RC Succession Popular Song Rankings [2026]

Summertime BluesRC sakuseshon11rank/position

SUMMER TIME BLUES (We don't need nuclear power anymore!)

A number originally by Eddie Cochran, covered by the rock band RC Succession led by Kiyoshiro Imawano.

After the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident that occurred in Russia during the Soviet era, this song sharply satirizes the safety of nuclear power plants and the advertising and PR campaigns claiming “Japan’s nuclear plants are safe.”

mysteryRC sakuseshon12rank/position

RC Succession – Mystic [1985 Live Version]

Included on the 1984 album “FEEL SO BAD.” A rock band from Tokyo formed in 1968.

Centered around Kiyoshiro Imawano, they are, needless to say, one of Japan’s most iconic rock bands, exerting a strong influence on later generations by establishing Japanese-language rock and a distinctive live performance style.

SUMMER TOURRC sakuseshon13rank/position

Summer Tour

This is one of RC Succession’s signature songs, depicting the feeling of summer and a passionate romance.

Released in 1982, it showcases the breadth of the artist’s musical range.

Centered on pop rock while incorporating elements of disco and soul, it features a captivating, genre-crossing sound.

In 1983, they delivered a legendary concert at Shibuya Public Hall titled “SUMMER TOUR ’83,” leaving an overwhelming impression.

With Kiyoshiro Imawano’s distinctive vocals and Reichi Nakaido’s guitar intertwining, the song overflows with a liberating summer vibe.

It’s a track you’ll want to play while driving or spending a fun time with friends.

My Favorite TeacherRC sakuseshon14rank/position

Kiyoshiro Memorial: My Favorite Teacher

RC Succession’s “My Favorite Teacher” is a song about a cherished teacher who supported the band during their school days.

By listing the teacher’s distinctive traits, it conveys a straightforward feeling of affection—for both the parts that seemed teacher-like and those that didn’t.

It’s also a song of gratitude with a certain sweetness to it.

Step!RC sakuseshon15rank/position

Step! - RC SUCCESSION

RC Succession is a legendary rock band that has led Japan’s rock scene not only in the 1970s but ever since.

It’s the band of the universally known Kiyoshiro Imawano.

RC Succession excels in a wide-ranging musical palette rooted in punk rock, while incorporating glam rock, folk rock, and even Black music.

In the 1970s their sound leaned strongly toward punk, and that punk appeal is abundantly infused in “Step!” as well.

It’s an absolutely uplifting and wonderful track that fills you with energy.

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Ryo

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Dedicated to the hippiesRC sakuseshon16rank/position

Memorial: Kiyoshiro Imawano — Dedicated to Hippies / RC Succession

This song, said to be a requiem Kiyoshiro Imawano sang for his late former manager, is included on RC Succession’s 1976 album Single Man.

It was later performed at concerts in the 1980s as well, but watching Kiyoshiro sing it—collapsing onto the stage and crying out—was almost painfully difficult to witness.

I don’t buy lottery tickets.RC sakuseshon17rank/position

RC Succession 'I Don't Buy Lottery Tickets'

RC Succession is a rock band formed around Kiyoshiro Imawano.

Even those who aren’t music fans have likely heard their countless classics, led by “Ameagari no Yozora ni.” This is their debut single, released in March 1970, where it all began.

Set to an acoustic sound, it delivers a simple yet powerful message that the greatest happiness is a love that money can’t buy—one that truly resonates.

Though rooted in their early folk style, it hints at the R&B-infused, soulful cries that would later define their rock sound.

The track is also included on the best-of album “KING OF BEST.” When you’re feeling a bit worn out by materialism, this warm song invites you to reflect on what it means to have a rich heart.

I live with a dog at the foot of the mountain.RC sakuseshon18rank/position

Kiyoshiro Imawano is living with a dog at the foot of a mountain.

This song was included on the 1985 album HEART ACE.

The process of writing and composing it appears in Kiyoshiro Imawano’s semi-autobiographical essay Ten-nen Gomukeshi.

In addition, Akiko Yano’s later song Living with a Cat at the Foot of the Lake, included on her album LOVE LIFE, is considered an answer song to this track.

freedomRC sakuseshon19rank/position

"Freedom" - RC Succession

Speaking of freedom, there’s this song by RC Succession, often called the kings of rock.

The way Kiyoshiro Imawano shouts “freedom” over and over, almost like a rallying cry, leaves you feeling exhilarated—yes, anyone can be free.

While you can feel their roots in rock and soul, their rhythm section is uniquely powerful and original, and the vocals are unmistakably theirs.

These days, when thinking too hard about world affairs only brings sighs, their strong, straightforward message hits you in the heart and leaves you feeling refreshed.

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hiyori

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Everything is alright.RC sakuseshon20rank/position

Everything Is Alright (Ya Baby)

This song, included on RC Succession’s 13th album “HEART ACE,” was released in 1985.

It was put out to commemorate RC’s move to an independent management office, with lyrics and music by Kiyoshiro Imawano.

The Flower Companyz covered it as the theme for Kirin Beer’s “Nodogoshi ALLRIGHT” commercial.