Toshinobu Kubota’s Most Popular Karaoke Songs Ranking [2025]

LA LA LA Love SongToshinobu Kubota1rank/position

Toshinobu Kubota – LA･LA･LA LOVE SONG with NAOMI CAMPBELL [Official Video Short ver.]

An R&B masterpiece ballad that lifts your spirits like a carousel.

It beautifully captures both the sweetness and the ache of romance.

Toshinobu Kubota’s silky vocals and Naomi Campbell’s whisper-like chorus blend in exquisite harmony.

Released in May 1996, it became a breakout hit as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Long Vacation,” selling 1.

856 million copies and winning the Japan Record Award for Excellence.

With a warmth that gently wraps the rain in your heart, this song is perfect for those newly in love and for adults who cherish precious memories.

MissingToshinobu Kubota2rank/position

Toshinobu Kubota – Missing [Official Video]

This is a gem of a ballad by Toshinobu Kubota, known for his uniquely groovy style, perfect for an autumn night.

It poignantly conveys, with a soulful voice, the helpless love between a man and a woman who care deeply for each other yet can never be together.

The struggle of wanting to forget but being unable to, and the regret of wishing they had met earlier, really hits home.

The song was included on his debut album, “SHAKE IT PARADISE,” released in September 1986, and was used as an ending theme for shows like World Pro Wrestling.

Though it wasn’t released as a single, it remains one of his most beloved signature songs.

It feels like a gentle companion to the quiet loneliness that follows the bustle of summer.

You were mineToshinobu Kubota3rank/position

You were mine

This song, themed around heartbreak, stands out for its passionate vocals and rich musicality.

Toshinobu Kubota’s soul-stirring voice vividly portrays the pain of love.

Released in February 1988 and chosen as the theme song for a Fuji TV drama, it became a major hit—his first entry into the Top 3 on the Oricon charts—and ranked 10th on the year-end singles chart.

Blending R&B elements with lyrics that resonate deeply, this track is perfect for moments when you want to reminisce about love or find the strength to move on from a cherished goodbye.

Indigo WaltzToshinobu Kubota4rank/position

Toshinobu Kubota – Indigo Waltz [Official Video Short ver.]

Toshinobu Kubota’s masterpiece “Indigo Waltz.” Many people probably associate him more with “LA LA LA LOVE SONG” or “Missing,” but if you’re serious about improving your vocal skills, I definitely recommend “Indigo Waltz.” There are two main reasons.

First, it’s in 3/4 time, a rhythm many Japanese singers find challenging.

Second, it features lots of long tones and vocal improvisation.

Since many recent songs shy away from powerful vocals and sustained notes, it’s better to tackle pieces like this if you want to build real vocal ability.

Give it a try.

LOVE RAIN ~Rain of Love~Toshinobu Kubota5rank/position

Toshinobu Kubota – LOVE RAIN ~Koi no Ame~ [Official Video Short ver.]

Toshinobu Kubota’s “LOVE RAIN ~Koi no Ame~” evokes a romantic rainy scene.

Released in 2010, the song was written for the drama “Tsuki no Koibito ~Moon Lovers~,” starring Takuya Kimura.

It features Kubota’s signature light, pop-leaning R&B sound.

The lyrics depict rain falling like magic, as if urging the couple’s love to deepen.

It exudes a stylish vibe, almost as if the song itself were the drama’s storyline.

If you’re the type who wants to enjoy love come rain or shine, give it a sing!

the Beat of LifeToshinobu Kubota6rank/position

Toshinobu Kubota – the Beat of Life [Official Video]

Toshinobu Kubota is an R&B singer who has been active for many years and is known in Japan as one of the quintessential great vocalists.

From his catalog, the song I especially recommend is “the Beat of Life.” This track has an R&B sound reminiscent of the late 1990s and early 2000s, and it showcases sophisticated vocal techniques like ad-libs (often heard in R&B) multiple times.

It also demands a strong sense of groove, making it a great challenge for those who are accustomed to singing Western music.

Candy RainToshinobu Kubota7rank/position

Candy Rain Toshinobu Kubota with Samurai JP (Live)

Toshinobu Kubota’s classic “Candy Rain,” released in 2001, instantly captured listeners’ hearts.

The track beautifully fuses the smoothness of R&B with the catchiness of Japanese pop music.

Its rhythm is unhurried yet marked by a comfortably engaging beat.

Kubota’s silky vocals are sure to evoke sweet, bittersweet memories of youth for women.

Sing this at karaoke and you’ll definitely draw everyone’s attention! It’s the perfect pick when a man wants to showcase his charm.