Popular Songs Ranking of Saburo Kitajima [2026]

A Journey Through Wind and SnowKitajima Saburō8rank/position

Saburo Kitajima “Kansetsu Nagare Tabi” (Official Audio)

Released in 1980 by Saburō Kitajima, a giant of the enka world, this song was created by the golden duo of lyricist Tetsurō Hoshino and composer Tōru Funamura.

It portrays the life of a traveling performer journeying through the snowbound north with a Tsugaru shamisen in hand.

From childhood, he has roamed from place to place with only his shamisen, and his struggle to live on even amid blizzards is deeply moving.

The lyrics mention northern locales such as Tsugaru, Hakodate, and Otaru, conveying both the harshness of winter and the loneliness of the road.

As the chill of December sinks in, why not hum along while picturing the nostalgic scenery of the far north?

Gaman HillKitajima Saburō9rank/position

Gaman Hill – Saburo Kitajima

This is the ending theme song for Abarenbo Shogun III and IV, sung by Saburo Kitajima.

The lyrics and composition are credited to Joji Hara, which is Saburo Kitajima’s pen name when he writes and composes.

Both the lyrics—like “If I don’t do it, who will?”—and Kitajima’s vocals convey Yoshimune’s spirited resolve.

Woman of OnomichiKitajima Saburō10rank/position

Woman of Onomichi

Saburo Kitajima’s classic “Onomichi no Onna” is marked by its delicate melody and instrumentation.

It features a relaxed tempo and, unusually for Kitajima’s songs, a vocal line with overall restrained volume.

That said, there are moments with expansive long tones, so care is needed.

It leans more toward kayōkyoku (Japanese pop ballad) than traditional enka, and in fact uses kobushi (melismatic ornamentation) only sparingly.

As a result, it’s a very singable piece for those who find enka’s characteristic vocal stylings challenging.

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mountainKitajima Saburō11rank/position

mountain

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

Bungacha-bushi

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

BKKBD182 Happy 70th Birthday Celebration Saburo Kitajima (2018) 180127 vl HD

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

Chūji’s Wandering Journey

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.