Kiyoshi Maekawa’s Most Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

Snow TrainMaekawa Kiyoshi1rank/position

Kiyoshi Maekawa “Snow Train”

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

Time of Flowers, Time of Love

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

And Kobe — Kiyoshi Maekawa sings at the Ashibetsu roadside station

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

Kiyoshi Maekawa “Fūchō” Music Video

“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.

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Fragments of Men and WomenMaekawa Kiyoshi5rank/position

Kiyoshi Maekawa “Fragments of a Man and a Woman” (Lyric Video)

A standout hit from the early Heisei era with a strong Showa kayō vibe, this song showcases lyricist Toyohisa Araki’s flair—having the title read as “kakera” instead of “hahen.” ‘Otoko to Onna no Kakera’ was released in 1991 as a single by Kiyoshi Maekawa and is one of his signature songs, beloved in karaoke.

As mentioned, it leans more toward classic Showa pop than straight enka.

While techniques like kobushi appear, the overall difficulty is relatively modest, making it approachable even for beginners to enka.

Don’t be shy—channel Maekawa himself and try expressing your own take on this “cool, grown-up song”!

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sunflowerMaekawa Kiyoshi6rank/position

[MV] Kiyoshi Maekawa / Sunflower

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.

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Love SongMaekawa Kiyoshi7rank/position

Love Song

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.

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KobeMaekawa Kiyoshi8rank/position

Kobe - Mr. Kiyoshi Maekawa

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.

Let’s go on foot.Maekawa Kiyoshi9rank/position

[MV] Kiyoshi Maekawa / Let's Walk (full ver.)

It’s a heartwarming anthem for life, released at a time when the world was in turmoil during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Aruite Ikou,” released in 2020, is a single by Kiyoshi Maekawa, with lyrics and music by Hiroki—who is actually Maekawa’s real son—and backing vocals by his daughter Yuna.

It’s truly a song created by the Maekawa family.

Rather than enka or kayōkyoku, it has a J-pop style, and Maekawa’s conversational singing really resonates.

The simple melody makes it very easy to sing, and it’s the kind of song you’d love to have Dad sing at family karaoke!

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Terminal Station NagasakiMaekawa Kiyoshi10rank/position

Terminal Station Nagasaki

Shuchaku Eki Nagasaki (Terminal Station Nagasaki) is a song by Kiyoshi Maekawa released in 1995.

The lyrics and music were written by Masashi Sada, who is from Nagasaki and has sung many local songs about the city.

Set at Nagasaki Station, it is a poignant song about parting.