Tokyo Song List: Classic Songs About Tokyo

POPS writer/editorKEI
Since discovering music during my school days, I’ve mainly listened to Japanese and Korean pop. I have experience writing articles for sites like Utaten. 2000s J-pop and 2010s K-pop were especially the soundtrack of my youth. With the mindset that “good is good,” I enjoy music across genres. Thanks to past work environments and their influence, I was exposed to lots of classic rock and kayōkyoku (Japanese popular songs), which may have broadened the scope of what I love. At RAG MUSIC, I currently focus on K-pop and J-pop. I strive to edit with a feel for the scene and an eye for hit potential.
lighterutatane
A person from the melodic hardcore boom generation who loves music, photography, and eating. I’ve been going to live houses for over 20 years. I’m at the age where summer festivals are starting to feel tough physically. I sometimes try shooting live photos and videos for MVs. I’m not great at English, so I often listen to straightforward Japanese rock that hits directly, but if someone recommends something, I’ll listen to anything—Western or Japanese—broadly and casually. I like cooking while listening to music; it’s a nice way to relieve stress.

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.

[Tokyo Song List] Masterpieces Singing About Tokyo (21–30)

5 o’clock in ShibuyaSuzuki Masayuki & Kikuchi Momoko

GOZIRA in Shibuya

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.

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TokyoPEOPLE 1

PEOPLE 1 “Tokyo” (Official Video)

TokyoPEOPLE 1

A PEOPLE 1 track that paints the Tokyo cityscape with dazzling synth tones and an exhilarating beat.

The song is included on their debut EP “Taishū Ongaku,” released in December 2019.

Vocalist Ito’s slightly husky voice resonates poignantly amid the glamorous sound.

It sings of the inferiority and impatience you feel in a city crowded with people, and the longing you still can’t let go of—like turning the city’s very light and shadow into sound.

The scene this song depicts will surely speak to many hearts.

You came to this city to chase your dreams, yet sometimes you suddenly feel alone.

When you listen then, it tightens your chest with a faint, nostalgic ache.

It’s a classic that gently gives a push to anyone striving in the big city.

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[Tokyo Song List] Classic Songs About Tokyo (31–40)

Moonlight StationSEKAI NO OWARI

SEKAI NO OWARI “Moonlight Station” from ‘Twilight City at NISSAN STADIUM’

Moonlight StationSEKAI NO OWARI

In the music video, you can see Nakajin playing the shamisen, likely to convey a “wa” (traditional Japanese) image of Tokyo.

It’s an intriguing work unique to the fantastical and mysterious Sekai no Owari world.

Included on the 2015 album Tree.

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So there was one in Tokyo, too.Fukuyama Masaharu

There was one in Tokyo, too [PV] - Masaharu Fukuyama

So there was one in Tokyo, too.Fukuyama Masaharu

It was the theme song for the film “Tokyo Tower: Mom and Me, and Sometimes Dad.” Even in Tokyo, which people say has no sky, there are times when you can see a very beautiful blue sky or starry sky.

The mysterious pang of wistfulness you feel when you look up at the sky seems to be amplified when I listen to this song.

Released in 2007.

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TOKYO TOWERKadamatsu Toshiki

TOKYO TOWER－EXTENDED DISCO MIX 2007 / Toshiki Kadomatsu

TOKYO TOWERKadamatsu Toshiki

Before the Skytree was built, Tokyo Tower was Tokyo’s landmark.

The original release was in 1985.

The song “TOKYO TOWER,” with its wonderful nighttime Tokyo mood, is a super cool fusion-tinged track.

It still sounds just as stylish today.

Various types of versions are currently available.

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TokyoGEZAN

GEZAN / Tokyo (Official Music Video)

TokyoGEZAN

Tokyo, released in January 2020 by the rock band GEZAN.

A track whose loud, roaring sound is somehow beautiful, with a stunning intro.

From the arrangements to the lyrics, the melody, the intensity, the message, even the breaths—no matter what you focus on, it’s faster to listen than to explain in words, so please give it a listen.

Whether you’re alone at home, commuting to work or school, late at night or early in the morning—at any time—this is music and words that light a fire in our lives.

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Murakami Shinpei

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Tokyo HymnBUMP OF CHICKEN

BUMP OF CHICKEN Tokyo Hymn Solo Acoustic Performance

Tokyo HymnBUMP OF CHICKEN

BUMP OF CHICKEN’s coupling track “Tokyo Sanka,” released in 2007 alongside “Hana no Na.” The charm of this song lies in its country-flavored style—one of the band’s lesser-known strengths in folk and country.

Above all, the lyrics about Tokyo are outstanding, offering story-like, richly descriptive imagery.

The acoustic guitar sounds gentle, making it a track that settles softly into the heart.

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Murakami Shinpei

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