known throughout Japan as a leading figure in the enka world.
His song “Cosmos Biyori” was released as a single in 2008.
The song is written from the perspective of a father addressing his daughter, who will be getting married tomorrow and leaving home.
A father’s feelings as he sends off his daughter are surely immeasurable, but in this song they are conveyed very straightforwardly: while imparting lessons about life, he reminisces about happy memories with his daughter and reflects on the days when she was young.
Soran JingiKitajima Saburō19rank/position
Speaking of Saburo Kitajima, his vocals are known more for their rough, powerful quality than for delicacy.
His song “Soran Jingi,” however, is unusual among his works in that it places greater emphasis on a delicate vocal approach.
There are no intense shouts; instead, the song’s expression is shaped throughout by dynamics and kobushi (ornamental turns).
Since it doesn’t demand fundamental vocal strength as much, it relies mainly on advanced techniques—such as the hiccup method frequently used in kobushi, where the voice is flipped—making it an especially singable piece for those confident in fine, technical control.
Woman of IyoKitajima Saburō20rank/position
Saburo Kitajima also has many local-themed songs, and while the standard tends to be tragic love or journeys in search of something, this one is what you’d call a happy ending.
It’s a song where you can catch glimpses of manliness alongside sights from Ehime throughout.
The lyrics mention the Ishite River, which might be unfamiliar unless you’re local.
It’s a Class A river that runs through Matsuyama City in Ehime Prefecture, with the Ishite River Dam upstream—details that really enhance the local-song feel.