![Kiyoshi Maekawa’s Most Popular Songs Ranking [2026]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/wpPkYZrYgLg/hqdefault.jpg)
Kiyoshi Maekawa’s Most Popular Songs Ranking [2026]
Hailing from Nagasaki, he is one of Japan’s leading singers.
He was discovered while singing at a cabaret in Nagasaki City and began his career by joining Hiroshi Uchiyamada and the Cool Five as the lead vocalist.
He is also known for having been married to Keiko Fuji.
Kiyoshi Maekawa’s Popular Song Rankings [2026] (1–10)
Snow TrainMaekawa Kiyoshi1rank/position
This is a classic by Kiyoshi Maekawa that sings of winter travel, set against snowy landscapes and scenes of a passing train.
Released as a single in October 1982, it’s known as an ambitious work with lyrics by Shigesato Itoi and music by Ryuichi Sakamoto.
There’s even an anecdote that Sakamoto spent three days recording, trying to recreate the resonance of Japanese taiko drums using a drum kit, resulting in a modern sound that transcends the enka genre.
The image of a train running through quietly falling snow comes vividly to mind, and the feelings for one’s hometown and the ache of parting gently resonate in the heart.
On a cold winter’s day, singing it together indoors might bring back memories of journeys from long ago.
Time of Flowers, Time of LoveMaekawa Kiyoshi2rank/position
This song expresses a man’s feelings after spending time with the one he loves.
When we’re in love, the moments we share with that person are the happiest, and even after being filled with such happiness, the immediate longing to see them again may seem greedy.
Yet, at the same time, it feels honest and reveals the true nature of love.
And, KobeMaekawa Kiyoshi3rank/position
The Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake of January 17, 1995 left many scars on Kobe and the Kansai region.
It was a trial for Japan that occurred right at the milestone of 50 years after the war.
This is a famous song that comforted many people in the disaster-stricken areas at the time and is still sung today.
trendMaekawa Kiyoshi4rank/position
“Fūchō” is a single released in 2024 by Kiyoshi Maekawa, who celebrated his 55th anniversary in 2023 and continues to be as active as ever.
Written by singer-songwriter Ryuun Nagai, the lyrics lament today’s prevailing “trends,” as the title suggests, while emphasizing the importance of caring for one another—something many people, not just middle-aged and older listeners, can relate to.
Thanks to Maekawa’s careful, expansive vocal delivery, the song conveys its message without feeling preachy, which is a real plus.
Although the key is low, making it approachable for those who struggle with high notes, the song actually spans a wide range; singing the firm, powerful low notes like Maekawa does can be surprisingly challenging.
If the pitch feels too low, try adjusting the key to find a range that suits your voice.
KobeMaekawa Kiyoshi5rank/position
This “Kobe” is a single released by Kiyoshi Maekawa in 1998.
Back when he was with Cool Five, there was also a song called “Soshite, Kobe,” which Maekawa still sings now.
My impression is that this “Kobe” is somewhat similar in terms of its lyrics.
sunflowerMaekawa Kiyoshi6rank/position
Himawari, with its strikingly wistful piano intro phrase, is a hit single released in 2002.
The lyrics and music were written by Masaharu Fukuyama, who, like Kiyoshi Maekawa, is from Nagasaki.
It was also performed at that year’s NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen, so it’s widely known and a popular choice for karaoke.
As you’ll hear, the melody development is very characteristic of Fukuyama, with no enka-style techniques, so even those who usually sing pop should be able to handle it well.
The overall key is low, so if you struggle with low notes, try adjusting the key to suit your range before singing.
Love SongMaekawa Kiyoshi7rank/position
If you’re familiar with Kiyoshi Maekawa, you probably know that the racehorse owned by him, Koiuta, took its name from the classic song “Koi Uta” featured in this piece.
Originally released in 1972 during the Hiroshi Uchiyamada and Cool Five era, “Koi Uta” was later re-released as Maekawa’s solo track in 1989, and again in 2007 under the name “Kiyoshi Maekawa & Cool Five” as the 2007 version—clearly a song of special significance to him.
It’s a moody kayōkyoku number, defined by a wonderfully wistful saxophone intro, and it’s a masterpiece that captures the full appeal of Maekawa’s voice—from his sultry low tones to the soaring high notes in the chorus—making it a great choice to try at karaoke.
The vocal range is somewhat broad, but as noted, it leans more toward kayōkyoku than enka; if you’re used to singing Shōwa-era pop, you should be able to handle it without trouble.