RAG MusicBand
A wonderful Japanese music band

[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!

[The Spirit of Japan] A special feature on classic songs by Southern All Stars. Gems of songs (21–30)

The faraway land of the island of the godsSazan Ōrusutāzu

Southern All Stars – Far Country of the Island of the Gods [Official Music Video]
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.

CHRISTMAS TIME FOREVERSazan Ōrusutāzu

A Christmas ballad by Southern All Stars enveloped in quiet majesty and prayer-like purity.

Included on the September 1992 album “Yonimanyo no Hana ga Saku Nari,” the song was never released as a single, yet it was used for Marui’s Christmas campaign.

It features the clear voices of a children’s choir and a calm, keyboard-centered arrangement.

The lyrics, which weave in images like stars in the night sky and fleeting life, depict a profound worldview that evokes longing and prayer amid the sparkle of Christmas.

It’s a song we especially recommend to those who cherish quiet moments with loved ones or are seeking a Christmas song with a deeply resonant message.

[The Spirit of Japan] A Special Feature on Southern All Stars’ Masterpieces: Gem Songs (31–40)

I wonder if it will be sunny tomorrow.Sazan Ōrusutāzu

Keisuke Kuwata – Will It Be Sunny Tomorrow? (Short ver.)
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

Southern All Stars – You Are the Star [Official Music Video]
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.

Long-haired LadySazan Ōrusutāzu

Long-haired Lady / Southern All Stars cover
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.

Never Fall In Love AgainSazan Ōrusutāzu

NEVER FALL IN LOVE AGAIN / Southern All Stars cover
Never Fall In Love AgainSazan Ōrusutāzu

A song that captures a bittersweet feeling anyone who has experienced parting with a loved one can relate to.

Set in the season when the September wind starts to feel cold, it portrays a protagonist who has just ended a relationship and vows never to fall in love again.

Even the Ray Charles songs they once adored now ring hollow.

A letter arrives sealed with a goodbye kiss, and the crushing reality that they will never meet again hits home.

Included on the album “Kirei,” released in July 1983, this track is a quintessential Southern All Stars light ballad.

It’s a song to listen to when you want to soothe the pain of heartbreak or put your feelings in order.

Erotica SevenSazan Ōrusutāzu

With a driving brass section that sounds cool, this is an upbeat, catchy track.

The melodic yet sharply defined tune is addictive, and the keyboard emulating a theremin adds a slightly eerie vibe that makes it even more interesting.