[Rhythm] A roundup of popular Japanese songs that use 16-beat [2026]
In a nutshell, 16-beat is a musical term that refers to marking the rhythm 16 times within a single measure… but that explanation alone might not quite click.
When that happens, the best thing is to actually listen!
So, I’ve put together a collection of popular Japanese songs that use 16-beat.
You know that feel where the beat goes “chaka-chaka-chaka-chaka” in tight little subdivisions!
I think this playlist will really let you feel it in your body.
And it might be surprising, but there are even 16-beat ballads.
This selection focuses on the latest tracks and recent hits, so you might just discover something new!
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[Rhythm] Collection of Popular Japanese Songs That Use 16-Beat Rhythms [2026] (11–20)
BE CLASSICJO1
Many dance-focused, club-oriented tracks use 16-beat rhythms, so they’re great for anyone who wants to experience or study 16-beat.
That said, JO1’s hugely popular song “BE CLASSIC,” released in March 2025, boldly quotes Beethoven’s Symphony No.
5 “Fate,” blending contemporary trap with classical music into a very cool track packed with unforgettable hooks—a true killer tune.
Given that Snow Man sampled the first movement of Mozart’s Symphony No.
25 in G minor, K.
183, for their 2024 release “EMPIRE,” this might be something of a trend.
GOATNumber_i
Number_i, the new group formed by Sho Hirano, Yuta Jinguji, and Yuta Kishi after leaving King & Prince—who enjoyed immense popularity as a former Johnny’s idol group—surprised many by boldly embracing a hard-hitting dance-oriented sound, a stark contrast to their glamorous idol era.
Their debut track “GOAT” is an intense, modern trap-based number featuring aggressive rap.
As of 2025, the music video on YouTube has surpassed 100 million views, and their powerful performances have also been showcased at events like Summer Sonic.
With hip-hop at its core, their music is a treasure trove of 16-beat rhythms, making it a great recommendation for those who want to explore 16-beat styles different from band sounds.
fatesumika
Destiny, which was also chosen as the opening theme for the TV anime Dungeon Meshi Season 2, is a song released by the popular band sumika in April 2024.
At first listen it comes across as a pop tune with a catchy melody and pleasantly lush strings, but it smoothly weaves in odd meters and rhythm changes, resulting in an impressive ensemble that would demand advanced technique to perform—something listeners should definitely pay attention to.
Drummer Tomoyuki Arai’s exceptional skills are also striking, as he makes the lightly bouncing, airy 16-beat feel effortless.
It’s approachable pop packed with high-level musicianship, and as such, it’s a great reference for young musicians aiming to form bands.
Drifting with the wavesAKASAKI
Now that we’re well past the midpoint of the 2020s, talented teenage singer-songwriters are releasing their music online and drawing major attention—and AKASAKI is truly one of the leading figures among them.
Her 2024 track “Bunny Girl” went viral, and its animated music video had surpassed 55 million views as of April 2025.
Released in July 2024, her song “Nami Makase / Drifting” is a groovy, stylish city-pop-tinged tune that’s perfect for summer.
It’s astonishing to hear such a mature vibe from someone in their teens, and if you want to revel in the sleek feel of a polished 16-beat, be sure to give it a listen.
I want you to pat me / I want to be pattedMōningu Musume ’21
A song I’d highly recommend even to people who don’t usually listen to idol music is Morning Musume ’21’s “Yoshi Yoshi Shite Hoshii no.” It’s a very danceable track with a 16-beat groove.
The vocal melodies also use sixteenth notes, making it incredibly catchy.
While the rhythmic work in this piece is complex, it pushes the edge without leaving the listener behind, making it very satisfying to listen to.
It’s a must-hear especially for those interested in composition and arrangement.
Theme of Lupin the ThirdŌno Yūji
The theme from Lupin the Third uses a 16-beat groove.
Speaking of Lupin, the cat-and-mouse chase with Inspector Zenigata is a staple, right? Since Lupin is always on the run, he gives off an impression of being in a hurry.
The hi-hat on the drums, ticking out sixteenth notes, creates that bustling atmosphere.
The main saxophone melody that stands out most in the theme is a gently sung, lyrical line.
Even so, the sense of speed and drive you feel from the piece is thanks to the presence of the drums.
[Rhythm] A Collection of Popular Japanese Songs Using 16-Beat Rhythms [2026] (21–30)
Dinner Songtuki.
Singer-songwriter tuki., a current high school student who also drew attention by announcing that she would end her activities as “tuki.(15)” on March 31, 2025 and transition to “tuki.(16)” from April 1, has been making waves.
Her song “Bansanka,” released in 2023 when she was still in junior high and which became a massive hit, is a masterpiece that astonishes with her overwhelming vocals and strikingly evocative lyrics.
Focusing on the rhythm, the drums are key, built on a detailed 16-beat groove that at times incorporates marching-style playing.
The original track likely uses programmed drums, but for drummers, it’s great study for expanding your playing range—so definitely try covering it!