Popular Songs by Eikichi Yazawa: A Curated Selection of Masterpieces from the Boss of Japan’s Rock Scene!

MARIAYazawa Eikichi

A straightforward love song by Eikichi Yazawa, whose powerful yet gentle vocals resonate in the heart.

Released as a single in May 1996, it also became well known as the song for Suntory BOSS commercials.

In July of the same year, an acclaimed album bearing this song’s title, “MARIA,” was released.

This piece sings of a timeless bond of fate to a cherished person smiling in a faded photograph.

It is said to reflect his feelings for his real-life partner, and its earnest expression of love is deeply moving.

Its universal message of love reminds us to feel grateful for those we hold dear.

Awesome Rock You!Yazawa Eikichi

Awesome 'Rock You'! / From the new album 'TWIST'

The moment the intro guitar riff rings out, it blows away the dullness of everyday life—an exhilarating rock number.

This track opens the album “TWIST,” released in June 2010, and was also used in a commercial for Lotte’s “Xylitol Gum.” The protagonist taunts an unmotivated opponent and confidently declares they’ll show their very best.

That straightforward, powerful message stirs up excitement as if your soul were being shaken directly at a live show.

When you feel stuck, listening to this song might make you feel like, “I’ve still got more in me,” giving you a push forward.

Rainy WayYazawa Eikichi

A rock ballad released in October 1980, distinguished by its bluesy guitar tone.

Set on a rain-soaked highway, it lyrically portrays the pain of heartbreak.

The protagonist’s pent-up emotions overlap with the scene of the relentless, cold rain, tightening the listener’s chest.

Included on the classic solo compilation THE ORIGINAL EIKICHI YAZAWA SINGLE COLLECTION 1980‑1990 and performed at the 1994 Nippon Budokan concert, this song has continued to be loved across generations.

Its wistful melody gently accompanies a sentimental mood.

AccompliceYazawa Eikichi

Accomplice Eikichi Yazawa J’z TV #25

This is a renowned song in which Eikichi Yazawa, at the age of 39, became conscious of the allure of “adult danger” and opened up a new frontier.

While knowing it’s forbidden, the song thrillingly portrays a precarious relationship between a man and a woman who deeply desire each other.

Produced from his first London recording, it features an urban, weighty sound driven by synthesizers, interwoven exquisitely with a moist, melancholic melody that instantly draws listeners into its world.

Released in July 1988 as his first single after switching record labels, it also gained major attention as the theme for the Ginza Jewelry Maki Camelia Diamond commercial.

ChinatownYazawa Eikichi

Eikichi Yazawa 'Chinatown' / EIKICHI YAZAWA CONCERT TOUR 2023 'Welcome to Rock’n’Roll'

This number was released as the B-side to the fifth single “Jikan yo Tomare,” which came out in 1978.

It was issued as a single in 1998, and a music video was also produced.

The lyrics depict a man walking through Yokohama’s Chinatown as he reflects on the past, and many fans may see a parallel with Eikichi Yazawa himself, who moved to the capital but began his music career not in Tokyo, but in Yokohama.

It’s a track distinguished by its gently drifting melody and richly exotic, cosmopolitan sound.

New Grand HotelYazawa Eikichi

Eikichi Yazawa “New Grand Hotel” / “STAND UP ’89” EIKICHI YAZAWA CONCERT TOUR

This is a mature rock number whose rebellious edge and wistful vocals by Eikichi Yazawa seep into the heart.

Released in September 1988 as his 27th single, the track appears on the London-recorded masterpiece “Accomplice.” It also became well known as the theme song for Ginza Jewelry Maki’s Camellia Diamond commercials.

The lyrics portray a worldview where frustration at being unable to stop someone from leaving mingles with resignation.

That aching emotion meshes perfectly with the sound—brisk yet tinged with a certain dampness—and with Yazawa’s distinctive vocal delivery.

Unstoppable ha~haYazawa Eikichi

Eikichi Yazawa - Tomaranai ha~ha

Just hearing the intro guitar riff makes you want to throw your fist in the air—Eikichi Yazawa’s powerful rock anthem! It’s a track from the classic album “Tokyo Night,” released in July 1986.

The song has become familiar as the opening theme for Fuji TV’s “IPPON Grand Prix,” and has also been used in Daiichikosho commercials as well as entrance music for many top athletes, including Ichiro.

The lyrics blast away logic and pretense, urging you to “let the feeling take over and get fired up!” Yazawa’s shouts and the exhilarating, fast-paced sound seem to tell you to unleash your instincts, filling you with energy for tomorrow.