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[A Must-See for Rock Beginners] KiYoshiro Imawano's Easy-to-Sing Songs
Kiyoshiro Imawano, a legendary figure in Japan’s rock scene.
Not only did he make his mark with bands like RC Succession and The Timers, but he also created many classic songs as a solo artist.
Even now, after his passing, his musical style and values continue to be loved by many listeners.
This time, we’ve picked out some of Kiyoshiro Imawano’s songs that are especially easy to sing.
We’ll also feature tracks from RC Succession and The Timers, so be sure to read to the end!
Must-See for Rock Beginners: Kiyoshiro Imawano’s Easy-to-Sing Songs (1–10)
Transistor radioRC Succession
Transistor Radio is the 11th single by RC Succession, released in 1980.
The lyrics, drawn straight from Kiyoshiro’s own childhood experiences, vividly evoke a time when radio was the gateway to music.
It’s a catchy rock ’n’ roll number that kicks off with a buoyant guitar, yet its gently bittersweet, nostalgic melody can really bring a tear to your eye.
It’s a very popular song that many people want to sing at karaoke, but because the pitch range is fairly wide and the highs and lows are quite extreme, you might find it surprisingly difficult when you actually try it.
If you listen to the original over and over and sing with the mindset of boldly exaggerating Kiyoshiro’s vocal style, you might be surprised how well it clicks!
Daydream BelieverKiyoshiro Imawano
For those who aren’t from the RC Succession generation, there may be people who first became aware of Kiyoshiro Imawano after hearing this “Daydream Believer” in Acecook’s popular “Super Cup” commercials.
Even after Kiyoshiro’s passing, it continued to play in 7-Eleven ads and has now settled in as a standard classic.
Originally a cover of The Monkees’ hit, it first appeared as the debut single by The Timers, so strictly speaking it isn’t a Kiyoshiro solo track.
However, the Japanese lyrics—written with thoughts of his birth mother, who died young—are filled with Kiyoshiro’s kindness and warmth, and they’re truly moving.
Since the original is a pop song written by an excellent songwriter, it’s easy for anyone to sing, and as mentioned, Kiyoshiro’s Japanese lyrics are wonderful—so sing it out freely and with feeling!
I want to brag about it to people all over the world.Kiyoshiro Imawano
The straightforward lyrics, which clearly bring out Kiyoshiro Imawano’s sentimental side, are truly moving and bring tears to your eyes! “Sekai-ju no Hito ni Jiman Shitai yo” (“I Want to Brag About You to Everyone in the World”) was released as a single in April 1996 under Kiyoshiro’s solo name.
The lyrics, which express a pure desire to boast about someone precious to you and about the bond between you and them, avoid any sense of insincerity precisely because Kiyoshiro is the one singing them, and they simply seep into the listener’s heart.
The soulful backing vocals are another highlight, showcasing a side of Kiyoshiro’s musicality distinct from domestic J-pop-style ballads.
The range is a bit on the high side, but the melody is easy to pitch.
Try singing it with your heart, savoring each word.
Nuclear Power Plant Ondo (festival song)The Timers
Genpatsu Ondo is a song that humorously and satirically expresses the basic stance of Kiyoshiro Imawano—say what needs to be said.
Centered on a figure named ZERRY, who is presented only as someone “very similar to Kiyoshiro Imawano,” The Timers actively released songs that stirred controversy, and even within their discography this track is especially biting in its irony.
However, there’s no official audio release; you can only check out live recordings on YouTube and the like.
Set to an ondo rhythm familiar to Japanese listeners, the lyrics are easy to remember in several senses, and it’s so singable you could hum it absentmindedly.
That said, if you sing it in front of people who don’t know the band or the background of the song, they might misunderstand it in various ways—so be careful!
To your daughterDANGER
This track features Kiyoshiro Imawano joining the Doktor Umezu Band, led by Kazutoki Umezu—known as the horn section “Blue Day Horns” from RC Succession—released under the name “DANGER.” If you’re expecting catchy rock ’n’ roll, you might be surprised: it’s a fairly avant-garde, free jazz–style sound over which Kiyoshiro sings with complete freedom, making it a rather unusual unit even within his discography.
Stripped down to the melody alone, though, it’s very simple and characteristically Kiyoshiro.
So if you’re going to sing it, it’s best to grasp the melody by tuning into the piano—the only instrument consistently playing chord tones.
SUMMER TOURRC Succession
Released in 1982 and reaching No.
6 on the Oricon chart, this RC Succession hit was co-written by Kiyoshiro Imawano and Reiichi Nakaido.
A live version was included on the hit album BEAT POPS released the same year, featuring a horn section for an even more vibrant arrangement.
“SUMMER TOUR” is a song you’ll definitely want to sing at karaoke in the height of summer, though men might find the vocal range surprisingly high.
The pitch movement isn’t extremely wide, so if high notes aren’t your strength, you should be able to handle it by adjusting the key to suit your range.
Enjoy the playful lyrics and try channeling Kiyoshiro as you sing!
Welcome!RC Succession
As an opening number for a live show, you couldn’t ask for a more fitting classic than “Yōkoso”! It’s included on RC Succession’s legendary live album RHAPSODY from their shift into a rock band, and Kiyoshiro Imawano kept performing it even in his solo years.
The lyrics welcome the audience to the concert and introduce the band members—something that would almost certainly backfire if a run-of-the-mill artist tried to imitate it.
It’s a catchy, brilliant rock ’n’ roll tune you can blast through on sheer momentum, but the range is on the higher side, so if you’re not comfortable with high notes, try lowering the key.