The Appeal of Solo: Easy-to-Sing Songs by Keisuke Kuwata. Perfect for Karaoke!
Since debuting with the group on “Katte ni Sindbad,” Keisuke Kuwata has bridged kayōkyoku and Japanese pop music.
Of course, the Southern All Stars are iconic, but even as a solo singer, Kuwata’s ability to fully express his own style while creating songs beloved nationwide is truly compelling.
Many people are familiar with Southern All Stars’ tracks at karaoke, but here we’ll introduce recommended songs for those who want to sing Keisuke Kuwata’s solo numbers!
Surprisingly, many of his songs span a wide range of pitches and vocal ranges, and some require technical singing, making them challenging.
Still, their catchy melodies are irresistible and make you want to hum along.
In addition to title tracks, we’ve also featured songs that are easier to try, so please find ones that suit you and are comfortable to sing.
[The Appeal of Solo] Keisuke Kuwata’s Easy-to-Sing Songs for Karaoke! (1–10)
SMILE ~Like a Clear, Sunlit Sky~Keisuke Kuwata
It’s a song that conveys a powerful message calling on us to move toward the future, along with a refreshing atmosphere that feels like your field of vision is opening up.
It was one of the tracks released digitally ahead of the 2021 mini-album “Gohan Miso Shiru Nori Otsukemono Tamagoyaki feat.
Umeboshi.” It was also chosen as the theme song for “Let’s Do This Together 2020,” a joint project by Japan’s five commercial TV networks for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
The gently rousing rhythm and the straightforward, unadorned vocals that deliver the message clearly both highlight the song’s worldview and make it easy to sing.
March Toward TomorrowKeisuke Kuwata
It’s a cheer song that lightly calls on us to move toward a happy future, filled with a bright sense of hope.
After being used as an NTT Docomo commercial song in 2011, it was also featured in a Uniqlo commercial in 2021.
It’s said to have been written with hopes for the recovery of areas affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake, and its light sound evokes an image of trying to ease painful feelings.
The gentle yet buoyant tempo makes it easy to sing, and singing it in a relaxed manner may further enhance the song’s atmosphere.
Flame Choir [Choir]Keisuke Kuwata
![Choir of Flames [Choir] Keisuke Kuwata](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Fwa-jxRdBSU/sddefault.jpg)
After being released as a digital single in 2021, it was included on the mini-album “Gohan Miso Soup Nori Otsukemono Tamagoyaki feat.
Umeboshi.” It’s also a very popular song thanks to its use in commercials for Subaru’s Forester and for Uniqlo.
Within Keisuke Kuwata’s musical style, this track leans into a pop sensibility, with a refreshing sound that evokes the Shonan seaside as one of its chief attractions.
The vocals leave space rather than cramming in words against the light, breezy instrumentation, making it easy to sing; it’s a song you can perform while keeping a solid grasp on the tempo.
Go for it, baby!!Keisuke Kuwata
It’s a song that delivers a powerful message urging us to overcome difficulties and move forward.
Included on the 2011 album “MUSICMAN,” it was also featured in a UNIQLO commercial in 2023.
The simple sound of singing with an electric guitar seems to enhance the power of the lyrics.
The light rhythm, which even hints at country influences, is striking, and it’s important to be mindful of placing the words on the rhythm.
Since there aren’t many pitch changes, it’s a song you can sing once you get the rhythm down.
A Million Red RosesKeisuke Kuwata
It’s a song that conveys a hopeful message, calling on us to move forward toward tomorrow while carrying various emotions such as joy and sorrow.
After being released in 2016 as the B-side to “Yoshiko-san,” it was included on the 2017 mini-album Karakuta.
Written specifically as the theme song for Fuji TV’s news program Your Time, it even features the name of the show’s host, Saya Ichikawa, which adds to its playful charm.
With minimal melodic rises and falls that emphasize the sound of the words, it’s also particularly easy to sing.
being teased; being pranked; being tampered withKeisuke Kuwata
This song, strongly influenced by classic kayōkyoku to match the program’s concept, was unveiled as a new track on the show “Gratitude for the Great Kayōkyoku: Songs of Tokyo,” featuring Keisuke Kuwata.
Its playful spirit shines through in the sound and lyrics, sprinkled with touches that evoke kayōkyoku and suspense dramas.
With a gentle rhythm and minimal melodic leaps, it’s a piece you can sing in a relaxed manner.
The lyrics, depicting a romantic scene tinged with mystery, are another highlight—so be sure to sing it with an emphasis on mood.
Let me hear the poetry of the wind.Keisuke Kuwata
It’s a song that conveys both delicate wistfulness and the power to live fully in the present moment.
You can feel warmth from the unplugged sounds of acoustic guitar and percussion.
In addition to being chosen as the theme song for the film “Life: Tengoku de Kimi ni Aetara,” it was also used in commercials for au’s LISMO and for UNIQLO.
Its overall gentle tempo makes it easy to sing, so be mindful of the lyrics and the feelings they carry as you perform.