[The Spirit of Japan] A special feature on Southern All Stars’ classic hits. Gemlike songs
Since their debut in 1978, the band Southern All Stars has delivered countless hit songs and beloved national anthems.
Their music, which has spanned the Showa, Heisei, and Reiwa eras, is deeply rooted in the hearts of many listeners.
Frontman Keisuke Kuwata pours an extraordinary love and respect into kayōkyoku (Japanese popular songs), and part of their charm lies in that sensibility—along with a playful sound that skillfully weaves Japanese and English, and irresistibly catchy hooks.
Above all, the band’s warm, inviting vibe is wonderful.
From uplifting anthems that give you a push, to the erotically bold lyrics that are their trademark, all the way to emotional pop songs, they have a wide array of classics.
Let’s dive into the world of Southern All Stars’ music!
- Southern All Stars Popular Songs Ranking [2026]
- Southern All Stars Karaoke Popular Songs Ranking [2026]
- Southern All Stars Ballad Songs: Popular Song Ranking [2026]
- Southern All Stars Cheer Songs and Popular Song Rankings [2026]
- Masterpieces and popular songs by Keisuke Kuwata
- A roundup of easy-to-sing Southern All Stars songs for karaoke
- [2026] Crowd-Pleasing Songs Recommended for People in Their 50s: A Collection of Nostalgic Classics
- Evokes the charm of the good old days. Showa-era inspirational songs that are still loved today.
- Southern All Stars Love Songs: Popular Songs Ranking [2026]
- A love song that makes a man in his sixties relive his youth. Timeless classics that rekindle the romances of those days.
- Revival hits driven by social media! Classic Showa-era songs popular with Gen Z
- Masterpieces that color the hot season! Summer songs recommended for the Yutori generation
- A collection of timeless classics! Exquisite winter songs recommended for people in their 50s
[The Spirit of Japan] A special feature on classic songs by Southern All Stars. Gems of songs (21–30)
Peace and highlightSazan Ōrusutāzu
Both “Peace” and “Hi-Lite” are cigarette brands sold by JT, and it’s said their names literally carry the meanings “peace” and “a place more in the sunlight,” respectively.
Incidentally, Kuwata Keisuke’s father used to smoke Peace, while Kuwata Keisuke himself once smoked Hi-Lite.
fireflySazan Ōrusutāzu
This song is cherished as a beautiful ballad.
It was included on the single “Peace and Highlight,” released in August 2013, and was chosen as the theme song for the film The Eternal Zero.
For Southern All Stars, it marked their first movie theme song in 23 years.
This work is a grand-scale piece imbued with a requiem for lost lives and a prayer for peace.
Through images of blue skies and summer scenery, it conveys sorrow and poignancy, resonating deeply with listeners.
It carries a universal message that empathizes with those who have lost loved ones, reminding us of the importance of bonds with family and friends.
[The Spirit of Japan] A Special Feature on Southern All Stars’ Masterpieces: Gem Songs (31–40)
The faraway land of the island of the godsSazan Ōrusutāzu
It’s a song inspired by a trip to Ishigaki Island in Okinawa, and the title directly refers to Ishigaki Island.
The lyrics feature many Okinawa-related words such as “awamori,” “Orion Beer,” and “sanshin,” and the sound of the sanshin also appears in the performance.
I wonder if it will be sunny tomorrow.Sazan Ōrusutāzu
Southern All Stars are full of timeless hits.
Among them, the song that moves me the most is “Will It Be Sunny Tomorrow?” Life is finite, and love has no fixed form…
This masterpiece makes me feel as though the air around me gently and warmly wraps that frustrating reality.
You are the star.Sazan Ōrusutāzu
It’s a bright, poppy, and refreshing summer-like song.
The piano performance, with a hint of rock ’n’ roll, is fun, and the cool-sounding percussion is captivating.
The dynamic, well-defined melody and the lyrics that shift dramatically from a wistful tone to a positive one are also striking.
The bell of peace ringsSazan Ōrusutāzu
This is a song by Southern All Stars that, within a grand worldview, quietly yet powerfully sings a prayer for peace.
Its sound, combining warmth and stillness, gently embraces the listener’s heart.
Written and composed by Keisuke Kuwata, who was inspired by an NHK documentary program, the song uses words born from the color of a sky reflecting sorrow as a clue to depict the preciousness of life and dreams for the future.
Included on the album “Budou,” released in March 2015—the milestone year marking 70 years since the end of the war—it also became familiar as NHK’s 90th anniversary image song.
Long-haired LadySazan Ōrusutāzu
A love song brimming with fiery passion and aching longing.
It’s included on Southern All Stars’ 1985 album “KAMAKURA.” The lyrics, which portray the purity of people in love and the depth of their feelings, showcase Keisuke Kuwata’s delicate sensibility.
Vivid imagery—like the sound of waves, slender shoulders, and pale-blue sighs—also leaves a strong impression.
The band’s signature passionate melody blends exquisitely with Kuwata’s distinctive vocals, resulting in a track that resonates deeply.
It’s perfect for those troubled by love or filled with thoughts of someone precious.
A song you’ll want to play on a night when you want to cherish time together.