Shinji Tanimura’s Popular Song Rankings [2026]

22 years oldTanimura Shinji15rank/position

22-year-old Shinji Tanimura Guitar Singing with Acoustic Cover

When it comes to a woman at twenty-two, it might not be an exaggeration to say she is at her most beautiful.

Of course, at eighteen or nineteen she may surpass in outward beauty, but by twenty-two the heart has matured considerably, making it an age when one can experience adult love.

This song beautifully yet poignantly sings of the shifting emotions of a twenty-two-year-old woman.

It conveys the feeling that while falling in love is wonderful, at the same time one wonders why it can be so sorrowful.

The Tale of Three CapitalsTanimura Shinji16rank/position

The Tale of Three Capitals

This is Shinji Tanimura’s 28th single, released in June 1992.

It was created as the image song for JR West’s tourism promotion campaign “Santo Monogatari,” which encouraged travel to Kyoto, Osaka, and Kobe.

The song has a refined, mature mood throughout, resulting in a gently emotive piece.

The vocal melody doesn’t require a particularly wide range, and especially in the A–B sections, a resonant low voice is important.

I think this makes it a great opportunity for lower-voiced men to showcase the appeal of their tone.

Practice to create a clear contrast with the chorus, where the range rises slightly.

In the A–B sections, try to place the sound toward the lower jaw inside your mouth and resonate firmly in the chest cavity; in the chorus, aim your voice toward the area behind the upper molars.

This should help you achieve that contrast, so please give it a try.

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Kei Takahata

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Now existingTanimura Shinji17rank/position

Senbatsu High School Baseball – Ima Arite

“Ima Arite,” the official song of the National High School Baseball Championship, is sung at the opening and closing ceremonies.

It was released in 2008 by Shinji Tanimura, the vocalist of the rock band Alice.

If you’re a supporter of high school baseball, you’ve likely heard it at least once.

The song portrays the high school players battling on the lush, green stage of Koshien.

With Tanimura’s powerful yet gentle voice, it’s a track that stirs passion for the games.

Why not listen to this refreshing anthem by a singer beloved across generations?

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mutō

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GraduationTanimura Shinji18rank/position

Graduation

Shinji Tanimura’s signature song “Sotsugyo” (Graduation) is a masterpiece that moved many listeners among the graduation songs released in the 1980s.

Its gentle melody and lyrics that weave bittersweet memories seep into the heart.

As you listen and picture the familiar scenes of your school days, immersing yourself in those sweet-and-sour moments, the poignancy and restlessness of youth come flooding back.

It’s a song that celebrates graduates embarking on a new path while renewing our gratitude for days gone by.

Tanimura’s warm vocals gently soothe the sadness of parting.

Beyond the cloudsTanimura Shinji19rank/position

Beyond the Clouds - Nihon University Tohoku High School (Reconstruction Support Music Festival)

The song by Shinji Tanimura, woven from 825 messages of thoughts for Fukushima, warmly embraces the hearts of the people striving for recovery after the Great East Japan Earthquake.

Through natural motifs like the sky and clouds, the hopes of those seeking to overcome hardship and their wishes for renewal are sung over Tanimura’s uniquely grand yet delicate melodic lines.

Released in March 2017 as part of the Challenge Fukushima Project, this work also became well-loved as the 11th installment of Fukushima Prefecture’s documentary animation series “Letters to the Future.” It is a song that stands beside all who hold their hometowns dear, and those who, even while facing adversity, choose to keep moving forward—offering steadfast support to the heart.

Hokuriku Romance ~Premium Duet Version~Tanimura Shinji/Nakama Yukie20rank/position

Shinji Tanimura × Yukie Nakama – Hokuriku Romance ~Premium Duet Version~

Although it’s a 2015 song, its arrangement and melody sit squarely in the heart of classic Showa-era pop, and the lyrics evoke a sense of travel.

Hokuriku Roman is the 56th single by Shinji Tanimura, who rose to fame as a member of the music group Alice and has remained a beloved national singer-songwriter throughout his solo career.

It was written specifically as a theme song for a JR West commercial, and when it was released on CD, a “Premium Duet Version” was issued featuring a duet with Yukie Nakama, who actually appeared in the commercial.

Tanimura’s hallmark blend of mature allure, gravitas, and dandyism contrasts beautifully with Nakama’s clear, luminous vocals.

It’s not the easiest time to travel casually these days, but listening to this song will surely make you want to set off for Hokuriku.

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KOH-1

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