Hit and popular songs by Kenji Sawada

DABADA at the tavernsawada kenji

Kenji Sawada – DABADA at the Tavern

It was his 31st single, and for the first time in four releases, Yū Aku returned as lyricist.

The musical style also suggested a revival of the dandyism direction that had been absent since “Casablanca Dandy.” Because it followed such a well-practiced formula, it felt tightly cohesive, but it seems to have struggled to surpass the powerful impact of the previous two releases.

Do whatever the hell you want.sawada kenji

Kenji Sawada – Do As You Please (1977 TMF)

This was his 19th single, a signature work that swept the year’s award circuit, including the 19th Japan Record Awards and the 8th Japan Kayō Awards, and became his second-best-selling single.

They say it was the first time in history that someone won the Japan Kayō Awards twice.

In addition to his powerful vocals, the choreography—meticulously pursuing dandyism—fueled its popularity, and the climax performance of tossing his hat into the audience became a hot topic.

You can sense a hint of homage in songs like Momoe Yamaguchi’s “Playback Part 2” and Southern All Stars’ “Katte ni Shindobaddo (Katteni Sindbad).”

samuraisawada kenji

Kenji Sawada - Samurai

The 22nd single.

It’s a work that condenses the “masculine dandyism” seen since “Katte ni Shiyagare,” coming together as a full-throttle rock ballad.

It drew attention for a performance featuring a glittered see-through undershirt paired with a Nazi-style leather jacket, culminating in pulling a dagger from the waist and brandishing it at the climax.

In the Season of Cobaltsawada kenji

In the Season of Cobalt — Kenji Sawada [1997]

17th single.

It was the first single for which he composed the music himself, and the lyricist “Natsu Kotani” is a pseudonym of drama producer Mitsuhiko Kuze.

Following the drama and the hit of “Toki no Sugiyuku Mama ni,” it was released after he returned from suspension imposed due to two separate violent incidents.

With its refreshing yet poignant melody and polite desu/masu-style lyrics, it stands out as a distinguished work among the series of Julie’s songs.

Casablanca Dandysawada kenji

Casablanca Dandy – Kenji Sawada

This is the 26th single by Kenji Sawada, a male singer who epitomizes the Showa era.

Released in February 1979, the song was a major hit, reaching No.

1 on The Best Ten.

The lyrics were written by Yū Aku, renowned as one of the greatest lyricists in Japanese popular music.

Among Kenji Sawada’s fans, it’s often praised as “the lyrics are just so good,” and is considered a classic.

That said, the song portrays a complex relationship between a man and a woman.

Many listeners at the time were reportedly shocked by the sensual vocals that repeatedly express raw, straightforward emotions.

It’s said that the piece was inspired by the film Casablanca.

A Dangerous Pairsawada kenji

Kenji Sawada - Dangerous Two

This was his sixth single and the first to reach No.

1 on the Oricon chart.

After going solo, he seemed to lag somewhat relative to the buzz for a while, but this song instantly dispelled that image and propelled him to the forefront of the male pop scene as an ace distinct from the idol crowd, even as the “New Big Three” were on the rise.

Winner of the 4th Japan Kayō Awards.

I don’t even feel like saying goodbye.sawada kenji

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.