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)

Poem of TruthDo As Infinity

Do As Infinity / Poem of Truth (Shinjitsu no Uta)

Poem of TruthDo As Infinity

A Do As Infinity single notable for its graceful 6/8 meter and an evocative Eastern ambiance.

Within a distinctive soundscape woven with live jinghu, it carefully portrays the anxieties and conflicts born of ignorance, and the act of reexamining one’s true self.

Released in October 2002, it was later chosen as the fifth ending theme for the anime Inuyasha, reaching No.

5 on the Oricon charts.

It was subsequently included on the album TRUE SONG and has been highly regarded as a classic.

This is a track to listen to when you find yourself at a crossroads in life or when you want to confront your convictions and the cry of your soul.

It’s a warm song that conveys timeless, unchanging values and a sense of hope for the future.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Hoshino Takashi

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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.

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My Room, My Dress Shirt, and MeHiramatsu Eri

The Room, the Dress Shirt, and Me (PV)

My Room, My Dress Shirt, and MeHiramatsu Eri

It’s a 1992 single by singer-songwriter Eri Hiramatsu, which became a hit with CD sales exceeding one million copies.

Set in 3/4 time, the song has a very cute tone, but the lyrics aren’t merely cute—there are even lines that are so intense they’re almost frightening.

You can feel a woman’s passionate emotions born of love, and the song won the Lyrics Award at the 34th Japan Record Awards.

A film with the same title was also produced based on this song, starring Nami Arimori, and I feel it captures a snapshot of that era.

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Hirata Hiroyasu

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

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.

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Hirata Hiroyasu

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