[Suga Shikao's Masterpieces] A Curated Selection of Big Hits and Hidden Gems!
The deep love and subtle nuances of humanity hidden behind the singing voice.
The masterpieces of singer-songwriter Suga Shikao possess a mysterious allure that seeps into the listener’s heart.
In this article, we’ve gathered both his massive hits that everyone has surely heard at least once and the timeless classics cherished by fans.
Suga Shikao’s musical world captivates through melody, lyrics, vocals, and the atmosphere they create.
Why not take your time and savor his uniquely imaginative worldview as well?
[Suga Shikao’s Masterpieces] Carefully Selected Big Hits & Hidden Fan Favorites! (1–10)
AsymmetrySuga Shikao

This is one of Shikao Suga’s signature songs, depicting a couple whose relationship has become twisted and distorted.
Set to a funky sound, it expresses the frustration of not being able to read the other person’s true feelings, and the tenderness that deepens despite that.
Released in May 2002, the song drew major attention as the theme for the drama “Seikei Bijin” (Cosmetic Beauty) and was later included on the album “SMILE.” Many of us have likely experienced that bittersweet pain of drifting apart precisely because we care.
When you’re struggling with an unbalanced love, this song is sure to gently resonate in your heart.
ProgressSuga Shikao

This is a song released under the name “kouka,” a band Suga Shikao formed for the NHK program Professional: Shigoto no Ryuugi (The Way of Work).
It features a sound reminiscent of the late-period Beatles and striking, philosophical lyrics.
It’s a track you’ll want to listen to when you’re feeling uncertain about life.
SPIRITSuga Shikao

Praised by devoted fans as “like reading a short story” and “a song you suddenly feel like listening to,” this is a single Suga Shikao released in August 2000.
It was used as the ending theme for TBS’s “Sekai Fushigi Hakken!” and is also included on the album 4Flusher.
Yearning for freedom and belief in one’s dreams—along with the resolve to keep moving forward despite occasional anxiety—are expressed through poetic lyrics.
It’s a song you’ll want to play on a hot summer day, where slightly timid, contrarian feelings are sung over a catchy, funky groove.
About loveSuga Shikao

This is a song by Suga Shikao that makes you ponder, “What is love?” On a cold day with a biting winter wind, you can picture quietly reexamining the shape of love with someone irreplaceable.
What’s sung here isn’t a sugary romance, but a tender yet aching, genuine love—the wish to protect the other person amid the harshness of reality.
Suga Shikao’s distinctive husky voice conveys those deep emotions with striking authenticity.
Released in November 1997 as his fourth single and included on the acclaimed album “FAMILY,” the song was also used as the ending theme for NHK’s music program “POP JAM.” It’s a track you’ll want to soak in on a quiet night while thinking of someone dear.
AFFAIRSuga Shikao

This is a song by Suga Shikao that portrays the deep anguish of a forbidden love—two people drawn to each other despite knowing it’s not allowed.
Released in October 2000, it was used as the theme song for the drama “The Lover’s Code: Wanting to See You.” There’s an anecdote that the track was refined for over three years before completion.
The torment of guilt alongside feelings so deep there’s no turning back makes your chest tighten, doesn’t it? If you listen to it on a night when you’re troubled by a complicated love with no way out in sight, you may find yourself empathizing deeply with its helplessness.
Letter to YouSuga Shikao

This is a song by Shikao Suga that conveys deep empathy and gratitude.
Written specifically for Lebawell’s commercial “Turn the Days Up to Today into Strength,” the piece features lyrics that encourage us to “try using your courage for someone else,” offering a nudge toward kindness.
Released digitally in June 2024 and included on the album Acoustic Soul 2014–2024, Suga’s beautiful, emotional vocals carry the message straight to the listener’s heart.
Why not give it a listen when you want to reflect on someone important to you?
Serenade in AugustSuga Shikao

A masterpiece that showcases Shikao Suga’s delicate sensibilities.
This song, which gently portrays a bittersweet love, was the A-side track of a single released in August 2001.
It was also used as an insert song for the Fuji TV anime Honey and Clover, earning support from a wide audience.
Suga’s signature moody, slightly twisted tone and the beautiful strings resonate pleasantly, creating an atmosphere that evokes a leisurely summer night.
For those struggling with love or human relationships, it’s a song that will quietly stay by your side.
capricious; whimsicalSuga Shikao

A masterpiece cherished by fans, it deftly captures the subtle tremors of the heart hidden in everyday life.
Released in February 2003 as one half of the double A-side single “Sayonara / Kimagure,” it was later included on the album “SMILE” and the best-of collection “BEST HIT!! SUGA SHIKAO –2003–2011–.” With Suga Shikao’s signature phrasing, it vividly portrays two people spending such a fleeting, heartrending moment that they even forget to eat.
On nights weighed down by complicated relationships and unmanageable feelings, why not immerse yourself in this song’s world and let it sink in?
monologueSuga Shikao

While burdened with self-loathing and regret, we can’t help but put on a brave face.
This song by Shikao Suga lays bare that helpless human frailty.
Contrary to its pleasantly jazzy sound, the lyrics—like a spiral of inner monologue—pierce deeply into the listener’s heart.
Released in June 1998 as the B-side to the single “Bokutachi no Hibi,” the track was also featured in a commercial for Ezaki Glico’s Almond Chocolate.
On nights when you’re disheartened by not living up to your ideals, doesn’t listening to this song make you feel as if it’s saying, “And that’s okay,” embracing you just as you are?
Sunday afternoonSuga Shikao

It’s a hidden gem by Shikao Suga that conjures scenes as if you were watching a short film.
A quiet afternoon spent with family—its gentle flow and the subtle tension that arises in fleeting moments—comes across vividly, carried by soulful sounds.
The poetic lyrics, skillfully employing colors like red and darkness, richly stimulate the listener’s imagination.
Released in June 1998, this track opens the classic album “FAMILY,” serving as a prologue to the world the record portrays.
When you want to reflect on your relationships with family, why not immerse yourself in this story?


