Masterpieces in 3/4 Time: That Hit Song Too!? A Curated Selection of Popular Japanese and Western Tracks

Accompanist / Piano Instructoryuri
Accompanist pianist × piano instructor × web writer. I began piano lessons at age four and, inspired by my piano teacher, decided to pursue music. I went on to specialized music programs in high school and university, where I discovered the appeal of accompanying instrumentalists and singers. Currently, alongside teaching piano, I work mainly in my home region of Aichi as an accompanist for flute, voice, choir, and more. Through lessons, my students often introduce me to trending songs, and my hobby is trying anything on the piano—Japanese and Western pop, commercial jingles, and beyond. Since 2021, I’ve also been active as a web writer, covering music and a variety of other genres.
Composition nerdmutō
Started performing in bands in junior high school. Influenced by Japanese rock and UK rock, spent over 10 years continuing band activities while creating original songs. Later began producing Vocaloid tracks using Hatsune Miku, with total plays of released songs surpassing 10,000. Has five years of experience writing for music magazines. Currently works as a music writer, director, and composer, keeping a ground-level perspective on the scene by attending live shows across Japan. Now performs at live houses in Tokyo, showcasing guitar playing centered on acoustic guitar and informed by knowledge of chord analysis and guitar scales. Also writes leveraging a broad knowledge of music genres.

When you think of hit songs in triple meter, what kind of tracks come to mind?

Triple meter is known as the waltz rhythm and is popular in classical music; it’s also commonly used in other genres, especially in Western music.

Interestingly, it’s often said that Japanese listeners are not as comfortable with triple meter, so it doesn’t appear much in J-pop hits.

In this article, we’ve selected songs in triple meter from Japanese and Western pop and rock.

From timeless favorites to lesser-known hidden gems, we’ve got a wide-ranging playlist for you!

Masterpieces in 3/4 Time: That Hit Song, Too!? A Curated Selection of Popular Japanese and Western Tracks (11–20)

First loveaiko

aiko - “First Love” music video

First loveaiko

Carried by a bittersweet waltz, aiko’s voice pours out tender, fleeting feelings of love that resonate in the heart.

The gentle piano tones and the band’s sound capture raw, true-to-life emotions with exquisite nuance.

From the moment of falling in love to the swelling feelings and heartfelt wishes for the other person, every sentiment hits home.

Released in February 2001, this work became a massive hit following the single “Boyfriend” and was also included on the album “Natsufuku.” It sold over 320,000 copies in total and reached No.

3 on the Oricon weekly chart.

Beloved as an indispensable staple of aiko’s live shows, it remains a fan favorite.

Highly recommended for those who want to empathize with the racing heartbeat of being in love and the feelings for that special someone, or who wish to cherish memories of a bittersweet romance.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

NOT FOUNDMr.Children

Mr.Children 「NOT FOUND」 MUSIC VIDEO

NOT FOUNDMr.Children

A delicate yet grand piece set in 12/8 time with a triple meter feel.

Released in August 2000, it garnered attention as the theme song for Fuji TV’s Monday 9 p.m.

drama “Bus Stop.” The title, inspired by an internet error message, reflects feelings about missed connections and things that slip out of sight.

Beginning with the gentle tone of an acoustic guitar, it unfolds into a distinctive arrangement where band sounds and strings intertwine.

Woven into its melodious sound are the complexities of love and the subtleties of human relationships, making this a recommended track that quietly supports those struggling with romance or interpersonal issues.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

JupiterHirahara Ayaka

[Ayaka Hirahara] 'Jupiter' MV Full Ver.

JupiterHirahara Ayaka

The debut song of Ayaka Hirahara, a singer-songwriter who is also active as an actress and saxophonist.

A cover of “Jupiter” by the British composer Holst, the track generated significant buzz at the time.

It opens with a chorus in 3/4 time, and then, from the next chorus onward, continues with the same melody in 4/4 time, giving the piece a distinctive impact different from a simple “chorus-first” structure.

In addition, by layering a melody line an octave apart in the chorus, the song gains a grand sense of majesty, making it a number that highlights Hirahara’s highly skilled vocals.

Raise the rankinglower

Hoshino Takashi

Report a problem

NEVER EVERHamasaki Ayumi

NEVER EVER

NEVER EVERHamasaki Ayumi

This moving song reflects the human quest for eternal truth, set to a majestic melody carried by a graceful triple-time rhythm.

Ayumi Hamasaki sings of a search that began before she was born, conveying a powerful will to move forward—even when hurting others, and at times herself.

Released in March 2001, it drew attention as the theme for Kirin Beverage’s drink “Suppli” commercial and reached No.

1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.

It was later included on the albums “I am…” and “A BEST 2 -BLACK-,” capturing the hearts of many listeners.

It’s a track to hear when you’re lost and standing still in life—one that will remind you of the importance of holding on to unchanging convictions.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

deep forestSEKAI NO OWARI

Fukaimori

deep forestSEKAI NO OWARI

This is a gem from SEKAI NO OWARI that expresses profound themes about animals and humans, carried by a beautiful 3/4 rhythm with English lyrics.

Released in July 2012 as a track on their major-label debut album ENTERTAINMENT, it features a dreamlike melody that feels like an elegant waltz, paired with lyrics that question the freedom of animals and the value of life.

It was also selected as the joint NHK–Japan Commercial Broadcasters Association radio campaign song and used in a TOYOTA commercial, capturing the hearts of many.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to when you’re ready to immerse yourself in a story or reflect on the nature of human society.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Rain, then Sunshine Hallelujahyuzu

Yuzu “Ame nochi Hareruya”

Rain, then Sunshine Hallelujahyuzu

This is the 39th single by Yuzu, a folk duo that rose from the streets to sudden stardom.

Released in 2013, it also served as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series Gochisousan.

“Hareruya” carries a double meaning: hareru, meaning “to clear up” as in rain giving way to sunshine, and “Hallelujah,” the Christian expression of praise and gratitude.

While the song is in 3/4 time, only the interlude shifts to 4/4, a crafty twist.

With added elements like string arrangements, it showcases a side of Yuzu that goes beyond their identity as a simple folk duo.

Raise the rankinglower

Hirata Hiroyasu

Report a problem

[Masterpieces in 3/4 Time] That hit song too!? A curated selection of popular Japanese and Western tracks (21–30)

shadowShibasaki Kou

Kage

shadowShibasaki Kou

A masterpiece steeped in melancholy and poignancy, strikingly rendered in a 3/4 rhythm.

Feelings of loneliness, sorrow, and complex emotions toward a loved one are conveyed through Ko Shibasaki’s translucent vocals and the piano’s quiet melody, resonating deeply with listeners.

The beautiful, medium-tempo melody weaves a story alongside the delicate tone of the guitar—truly breathtaking.

Released in February 2006 and serving as the theme song for the TBS drama “Byakuyakō,” the piece struck a deep chord with audiences, reaching No.

2 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and appearing on numerous releases, including the albums “Kiki ♥” and “Single Best.” The lyrics, penned by Ko Shibasaki herself with a keen grasp of the novel’s world, and the stirring melody gently embrace the hearts of those who have experienced heartbreak or parting.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem