Kenji Sawada Popular Song Rankings [2026]

samuraisawada kenji11rank/position

Kenji Sawada - Samurai

This is a single released by Kenji Sawada, also known as Julie, in January 1978, which peaked at No.

2 on the Oricon charts.

There is also an anecdote that the outfit Mr.

Sawada wore became a point of contention and ultimately had to be replaced.

From Yamato with lovesawada kenji12rank/position

With Love from Yamato / Kenji Sawada

This was Kenji Sawada’s 24th single, released in August 1978.

It also served as the ending theme for Farewell to Space Battleship Yamato: Warriors of Love, which could be called a landmark in Japanese animated film released that same year.

Now, speaking of Kenji Sawada, wouldn’t you say he’s a singer with an irresistibly appealing voice, rich with distinctive higher overtones? Pay close attention to the low register in the A section of this track.

You’ll notice the pitch of the low notes is solid and resonant, yet the low voice doesn’t get buried in the backing track.

That’s proof he’s producing a proper chest voice.

If you’re interested, be sure to check out his other songs too!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Kei Takahata

Report a problem

In the Season of Cobaltsawada kenji13rank/position

In the Season of Cobalt — Kenji Sawada

A classic ballad by Kenji Sawada, known as Julie, that evokes the wistfulness of autumn.

It’s a masterpiece portraying compassion and love for another person.

Kotani Natsu’s delicate lyrics pair perfectly with Sawada’s deep, resonant voice.

As the seasons change, so do people’s hearts—this universal theme is beautifully expressed.

Released as a single in September 1976, it was also included on the album Portrait in Charcoal Gray, released in December of the same year.

It’s a mellow, grown-up love song you’ll want to listen to on a clear autumn day.

Highly recommended not only for fans of Kenji Sawada but also for anyone who wants to revisit the great songs of the Showa era.

45 minutes to the backsawada kenji14rank/position

Let's Go Young: 45 Minutes to the Back

The 1983 song about a mature romance set in a hotel was written and composed by Yosui Inoue.

This marked the 38th single for Julie, aka Kenji Sawada, and back then his focus on beauty was still very strong.

Younger people would probably never guess he’s the same person as the current Sawada.

I’ll sprinkle wine on you tonight.sawada kenji15rank/position

I’ll sprinkle you with wine tonight.

It’s a slightly lonely song, but I think the tempo is upbeat and pop.

If everyone sings it together, it’ll be even more exciting.

This one might also be good for a party geared a bit more toward the mature crowd.

It might bring back those young feelings from our younger days.

goddesssawada kenji16rank/position

Goddess (Megami) Julie~

This is Kenji Sawada’s 46th single, released in 1986.

The lyrics were written by Yu Aku, who produced numerous classic hits.

The song also drew attention as the theme for the “JAL Okinawa Campaign” commercial in which Sawada himself appeared.

The bewitching lyrics that vow eternal love are memorable, aren’t they?

Love is a nuisance.sawada kenji17rank/position

Love Is a Nuisance (Kenji Sawada) covered by MarryBorns

Julie’s ninth single, released in 1974.

It reached No.

4 on the Oricon chart.

A tight, thrilling rock number built around a simple band sound and piano.

With its straightforward melody, it lets you fully savor Julie’s coolness.

An incorrigible good-for-nothing you just can’t hatesawada kenji18rank/position

Kenji Sawada - The Good-for-Nothing I Can't Bring Myself to Hate

Kenji Sawada’s remarkable success after the breakup of The Tigers is a noteworthy event that deserves a place in the history of Showa-era entertainment.

It felt like there wasn’t a single day when you didn’t see him—not just singing, but also on variety shows and in commercials.

The scene in a drama where Kirin Kiki cries out “Julie” and swoons would be, in today’s terms, worthy of a Buzzword of the Year Award, wouldn’t it? This song, with lyrics by Yuu Aku, also fully draws out the masculine allure that Kenji Sawada possesses, and I bet many people in their 50s would say, “I like the Julie from this song.” The image of a man who drifts from place to place, having a woman in every town—a “somewhat sloppy-with-women” type—may have appealed to the public as well.

It’s a song that makes you want to listen while reminiscing about a more forgiving era than today.

Enchanted Night – Mais Dans La Lumièresawada kenji19rank/position

Bewitching Night.wmv

Eighth single.

A work that could be called the first in a French-oriented direction, using French in the chorus, it recorded single sales at the time that followed “Kiken na Futari” and “Yurusarenai Ai.” Julie, known for striking outfits devised by a dedicated stylist introduced since “Kiken na Futari,” was still performing this song in rather plain costumes and without choreography.

Love Letter on the Seashoresawada kenji20rank/position

Kenji Sawada / Love Letter on the Beach (1981)

It’s a classic song that conjures up the scene of a late-summer beach and the aching emotion of parting from a loved one.

The restrained, ballad-like melody heightens the sense of heartbreak.

With lyrics that weave in exotic resort towns like Amalfi and Nice, it feels like a scene from a film.

The literary gesture of a whistle as a final declaration of love shakes the listener’s heart with bittersweet poignancy.

Conveying the protagonist’s helpless longing through Kenji Sawada’s delicate yet powerful vocals, this track was released in May 1981 as his 33rd single.

Chosen as the summer campaign song for Max Factor, it reached No.

8 on the Oricon charts.

The B-side, “Bye-Bye Jealousy,” was later included on the album S/T/R/I/P/P/E/R.

When you feel sentimental about a summer romance that has passed, this song is sure to stay close to your heart.