Eiichi Ohtaki Popular Song Rankings [2026]

Fussa Strut (Part II)Ohtaki Eiichi15rank/position

Fussa Strut (Part II) lol

This is the song that served as the original inspiration for Ulfuls’ “Osaka Strut,” and it was included on the album “NIAGARA MOON,” released on May 30, 1975.

Indispensable for capturing who Eiichi Ohtaki is, its funky performance and vocals continue to captivate listeners.

To my Saturday night loverOhtaki Eiichi16rank/position

Iru Taki Project 04: To a Saturday Night Lover

This is the theme song from the late-night radio program “Kozue Baba’s Late-Night Business,” which aired on Saturdays in the 1970s.

The lyrics simply repeat the program’s title, but it’s unmistakably Naoki Ohtaki’s world in full bloom.

A version with different lyrics was released at the time, but this original version was included on the 30th-anniversary edition released in 2006.

FUN×4Ohtaki Eiichi17rank/position

Eiichi Ohtaki FUN x 4 Cover Home Recording

Eiichi Ohtaki, the guitarist-vocalist of the indispensable band Happy End in the history of Japanese rock and a celebrated solo artist, was born in Yanagawa Village, Esashi District, Iwate Prefecture.

Although he passed away at the age of 65, much to the sorrow of many, he continues to exert a profound influence on countless artists.

The album “A LONG VACATION,” for which Takashi Matsumoto—Happy End’s lyricist and drummer—wrote most of the lyrics, is a true masterpiece among masterpieces, so be sure to savor the brilliance of its lyrics, melodies, and arrangements to the fullest!

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Kado(guchi) Shichigatsu

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Pap-Pi-Doo-Bi-Doo-Ba StoryOhtaki Eiichi18rank/position

Pap-Pi-Doo-Bi-Doo-Ba Story Live♪♪

Released in 1981, the studio album A Long Vacation includes the credited track “Pap-Pi-Doo-Bi-Doo-Ba Monogatari (Story)”! True to Eiichi Ohtaki’s style, it’s a playful piece with a distinctive rhythm, using a tropical approach to portray the world of everlasting summer.

Among Eiichi Ohtaki’s studio albums, this one is especially popular and widely regarded as a masterpiece, so I highly recommend listening to the entire album from start to finish!

poorOhtaki Eiichi19rank/position

Poor (Himadarake Ver)

This is the “Himadarake Version” of “Binbō” from the album Eiichi Ohtaki, released on November 25, 1972.

With its soulful, funky performance and vocals, the arrangement makes you think, “Wow, Binbō can be sung like this too!”

Olive AfternoonOhtaki Eiichi20rank/position

Eiichi Ohtaki - Olive Afternoon (Cover)

Olive no Gogo has a pleasantly laid-back vibe.

It’s included on the album NIAGARA TRIANGLE Vol.2 by Eiichi Ohtaki, Motoharu Sano, and Makoto Sugii.

It feels ennui yet refreshing, the kind of atmosphere that would make summer vacation feel especially comfortable.

The stylish mood that evokes resorts and a touch of Western pop fits weekends perfectly.

It’s also interesting that it stands as a sort of symmetrical counterpart to Seiko Matsuda’s Kaze Tachinu.

A happy summer scene that makes you think of fleeting moments and unassuming stretches of time.

Lie down and listen at leisure, and a special summer unfolds before you.

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KEI

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Peppermint BlueOhtaki Eiichi21rank/position

Eiichi Ohtaki Peppermint Blue Cover

Following the classic album “A Long Vacation,” the studio album “Each Time” was a major hit, selling 600,000 copies.

After its release, Eiichi Ohtaki announced he would suspend his musical activities, which ultimately made it his final album; it’s often discussed as a sequel to “A Long Vacation.” Including “Peppermint Blue,” which is credited on this album, none of the tracks were ever performed in concert.

I wish I could have heard them live at least once!