Southern All Stars Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

TSUNAMISazan Ōrusutāzu1rank/position

TSUNAMI

This is Southern’s 44th single, released on January 26, 2000, and the band’s biggest hit, selling about 2.93 million copies.

Surprisingly, Southern’s songs sit in a relatively high vocal range.

That said, they’re very popular among office workers, and even many people in their 20s practice them because they go over well with their bosses.

The A-melody sits quite low, so if you rely on your throat there just because it feels easy, you’ll struggle with the high notes in the chorus.

If you steadily raise the pitch from the low notes and aim to release the high notes in the chorus lightly, it becomes much easier to sing.

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Kubota Mami

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LOVE AFFAIR ~ Secret DateSazan Ōrusutāzu2rank/position

LOVE AFFAIR ~ Secret Date - Southern All Stars

Although it’s a song about an affair, the main melody is so clean and beautiful, and the man’s sense of guilt feels both heartrending and endearing.

Such a song is Southern All Stars’ signature track, “LOVE AFFAIR ~Himitsu no Date~.” Since its release in 1998, it has remained popular, and even some teenagers cite it as a favorite.

The lively piano and the strings, including a depth-giving violin, beautifully digest the theme of infidelity, resulting in a curious pop song that doesn’t leave a negative impression.

Tokyo VICTORYSazan Ōrusutāzu3rank/position

Southern All Stars – Tokyo VICTORY [Official Music Video]

The song that Southern All Stars released in September 2014 was created with the Tokyo Olympics in mind.

It features a powerful melody and lyrics full of hope, uplifting listeners’ spirits.

It was used in Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation’s commercials and as the theme song for the 2014 Asian Games, and it became widely loved at karaoke as well.

The song is cherished not only in sports settings but also as an anthem that encourages people through life’s challenges.

It carries the message, “Let’s all strive together toward the future!”—making it perfect for times when you want to take on something new.

Suddenly, SinbadSazan Ōrusutāzu4rank/position

Suddenly Sindbad [2024 Remaster]

Just hearing the intro melody sends the crowd’s energy soaring—this is the landmark debut single by Southern All Stars.

With Keisuke Kuwata’s witty wordplay weaving in scenes from everyday life, it paints the emotions of a love-struck youth in a world that’s both sexy and comical—and irresistibly funky.

Released in June 1978, the song was a massive hit, selling about 806,000 copies.

It was also featured in Asahi Soft Drinks’ Mitsuya Cider commercials and as the theme song for the NTV drama “Otona no Natsuyasumi” (Adult Summer Vacation).

It can be tough to get through the rapid-fire vocals, but the momentum really carries you—perfect for karaoke, where everyone can jump in with call-and-response and sing their hearts out with abandon.

My Dear EllieSazan Ōrusutāzu5rank/position

Southern All Stars – Itoshi no Ellie [Live at Southern All Stars Kickoff Live 2018 “A Slightly Naughty La-La Old Man”, 2018]

An undisputed classic of the Showa era.

Released in March 1979 as Southern All Stars’ third single, this song was used as the theme for the TBS drama “Fuzoroi no Ringo-tachi” and has since been re-released multiple times—a truly legendary Japanese rock/pop ballad.

Until this point, the band had a hot, powerful, and comical image, so the sudden shift to a heartbreaking slow ballad became quite the talk of the time—some of you may remember that.

If you fully immerse yourself in the song’s world when you sing it, it will surely resonate with whoever is listening.

Peace and highlightSazan Ōrusutāzu6rank/position

Southern All Stars – Peace and Highlight [Official Music Video]

Released in August 2013 as their first comeback work in about five years, this song is a socially conscious pop number befitting the milestone of their 35th debut anniversary.

A lively rock sound is embellished by a horn section, and the lyrics distinctively take a bird’s-eye view of tensions with neighboring countries and tangled historical perceptions.

It carries a message of reconciliation and peace through learning from the past and recognizing each other’s strengths, and it was also featured in a Volkswagen commercial.

The single reached No.

1 on the Oricon Weekly Chart, achieving a historic first: topping the singles chart across four decades—from the 1980s to the 2010s.

It’s a track that remains keenly attuned to social currents while offering comfort to those who wish to cherish everyday life.

Tracks of HopeSazan Ōrusutāzu7rank/position

Tracks of Hope [2024 Remaster]

Just the resounding piano intro alone vividly brings back the stadium’s heat and excitement.

Its exhilarating rhythm and a melody that is both poignant and powerful give a strong push to the players who fight with faith in victory.

This piece is a hugely popular number by Southern All Stars, included on the soundtrack of the 1990 film Inamura Jane, directed by Keisuke Kuwata.

In the 2023 WBC, it was used as the walk-up song for Samurai Japan’s cleanup hitter, Kazuma Okamoto, and, together with the fans’ mass sing-alongs, helped lead the team to a world championship.

It’s an absolutely recommended cheer song for those who want to fire themselves up and take a new step forward with dreams and hopes in their hearts!

Chaco’s Seaside StorySazan Ōrusutāzu8rank/position

Chaco’s Seaside Story

Just hearing the breezy intro that evokes Group Sounds is enough to make many hearts skip a beat.

Released in January 1982, this song portrays a young couple’s love story set by the seaside, stirring a bittersweet feeling that overlaps with one’s own youth.

The playful wordplay in the lyrics brims with affection for the music scene of the time and overflows with the Southern All Stars’ signature sense of fun.

Many may also remember the song alongside the happy episode of Keisuke Kuwata and Yuko Hara announcing their marriage on a music program.

It’s a classic track included on the album “Shout!” as well as the best-of compilation “Umi no Yeah!!.”

Tearful KissSazan Ōrusutāzu9rank/position

Tears' Kiss [2024 Remaster]

Released in July 1992, this was Southern All Stars’ first million-selling single.

It was written as the theme song for the drama “Zutto Anata ga Suki Datta,” which caused a sensation at the time with its unforgettable character Fuyuhiko-san, and many viewers likely looked forward to each weekly broadcast.

The lyrics, written entirely in Japanese, vividly portray an unbridgeable distance and lingering attachment to the other person, and Keisuke Kuwata’s wistful vocals are sure to bring tears.

As a lead single from the album “Yoni Manyou no Hana ga Saku Nari,” the song is no doubt deeply etched in memory alongside the drama.

On nights when you feel as if there’s a hole in your heart, why not listen and let yourself sink into those quietly overflowing emotions?

Erotica SevenSazan Ōrusutāzu10rank/position

Erotica Seven

Combining sensual, provocative lyrics with a Latin-inspired sound, this track showcases Southern All Stars’ musicality to the fullest.

The bold portrayal of the relationship between love and desire offers a glimpse into primal human urges and the delicate emotional shifts that waver between reason and feeling.

Released as a single in July 1993, it served as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Akuma no KISS.” It was later included on the album “HAPPY!” and remains one of the band’s most popular signature songs.

It’s a perfect pick for livening up karaoke with close friends or creating a sophisticated mood at a party.