Keisuke Kuwata’s Most Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

toad lily [Tricyrtis]Kuwata Keisuke41rank/position

toad lily [Tricyrtis]

This commercial opens with Takahiro Miura giving his on-screen father, Ken Mitsuishi, a pair of “Kando Pants” and a single flyer as a 60th-birthday gift.

The flyer turns out to be for a rescue dog adoption event, and Mitsuishi heads there right away wearing his new pants.

At the event, he meets a dog that, in human years, is about the same age as he is, and they begin living together.

While showcasing the light, comfortable feel of the Kando Pants, the ad warmly depicts how a lighter heart can inspire someone to take a new step forward.

The background music is Keisuke Kuwata’s 2017 song “Hototogisu [Tricyrtis],” whose graceful melody and beautiful vocals gently seep into the heart.

aloeKuwata Keisuke42rank/position

Southern All Stars – Aloe [Official Music Video] Short ver.

It’s a famous song by Keisuke Kuwata’s band, Southern All Stars, and their latest hit.

It’s amazing that after decades of activity, they’re still active and releasing tracks that establish a new paradigm for this kind of rhythm.

While incorporating programming, it can be called a modern, new song.

Oasis and OrchardKuwata Keisuke43rank/position

Keisuke Kuwata – Oasis and Orchard (Full ver. + Trailer for the bonus disc of the album “Garakuta”)

A masterpiece, as expected.

When Keisuke Kuwata once again portrays a man and woman who love the sea, their encounters, everyday life, and love itself, this is what you get.

Set against a languid sound yet swelling at the chorus, his knack for crafting music like this truly never runs dry.

The album as a whole is fantastic, too.

DarlingKuwata Keisuke44rank/position

Keisuke Kuwata – Darling (Full ver.)

Set against a chilly winter seashore, this commercial features lighthearted banter between Haruka Ayase, Atsuto Uchida, and Yuki Saito.

The comedic progression—including the dog’s reactions—and their smiles convey the reassuring comfort of Uniqlo’s down jackets, letting you go about your day as usual even in the cold.

Adding color to the CM is Keisuke Kuwata’s “Darling,” a track released in 2007.

Its sound—billed as “The Golden Japanese Soul,” blending the vibe of soul and kayōkyoku—is striking, communicating both strength and warmth.

Also noteworthy are the narrative lyrics, set in Yokohama, portraying the story of a solitary man.

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Ms. YoshikoKuwata Keisuke45rank/position

Keisuke Kuwata – Yoshiko-san (Short ver.)

Keisuke Kuwata is a national star, and I bet everyone has at least one song of his they love.

While many of his tracks are classic, straight-down-the-line pop, Yoshiko-san stands out as an unconventional piece with a distinctly psychedelic vibe.

It also blends in Kuwata’s signature erotic flair, giving it that uniquely “Kuwata” touch that fans can’t get enough of.

It’s not really for children, but with its psychedelic feel and rhythms reminiscent of Indian music, it’s a song that both adults and kids could have fun dancing to.

Goodbye to youKuwata Keisuke46rank/position

Keisuke Kuwata – Goodbye to You (Full ver.)

We’re introducing UNIQLO’s Ultra Light Down, which is perfect to bring along on trips during seasons when there’s just a slight chill in the air.

The light, easy feel is emphasized, and you can sense a real sense of relaxation from Haruka Ayase’s expression.

Enhancing the atmosphere of the commercial is Keisuke Kuwata’s “Kimi ni Sayonara o.” Released as a single in 2009, its lyrics convey the gentleness and wistfulness of a grown man.

The calm rhythm, the relaxed vibe, and that air of mature composure are also particularly striking.

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Heaven on the BeachKuwata Keisuke47rank/position

Southern All Stars – Heaven on the Beach [Official Music Video]

This is the song whose music video, featuring many celebrities including Guts Ishimatsu, became a hot topic.

As always, the melodic sense is outstanding, and it’s truly astonishing—almost miraculous—that they’ve continued creating songs like this for decades.

I’m sure they have fans across two or even three generations.

City of PeaceKuwata Keisuke48rank/position

Keisuke Kuwata – City of Peace (2022 Special Making Movie)

In SOMPO Holdings’ TV commercial, Keisuke Kuwata played a comical office worker.

The song featured in that commercial is “Kibou no Machi” (City of Hope).

Its melody is quintessentially Kuwata—warm and comforting—perfectly aligning with the ad’s message: “To enjoy today.” While Southern All Stars have grand songs that wish for world peace, this track feels more like it sings of “everyday happiness” by comparison.

The lyrics, which can be taken to mean “As I’ve grown up, I’ve come to see what happiness is,” are particularly noteworthy.

It’s a highly recommended song that you can fully appreciate even just by reading the lyric sheet.

The Last Dance of HappinessKuwata Keisuke49rank/position

Keisuke Kuwata – Last Dance of Happiness (Full ver.)

It’s a song that pours out words of love to someone special, evoking an almost overflowing happiness.

Released on the 2012 best-of album “I LOVE YOU -now & forever-,” it was also used in a Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation commercial.

The sound that incorporates piano and chimes is striking, and together with its light tempo, it strongly conjures images of a joyful wedding scene.

Overall, the gentle tempo and straightforward delivery make it easy to sing.

Once the chorus starts, a slight vocal inflection comes in, so focus and sing that part with intention.

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Aya ~Aja~Kuwata Keisuke50rank/position

Southern All Stars – Aya ~Aja~ [Official Music Video] Short ver.

There isn’t a big difference between Kuwata’s solo songs and Southern’s tracks.

If anything, the solo work has slightly more acoustic guitar–based songs, while Southern, being a band, is mindful of the members and uses more instruments and a denser sound.

Which one you prefer will vary by person, but both are incredibly satisfying to listen to.