Yoshi Ikuzo Popular Song Rankings [2026]

The ghost is coming!Yoshi Ikuzo8rank/position

GeGeGe no Kitaro ED: The Ghosts Are Coming!

GeGeGe no Kitaro, a flagship yokai manga by Shigeru Mizuki.

The song Obake ga Ikuzō, sung by Ikuzō Yoshi, was used as the anime’s ending theme.

When it was released in 1985, Yoshi also sang the famous opening song GeGeGe no Kitaro, so the two tracks were included together.

This song conveys a kind of fear that might make kids want to cry—the idea that yokai will come for bad kids or scaredy-cats.

If they listen, they just might start obeying Mom and Dad and grow into strong people!

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SAKI

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GeGeGe no KitaroYoshi Ikuzo9rank/position

[Official] Anime 'GeGeGe no Kitaro (Season 3)' Opening Video: Ikuzo Yoshi - 'GeGeGe no Kitaro' / GeGeGe no Kitaro

When it comes to iconic anime songs of the Showa era, this track is a must.

Yoshikazu Ikuzō’s distinctive vocals and the upbeat, pop-style arrangement leave a strong impression.

Musically signaling a new direction for anime, the song briskly conveys the ghosts’ mysterious, carefree world.

Released in October 1985, it was used as the opening theme for the third series of the TV anime GeGeGe no Kitaro.

This series, which achieved a peak viewership rating of 29.6%, became one of the most popular entries in the franchise’s history.

It’s a perfect pick for those who want to enjoy nostalgic anime songs or savor the atmosphere of the Showa era.

Hundred-Year Cherry BlossomsYoshi Ikuzo10rank/position

Ikuzo Yoshi “Centennial Cherry Blossom” MV (released April 29, 2020)

When you feel the spring breeze, you start to long for songs that vividly depict the scenery of your hometown, don’t you? To commemorate the 100th Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival held in Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture, the single “Hyakunen Zakura” was released in April 2020.

Lovingly devoted to Aomori, Ikuzo Yoshi wrote both the lyrics and music for this milestone.

The song portrays the majestic Mount Iwaki, the castle town scenery, and cherry blossoms that bloom proudly across generations—from parents to children to grandchildren.

Even when you’re far away, it feels as if a beautiful avenue of cherry trees comes to life in your heart.

While it celebrates a historic milestone of cherry blossoms, the universal nostalgia woven into it is sure to touch many people.

It’s a track we recommend for those who want to savor Japan’s four seasons at a leisurely pace in the warmth of spring sunlight.

Snow CountryYoshi Ikuzo11rank/position

Snow Country by Ikuzo Yoshi

Ikuzo Yoshi’s “Yukiguni” is a song that vividly captures the atmosphere of winter.

With its memorable melody, the bittersweet lyrics convey a poignant emotion, carrying a lyricism that resonates with the listener’s own memories.

Evoking deep sentiment, this piece is loved by many regardless of season, and it leaves new memories in the hearts of those who hear it.

Within the gentle ambiance that music brings, one can enjoy time reflecting on personal experiences.

Familiar across generations, this song creates a tender moment of togetherness.

DreamYoshi Ikuzo12rank/position

Ikuzo Yoshi “Dream” New Japan House commercial song

The classic song “Dream,” which gained nationwide popularity as the commercial jingle for Shin Nihon House, isn’t enka but primarily pop.

It features a breezy, surfer-music-like feel with a smooth, flowing vocal line.

Since it’s pop, there’s no kobushi-style ornamentation.

Additionally, the vocal range is quite narrow, so even those with a limited range or who struggle with enka should be able to sing it without trouble.

Its name recognition is tremendous, making it a big hit at karaoke.

Be sure to add it to your repertoire.

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Ryo

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Two People’s BluesYoshi Ikuzo13rank/position

IKUZO YOSHI 'Futari no Blues' Music Video (Released January 27, 2021)

A song by singer-songwriter Ikuzo Yoshi from Aomori Prefecture, known for signature hits like “Yukiguni” and “Orah Tōkyō Sa Iguda.” It was included as the B-side to his 67th single, “Minatomachi Banka,” released in 2021, and is a number that expresses feelings for a close friend who has passed away.

While many may associate Yoshi primarily with enka, the rugged melodies spun from his powerful vocals carry a bluesy pathos wrapped in the atmosphere of enka.

It’s a masterpiece of blues that could only be born from a Japanese sensibility—be sure to check it out!

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Hoshino Takashi

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On the journey…Yoshi Ikuzo14rank/position

On the Journey (Yoshi Ikuzo)

It was the theme song for the NHK TV program “Fudangi no Onsen.” I used to think of hot springs as places you visit while traveling or go to for a change of pace, but listening to this song—perhaps because of Yoshi-san’s simple singing—I feel a comforting warmth, like I’ve returned to my hometown.