Hideki Saijo’s Most Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

YOUNG MAN (Y.M.C.A.)Saijō Hideki1rank/position

HIDEKI SAIJO - YOUNG MAN

Hideki Saijo covered the Village People’s classic that sparked the disco boom from the late ’70s to the ’80s.

Released in February 1979, this song topped the Oricon Singles Chart for five consecutive weeks and became a huge hit, selling 1.808 million copies.

Its message—“Cheer up” and “When you’re young, you can do anything”—surely resonated with the youth of the time.

The choreography was distinctive too, with a performance that used the whole body to form the letters Y, M, C, and A, drawing the audience in.

It’s a recommended track not only for disco fans but also for anyone interested in ’70s music.

Sing it at karaoke and it’s guaranteed to get people of all ages excited!

Torn LoveSaijō Hideki2rank/position

Hideki Saijo - Torn Love

Hideki Saijo, a singer who captivated fans as one of the “New Big Three” of the pop world alongside Hiromi Go and Goro Noguchi.

His sixth single, “Chigireta Ai,” which earned him his first No.

1 on the Oricon weekly chart, became a turning point for him as it was the first time he showcased the vocal style later called the ‘ze-ssho-gata’ (impassioned, full-throttle singing).

Its wistful melody and impactful vocals will likely resonate with those in their 60s, overlapping with their youthful days.

It is a Showa-era classic packed with the charm of vintage kayōkyoku.

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Hoshino Takashi

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YOUNG MANSaijō Hideki3rank/position

Hideki Saijo – Young Man (Y.M.C.A.)

This is the 28th single by singer Hideki Saijo, who, alongside Hiromi Go and Goro Noguchi, captivated fans as part of the “New Big Three” of the pop music world.

It was released in February 1979.

It’s a bold cover that transforms the original hit by Village People—then topping the charts—into an anthem cheering on young people.

It was a massive hit, spending five consecutive weeks at No.

1 on the Oricon charts, so there’s hardly anyone who doesn’t know it! The choreography spelling out the four letters of the alphabet with the whole body is something just about everyone tried at least once back then, isn’t it? Featured in Y!mobile commercials, the song is recognized across generations.

Pick it at karaoke and you’re sure to get the crowd going.

Everyone, bring back the vibes of that time—sing and dance along!

Laura Covered in ScarsSaijō Hideki4rank/position

Hideki Saijo - Laura, Covered in Wounds

It’s one of Hideki Saijo’s signature songs, notable for its passionate vocals and powerful lyrics.

Released in August 1974, the track peaked at No.

2 on the Oricon charts and enjoyed a major hit run, staying on the charts for 24 weeks.

The lyrics were written by Daizo Saito, with music composed by Koji Makaino.

The song expresses devotion and support for a loved one, resonating deeply with listeners.

In fact, around the time of its release, Saijo reportedly injured his vocal cords and had to take a break, an experience that may have contributed to the depth of his performance.

It’s a song that can give you courage when you’re heartbroken or going through a tough time.

Turn A TurnSaijō Hideki5rank/position

Turn A Turn ∀ Gundam

It was used as the opening theme for the TV anime Turn A Gundam.

With vocals by Hideki Saijo, music by Asei Kobayashi, and lyrics by Rin Iogi, the song was created by a lineup that has become legendary today.

The powerful vocals make it a cool rock number.

Run, Honest OneSaijō Hideki6rank/position

ED2 – Run, Honest Man

Superstar Hideki Saijo, who captivated countless fans with his passionate vocals and performances.

Among his many classic hits, this is an unmissable anime song that always fires up a karaoke crowd.

Released as a single in April 1991, it became beloved as the ending theme for the nationally treasured anime Chibi Maruko-chan.

Its brisk beat infused with ska rhythms and lyrics packed with playful, comical wordplay are irresistibly catchy.

The collaboration came about because the original creator, Momoko Sakura, was a fan of Saijo, with Tetsuro Oda handling the composition.

The unique phrase said to be inspired by a commercial from that era also leaves a strong impression, and listening to it will surely bring back memories of those days.

No tricky techniques required—belt it out with energy and power, and it’s a song that will put smiles on the faces of friends from the same generation.

Original songSaijō Hideki7rank/position

House Vermont Curry commercial: Hideki Saijo’s “Hideki Kange-ki!”

The famous catchphrase “Hideki, kanga-ki!” was born from House’s Vermont Curry commercials.

The late Hideki Saijo, who passed away in 2018, appeared in these ads for 12 years, from 1973 to 1985.

The song he showcased his beautiful voice with in the commercials was an original jingle for the ad.

In it, he sings together with the children appearing in the commercials, introducing the key feature of Vermont Curry—made with apples and honey.

His bright, resonant, soaring vocals are even more memorable than the product itself!

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SAKI

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Blue Sky BlueSaijō Hideki8rank/position

Blue Sky Blue / Hideki Saijo

Hiromi Go, alongside Goro Noguchi, formed the “New Big Three,” and this is Hideki Saijo’s 26th single.

It was released in 1978, when Saijo was just 23.

As you’ll hear, the song centers on the theme of a forbidden love with a married woman—remarkably mature content.

The fact that 23-year-old Saijo delivered it so convincingly makes you think that, although times were different, people back then seemed a bit more grown-up than today.

Saijo’s husky voice is rich and sensual—truly a nostalgic track.

Prayer to Saint MarySaijō Hideki9rank/position

[Hideki Saijo] Santa Maria’s Prayer (with comments)

This is a single by Hideki Saijo, released in October 1980.

It reached No.

13 on the Oricon chart and won the Gold Prize at the 22nd Japan Record Awards as well as the Broadcast Music Award at the 11th Japan Music Awards.

It has also been performed with the Paul Mauriat Grand Orchestra.

Passionate loveSaijō Hideki10rank/position

Hidetoshi Saijo - Passionate Love

Opening with a striking phrase, this song portrays a passionate love that the singer is determined to pursue even against others’ opposition.

Released in May 1974 as Hideki Saijo’s 9th single, it stands as a quintessential example of funky kayō, with lyrics by Kazumi Yasui and composition/arrangement by Koji Makaino.

A buoyant, leaping beat led by the horn section underpins Saijo’s dynamic shouts, directly expressing the unstoppable impulse of love.

Though it peaked at No.

2 on Oricon, it stayed on the charts for 19 weeks and ranked No.

8 for the year.

Its powerful TV performances also became a hot topic, cementing Saijo’s image of passion and action.

It’s a classic Showa-era tune that gives you a push when you can’t hold back your feelings for someone and want to charge ahead.