Toshinobu Kubota Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

Candy RainKubota Toshinobu8rank/position

Toshinobu Kubota – Candy Rain [Official Video]

A mellow and sweet sound that feels so good—this is a pop-sensibility-filled R&B number from Toshinobu Kubota.

Released in November 2001 as his 26th single, the song was written specifically as the theme for the Fuji TV drama “Wednesday Affairs.” At first listen it comes across as a smooth, sugary love song, but beneath the surface lies the bittersweet taste of romance and a touch of poignant melancholy; the more you listen, the deeper it draws you in.

That blend of NYC-honed groove and Japanese lyrics just makes you nod and think, “This is quintessential Kubota!” It’s the perfect piece for a night when you want to soak in a slightly grown-up mood.

Cry On Your SmileKubota Toshinobu9rank/position

Toshinobu Kubota – CRY ON YOUR SMILE [Official Video Short ver.]

This is a renowned ballad that tenderly yet poignantly captures the feelings of seeing a loved one off as they set out toward their dreams.

Released in October 1987, it became a milestone as the artist’s first entry into the Oricon Top 10.

Built on an R&B foundation, its beautiful melody is paired with lyrics filled with such deep affection that you find yourself in tears even within the other person’s smile—listening makes your chest tighten.

The emotionally overflowing ad-libbed outro is breathtaking, conveying irrepressible feelings that bring tears to your eyes.

Chosen as the theme song for the Toho film “Kamitsukitai,” it’s also included on the best-of album “the BADDEST.” When you listen to it as you cheer on someone dear at the start of a new chapter, it feels like a gentle push on the back.

JAM fo’ freedomKubota Toshinobu10rank/position

Toshinobu Kubota – Jam fo’ freedom [Official Video Short ver.]

This is a funk track marked by an energetic groove and vocals that make your heart skip just by listening.

It’s included on the album “Beautiful People,” released in November 2019.

The song delivers a powerful, positive message that celebrates everyone.

The remix with SASUKE was selected as the official theme song for the 2019–20 season of Japan’s professional men’s basketball league, the B.LEAGUE.

It stirs a sense of exhilaration as if you’re watching an incredible highlight play, and you can’t help but start moving to it.

It’s a perfect song to lift your spirits and give you a strong push when you’re taking on a challenge.

the Beat of LifeKubota Toshinobu11rank/position

Toshinobu Kubota – the Beat of Life [Official Video]

This work resonates in your chest with a bold, warm beat that traces the long road of life.

Its grounded, heavy rhythm—like firmly planting your feet on the earth—leaves a strong impression.

The rich vocals gently remind you that the charm of life lies in days that don’t go according to plan, and that even past struggles can transform into strength for the future.

Released in June 2024, the song was created as the commercial theme for CITIZEN’s 100th anniversary watch collection.

Its message, aligned with the theme “Layers of Time,” warmly envelops the listener’s heart.

It’s a track with a quiet, steadfast power—one that gives you a gentle push when you’re uncertain, or offers a breather on a quiet night.

Midnight SunKubota Toshinobu12rank/position

Midnight Sun

It’s a summer song included on the sixth album, Neptune, released on July 1, 1992.

The programmed beats, horn section, and choppy rhythm guitar are super cool.

It’s a stylish, funky track with an irresistible groove.

Be sure to check out this dance tune that showcases Toshinobu Kubota’s powerhouse vocals—you won’t be able to stop yourself from moving.

Boogie RideKubota Toshinobu13rank/position

Toshinobu Kubota – Boogie Ride [Official Video]

It’s a refreshing funk number that feels like you’re sprinting under an endlessly wide blue sky.

Toshinobu Kubota created it with a positive message: “Let’s live gently in a new era.” It has a powerful energy that blows away the stifling mood of everyday life and frees your heart.

The song was released in October 2020.

It was also featured in a Suzuki Escudo commercial, with Kubota himself appearing—a memorable touch.

It’s the perfect track for switching gears or for a weekend drive.

Let the comfortable beat carry you, and you’ll find yourself feeling optimistic, as if your worries never existed.

Shot by a TIME showerKubota Toshinobu14rank/position

Toshinobu Kubota - Struck by a TIME Shower

Toshinobu Kubota’s “Time Shower ni Utarete” is a track released in 1986 that, for its time, boldly incorporated many elements of soul and funk.

Its appeal lies in how its sound anticipated the R&B boom that would later spread, led by artists like Hikaru Utada.

The slightly laid-back vocal delivery also differed from conventional kayōkyoku, evoking the polished feel of Western R&B.

It’s remarkable that such a forward-thinking genre was emerging in the mainstream during that era!

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