Kenji Sawada Popular Song Rankings [2026]

I’ll make up my mind tonight.sawada kenji29rank/position

Kenji Sawada / I’ll Make the Move Tonight (1983)

Released as a single in 1983, this track features lyrics written by Julie himself.

Its bright, bubbly synthesizers and techno-infused rock sound capture the exuberant mood of early-1980s Japan.

strippersawada kenji30rank/position

Kenji Sawada - Stripper

That sultry allure… I surrender already.

This song by Kenji Sawada—who first took Japan by storm as a member of The Tigers and continued to shine after going solo—was released in September 1981 as his 34th single.

Its sound, an original synthesis of rockabilly and new wave, has a cutting‑edge resonance that connected with the Western music scene of the time.

The unassailable performance by the backing band EXOTICS intertwines with Sawada’s bewitching vocals, captivating every listener.

Also known as the title track of the classic album “STRIPPER,” this piece invites you to lose yourself in its spell.

You are paradise.sawada kenji31rank/position

Kenji Sawada – You Are My Paradise

32nd single.

For the first time, Tokuko Miura—who had been writing lyrics for a series of idol pop songs—was brought on as the lyricist.

The musical style made a dramatic shift toward hard rock, and the performance intertwined with the backing band, along with the mid-to-low register shouts in the vocals, clearly marked a turning point.

Unrewarded Wednesdaysawada kenji32rank/position

Kenji Sawada “Unrewarded Wednesday” from the CD “He Can’t Sleep”

Even though Julie was blessed with hit after hit, in his private life he went through a divorce from Emi Ito and, in 1989—the year his affair with his current wife, actress Yuko Tanaka, was finally settled—released the album “Sleepless Night,” which includes a song that many might relate to.

A younger woman takes a liking to him; he’s fine if it’s just a fling, but a serious romance is a problem, and he’s fed up with her persistent phone calls—a song that exposes a man’s slyness.

Still, it suits Julie perfectly.

Do not stop; do not look back.sawada kenji33rank/position

Don't stop, don't look back (Kenji Sawada) covered by MarryBorns

Released in 1976, this was the single that followed “Tokino Sugiyuku Mama ni.” Like his biggest hit “Tokino Sugiyuku Mama ni,” it was created by the golden duo of lyricist Yū Aku and composer Katsuo Ōno.

However, it peaked at only No.

8 on the Oricon charts and became a hidden gem overshadowed by that masterpiece.

Beautiful personsawada kenji34rank/position

Reijin (Kenji Sawada) covered by MarryBorns

The 35th single, released in 1982.

Julie composed the music himself, with lyrics by Yū Aku.

The cover art features a design that blends Taisho-era romanticism with pop culture, reminiscent of artists like Tadanori Yokoo and Suehiro Maruo.

It was a smash hit, selling 200,000 copies.

I don’t even feel like saying goodbye.sawada kenji35rank/position

Kenji Sawada / I Don't Even Feel Like Saying Goodbye (1977)

The 18th single.

Amid a release pattern that alternates between rhythmic rock/pop numbers and emotionally rich ballads, this track successfully fuses both elements.

The high notes in the chorus are striking and are often used as material for impersonations.