RAG MusicBand
A wonderful Japanese music band

Popular songs by TOKIO. A collection of tracks recommended for Japanese rock fans.

TOKIO began their career as an idol group under Johnny & Associates.

Beyond their music activities, their appearances on variety shows and dramas have also left a strong impression.

While many people know TOKIO, surprisingly, quite a few may only be familiar with a handful of their songs.

As a band that performs their own instruments, they’ve created a wide range of tracks that don’t fit within the traditional mold of idol groups.

In this article, we’ll introduce a selection of their popular songs all at once, so whether you’re a longtime fan or someone just starting to listen to TOKIO, please take a look.

Popular songs by TOKIO. A collection of tracks also recommended for J-Rock fans (31–40)

Tokyo DriveTOKIO

TOKIO Tokyo Drive! TV Version
Tokyo DriveTOKIO

With its powerful, rock ’n’ roll–flavored guitar riff, Tomoya Nagase’s sultry vocals, and the pre-chorus chant of “bububun bun bun…,” this track polishes TOKIO’s appeal as a rock band to its absolute peak.

The CD jacket, structured in a way that evokes Shōwa-era kayō rock, is a gem that practically begs to be picked up.

Under the name of freedomTOKIO

TOKIO Under the Name of Freedom [cover]
Under the name of freedomTOKIO

This song is included on TOKIO’s 12th album and was inspired by the album’s title, “17.” With lyrics by Shigeru Joshima and music by Taichi Kokubun, you could even call it a pure TOKIO track.

It’s the kind of song that makes you feel positive when you listen to it.

City of LightTOKIO

A song released in 2007 as the 36th single.

Yoshihiro Kai wrote and composed it, and it was used as the opening theme for the TV anime “The Skull Man.” The track has an overall hard-boiled vibe and can be said to be a song that suits TOKIO’s matured style.

Cheerfully after being dumpedTOKIO

"Dumped but Cheerful / TOKIO" (Psychometrer Eiji theme song) - I tried singing it [KAMIJO]
Cheerfully after being dumpedTOKIO

A rare track that even features a solo vocal part by drummer Masahiro Matsuoka.

Because it was used as the theme song for the TV drama “Psychometrer Eiji,” in which Matsuoka-kun starred, it became a song many people had the chance to hear.

TOKIO also performed this song at the 48th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

While TOKIO is a rare rock band within Johnny’s, their appeal lies not only in their looks but also in their solid musicianship.

amagasa (umbrella)TOKIO

TOKIO’s song “Amagasa (Umbrella)” is a track produced by singer-songwriter Ringo Sheena.

The song is simply great, and Nagase’s vocals are truly moving.

It’s a perfect song for karaoke.

Popular songs by TOKIO. A collection of tracks also recommended for Japanese rock fans (41–50)

Toward tomorrow!TOKIO

TOKIO [Aiming for Tomorrow!] Full
Toward tomorrow!TOKIO

A song released in 2005 as the group’s 32nd single.

The vocals are by Tomoya Nagase, who also wrote the lyrics and composed the music.

The upbeat lyrics—reflecting Nagase’s personality—and the powerful performance featuring a brass section are particularly striking.

The song was also used in a commercial for Benesse Corporation’s “Shinken Zemi,” and it drew attention for featuring Yuko Oshima, who would later rise to fame as a member of AKB48.

When I think of youTOKIO

TOKIO & KinKi Kids Chorus 'When I Think of You' 1999.02.27
When I think of youTOKIO

TOKIO has a lot of great songs, but for me this one is by far the best.

The lyrics really convey the feeling of genuinely cherishing the other person.

And the way Nagase-kun sings is filled with emotion, and the melody truly resonates with the heart.

It makes me think, I wish someone would feel this way about me!