Keisuke Kuwata’s Most Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

SMILE ~Like a Clear, Sunny Sky~Kuwata Keisuke21rank/position

Keisuke Kuwata “SMILE ~Like a Clear Blue Sky~” Commercial Broadcasters Official Special Movie (Joint Commercial Broadcasters Project ‘Let’s Do It Together’ Support Song)

It’s a cheer song imbued with the message, “No matter the era, don’t forget to smile and keep looking forward.” It was used as the theme song for the 69th NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen and also as the theme music for Nippon TV’s broadcasts of the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games.

As you listen, you’ll notice the melody stays relatively low from start to finish, so it’s recommended for singers who are strong in the low to mid-high range.

In the low notes, be careful not to let your voice get muffled so you can maintain good balance.

Rather than forcing your voice, make sure to use your breath well as you sing.

Also, lifting your facial muscles and eyebrows will brighten the tone of your voice, making it less likely to get muffled and easier to sing.

Singing with a smile versus with a blank expression gives a completely different impression, so be sure to try it.

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Kubota Mami

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TSUNAMIKuwata Keisuke22rank/position

Southern All Stars – TSUNAMI MV

When it comes to Southern All Stars’ signature songs, many people probably think of this one.

Released in January 2000, it became a massive hit in no time and has been loved across generations.

Countless listeners were moved by Keisuke Kuwata’s lyrics, which straightforwardly depict a pure, earnest love.

The surging waves of emotion—like a tsunami—leave a deep imprint on the listener’s heart.

It was also used on TBS’s “Unnan no Hontoko!” which boosted its popularity even further.

It’s a cherished song you’ll want to listen to while reminiscing about nostalgic summer memories.

Japanese Literature I Want to Sing Out Loud Kuwata Keisuke23rank/position

Japanese Literature I Want to Sing Out Loud <Medley>

Here it is: an astonishing epic by Keisuke Kuwata that sets masterpieces of Japanese literature to rock and pop melodies and belts them out with flair.

Lines from literary giants like Chuya Nakahara and Osamu Dazai—names you remember from your school textbooks—leap out one after another, and the rapidly shifting musical styles make your heart dance.

Though the performance runs over 18 minutes, its rich variety draws you in so completely that it strangely never feels long.

It was included as the B-side to the single “Kimi ni Sayonara wo,” released in December 2009, and was born from a segment on the TV show “Keisuke Kuwata’s Ongaku Tora-san ~MUSIC TIGER~.” You can also find it on the best-of album “I LOVE YOU -now & forever-.” The sense of accomplishment after singing it through is exceptional, so it’s a perfect pick when you want to get hyped with friends who love literature!

Midsummer FruitKuwata Keisuke24rank/position

Midsummer Fruit

Of course, there are men in their 60s who like Keisuke Kuwata.

One of my teachers from my school days was the same age as Kuwata, and he really liked him—he admired him so much he even did impressions.

As someone younger at the time, I felt that people of the same generation probably saw him as someone to look up to.

“Manatsu no Kajitsu” spans a fairly wide range, from A2 to B4, but I think it’s a very singable song for that generation.

The song builds toward the latter half and the pitch rises, so it’s good to focus on producing your voice with ease.

In any case, be mindful of staying relaxed, and sing in a way that resonates in your head and chest—your body will carry the sound, so you can increase volume without having to sing loudly.

When you go to sing, do it without hesitation!

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Kubota Mami

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The faraway land of the island of the godsKuwata Keisuke25rank/position

Southern All Stars – Kami no Shima Haruka Kuni [Official Music Video] Short ver.

The lyrics and singing are full of an English complex, but the music video features goofy space characters and is pure fun.

The song has a delightful melody, so it should appeal to kids as well.

You can fully enjoy a track and vocals that are so characteristic of Kuwata, and its unique vibe becomes addictive.

Stardust of the GalaxyKuwata Keisuke26rank/position

Keisuke Kuwata – Stardust of the Galaxy (Short ver.)

From the very first violin tones in the intro, Keisuke Kuwata’s “Ginga no Hoshikuzu” (Galaxy Stardust) is full-on cool.

Included on his 2011 album “MUSICMAN,” the song was used as the theme for the drama “CONTROL: Hanzai Shinri Sousa” (CONTROL: Criminal Psychology Investigation).

The lyrics depict the afterlife, conjuring some truly mysterious imagery.

The concept of the afterlife is compelling on its own, of course, but above all, the melody is just incredibly cool! It really makes you want to sing it as coolly as Kuwata himself.

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SAKI

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One million years of happiness!!Kuwata Keisuke27rank/position

Keisuke Kuwata – 1,000,000 Years of Happiness!! (Short ver.)

The ending theme song of Chibi Maruko-chan, which brings a happy vibe to living rooms from 6 p.m.

on Sundays.

It’s a solo track by Keisuke Kuwata, the vocalist of Southern All Stars.

Elementary school students must have listened to this song a lot.

Be sure to sing it at karaoke!

BOHBO No.5Kuwata Keisuke28rank/position

Southern All Stars – BOHBO No.5 [Official Music Video] Short ver.

This is a video clip packed with the charm of Mr.

Kuwata goofing around and doing silly things.

This kind of flashy, circus-like vibe is indispensable to rock and probably the source that influenced him.

And when that’s on the verge of being forgotten, he creates songs and video clips like this.

DarlingKuwata Keisuke29rank/position

Keisuke Kuwata – Darling (Short ver.)

It’s a bright, glamorous song that’s so typical of Kuwata-san, but when you really read the lyrics, it’s actually a heartbreak song.

Even so, it’s crafted with such an upbeat tone that you don’t feel the sadness.

That, in turn, only heightens the poignancy—but taken all together, it should feel “comforting.”

I AM YOUR SINGERKuwata Keisuke30rank/position

Southern All Stars – I AM YOUR SINGER [Official Music Video] Short ver.

Although it’s a Southern All Stars song, it feels like one of Kuwata’s solo tracks.

It’s a song for the fans and a declaration of intent from Kuwata, so I personally love it.

Back then, I thought it was rare to find an artist who would create a song that values their fans this much.