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)

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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TokyoInoue Yosui

Yosui Inoue / TOKYO

TokyoInoue Yosui

Ginza, Hato Bus, the Kabuki-za, Shinjuku, Akasaka, Asakusa.

Under Yosui’s magic, even Tokyo’s scenery turns into a song like this.

It’s a track that makes you want to hop on a Hato Bus and go sightseeing in Tokyo, lured by a warm breeze.

It’s included on the 1990 album Handsome Boy.

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

Tokyo at 7 p.m.pichikāto faivu

PIZZICATO FIVE / 7 p.m. in Tokyo

Tokyo at 7 p.m.pichikāto faivu

PIZZICATO FIVE formed in 1984 and could be called the quintessential band of the stylish “Shibuya-kei” sound.

This song was released in 1993, and I’m amazed at how incredibly stylish the music video is—it feels completely at home even today.

The scenery around Shibuya 109 from back then makes me feel nostalgic.

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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 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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TokyoJUJU

JUJU 'Tokyo' Music Video

TokyoJUJU

JUJU sings of love for a dear one who has become far away from Tokyo.

This song was chosen as the theme for the film The Wings of the Kirin (the theatrical installment of the Shinzanmono series starring Hiroshi Abe).

Tokyo as a city gives the impression of constant bustle, with countless people coming and going every day.

Within that flow of time, the image of someone left behind, continuing to think of a loved one now apart, is truly heartrending.

While the loved one naturally brings to mind a romantic partner, it could also be interpreted as a distant family member or friend.

You can also feel the wish to meet that beloved person again and share smiles once more.

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