Tokyo Song List: Classic Songs About Tokyo
There are so many songs titled “Tokyo,” aren’t there?
This article is a playlist that gathers “songs that capture the air of Tokyo,” including tracks that center on Tokyo and songs whose lyrics mention Tokyo place names.
From major stars to buzzworthy up-and-coming artists, many musicians sing about Tokyo, so be sure to listen and compare.
You can also enjoy each artist’s interpretation of Tokyo—whether it’s songs that evoke homesickness after moving to the city, or ones that convey Tokyo’s stylish vibe.
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[Tokyo Song List] Masterpieces Singing About Tokyo (21–30)
TOKIOsawada kenji
Released on New Year’s Day in 1980, just as electropop was on the rise.
This song astonished Japanese listeners at the time because Kenji Sawada performed it wearing a suit with electric lights and a red-and-white parachute.
Although it was initially seen as a work chasing trends, more than 30 years later it is still being covered and used in commercials.
STAY TUNESuchmos
When you think of Suchmos, this is the song that comes to mind: “STAY TUNE.” It was the lead track from their second EP, released in 2016.
Doesn’t it perfectly capture the vibe of “Tokyo at night”? It’s packed with that eclectic, late-night city feel and stylishly put together—but it’s actually a pretty savage diss track.
You wouldn’t catch that just from a quick listen, though.
The mix of Japanese and English lyrics feels natural, and it slides right into your ears as a smooth dance tune.
TokyoKuwata Keisuke
A track released as a single from Keisuke Kuwata’s 2002 original studio album “ROCK AND ROLL HERO.” With a music video reminiscent of a suspense drama and a tone that highlights the dim, shadowy side of the metropolis of Tokyo, it feels somewhat atypical for his body of work.
TechnopolisYellow Magic Orchestra
YMO first gained recognition overseas and then became popular in Japan in a reverse-import fashion.
Technopolis refers to Tokyo.
Alongside tracks like “Rydeen,” it’s one of YMO’s best-known works.
It was released in 1979 and has been covered by many artists.
Tokyo HymnBUMP OF CHICKEN
A four-piece rock band, BUMP OF CHICKEN.
Their hidden gem included on the 2008 coupling album “present from you” is “Tokyo Sanka”! Unlike the common type of lyrics that say “Tokyo is a harsh world…,” this folk-tinged song has positive lyrics that say “The people of Tokyo are warm, and it’s a wonderful city.” If you’ve moved to Tokyo and ever find yourself wondering whether this is the right place for you, definitely give this song a listen!
TokyoMr.Children
This is a track included on the album SUPERMARKET FANTASY, which celebrates the beauty of being popular and accessible.
Its bittersweet melody has a vibe similar to “Hoshi ni Naretara.” In a modern world where everything is speeding up, this song reminds us of the importance of stopping to take a breath and feeling time flow slowly.
I think it resonates especially deeply with those who moved to Tokyo, and it warms the heart with a sense of nostalgia.
The stripped-down performance on POPSAURUS 2012 is phenomenal, and when I heard it live on the Tour 2009: Owari no Confidence Songs, the way it matched the visuals in the background and the atmosphere it exuded was so beautiful it brought me to tears.
It’s a masterpiece I’d recommend to anyone chasing a dream or who’s been living in Tokyo for a while.
5 o’clock in ShibuyaSuzuki Masayuki & Kikuchi Momoko
I think this is an excellent example of Japanese Adult-Oriented Rock.
The MV title says “Gozira in Shibuya,” but the song playing is definitely “5 o’clock in Shibuya.” The slightly hurried rhythm matches the beat set by the people crossing the scramble intersection.
The original release was in 1994.