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A wonderful Japanese music band

Masterpieces by Spitz: A list of recommended popular songs and signature tracks

Let me introduce songs by Spitz, one of Japan’s most iconic national rock bands.

Spitz is a four-member band that has been active since 1987, and they’ve continued with the original lineup since their formation.

The band originally grew out of a group that Masamune Kusano, the vocalist and guitarist, played in during his student days.

Interestingly, that earlier band was a punk rock band, quite different from what they’re known for now.

They also have roots in heavier genres like metal.

Given their strong association with gentle, ballad-like songs such as “Robinson” and “Sora mo Toberu Hazu” (“I Should Be Able to Fly in the Sky”), that might come as a bit of a surprise.

With that, please enjoy Spitz’s music—where the quiet leaves a strong impression precisely because of the intensity they keep beneath the surface.

Spitz’s classic songs: A list of recommended popular and signature tracks (1–10)

Hayatesupittsu

The exhilarating sense of speed in the rock sound really gets your heart racing! It’s a hidden gem, the fifth track on the album Indigo Chiheisen, released in October 1996.

It doesn’t have a flashy tie-in like a single would, but within this million-selling album, it’s a crucial number that showcases the band’s original, powerful groove—and it’s been beloved by fans ever since.

Masamune Kusano’s refreshing vocals pair perfectly with the wind-swept sense of speed in the performance—absolutely fantastic! The key is a bit on the high side, but the melody flows naturally, so if you ride the rhythm and power through it, it feels great to sing.

It’s the perfect track for feeling the breeze on a drive or for getting hyped with friends at karaoke.

That gentle girlsupittsu

Released in June 2019 as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series Natsuzora, this was their 42nd single.

The track later went on to open the album “Mikke.” Its worldview—juxtaposing the harsh winters of Tokachi, Hokkaido, where the drama is set, with the beauty of the summer that follows—leaves a strong impression.

The vastness of the sky that Masamune Kusano felt during his visit there is brilliantly distilled into a sprightly rhythm and a warm, embracing band sound.

Widely loved, the song earned the band their first No.

1 on the Oricon Weekly Digital Singles Chart.

With its easy-to-remember melody, it’s a perfect pick not only for your morning commute to work or school, but also for singing at karaoke.

Thanks, pal.supittsu

It’s a heartwarming number that gently sings of gratitude for the time spent together, even as it hints at parting with someone close.

“Arigatosan,” included on their 16th studio album Mikke, fits the bill.

Released in October 2019, it drew attention for premiering its music video on October 3, a playful nod to the title’s wordplay.

The sight of the members performing in a small apartment room leaves a strong impression, evoking a certain nostalgic, everyday feel.

The band sound, co-arranged with Seiji Kameda, is pleasantly crafted—moving without any flashy production.

True to Spitz, the melodic lines are superb: a slightly bittersweet yet uplifting pop tune, perfect for moments when you want to look ahead or convey your honest feelings to someone important.

Spitz’s classic songs. List of recommended popular and signature tracks (11–20)

Tongari ’95supittsu

You’ll be surprised by their rock side, exploding with distorted guitar sounds! It’s a fast-paced punk number that overturns the gentle image many people have of them.

Included on the classic album “Honey” released in September 1995, it didn’t have any prominent tie-ins, but the song so embodied the band’s spirit that its title was used for the tour right after the album’s release.

Vocalist Masamune Kusano has even called it “the band’s theme song,” and it captures the essence of their blend of cuteness and bite.

It’s perfect when you want to blow away a frustrated mood or feel a beefy rock sound in your bones.

A staple that always fires up the crowd live, it’s a must-hear masterpiece even for non-fans.

favorite foodsupittsu

“Daikoubutsu,” the 45th single, was written as the theme song for the film What Did You Eat Yesterday? The Movie and released digitally in November 2021.

It’s a comforting pop tune with a warm yet slightly bittersweet melody that complements the story’s world, paired with a supple band sound.

The overall tempo is calm and the vocal range isn’t very wide, so it’s easy to sing at karaoke if you set the key to suit your voice.

The chorus melody avoids extreme high notes and complex runs, letting you sing comfortably while giving weight to the lyrics.

Later included on the album Himitsu Studio, this song reminds you of the importance of everyday life.

It’s perfect for singing while thinking of someone special—definitely a track to add to your repertoire.

never wake upsupittsu

Spitz / Samenai (Never Waking Up)
never wake upsupittsu

This is the title track that opens their 15th studio album, “Samena i,” a number packed with their early impulses as a rock band and an inexhaustible passion for music.

Included on the album released in July 2016, it’s a song beloved by fans for its vital place in later tours as well.

In the music video, characters modeled after the members from their indie days appear, and a back-to-basics, muscular band sound rings out.

Masamune Kusano puts into unique words the shock of rock he felt in his youth, and it’s moving to see the resolve to keep running in pursuit of the dream even with age.

It’s an uptempo tune for adults who want to stay obsessed with something, or for those times when you want to reaffirm your own passion.

Maplesupittsu

It’s the 19th single, released on July 7, 1998.

It’s a slightly mellow, mid‑tempo number, and many fans are captivated by the expansive yet wistful vocals in the chorus.

It has also been featured frequently in TV dramas and commercials.