Gets you pumped! A curated selection of popular and classic Japanese songs perfect as background music for work

A view I’ve never seen beforeSuda Masaki

Masaki Suda belts it out with full force: web-exclusive music video “A Scenery Never Seen Before,” Oni-chan ver., now released

This is a song by Masaki Suda, the actor who plays Oni-chan, a character from au’s Santaro (Three Taros) commercial series.

As a track by Masaki Suda, a young actor who’s been gaining attention, it became a hot topic.

Since it’s a support song for Japan’s national soccer team, it’s also a great choice as background music while you work.

Sometimes, a tale from long ago — from Porco RossoKatō Tokiko

Sometimes, a tale from long ago — from Porco Rosso

This is a work written and composed by Tokiko Kato herself, whose warm yet faintly bittersweet worldview evokes a deep nostalgia for days of youth gone by.

As it searches for an unseen future, it conjures scenes of passionate conversations with friends—memories many listeners will find echoing their own.

The song was included on the album “MY STORY / Toki ni wa Mukashi no Hanashi wo,” released in February 1987, and is also known as the ending theme of the 1992 film Porco Rosso.

The piano arrangement used in the film, with its striking timbre, gently lets you linger in the afterglow of the story.

With its calm melody, it’s also great to play as background music when you want to focus on work.

Respond.Kanjani∞

It’s the 40th single by Kanjani Eight and the theme song for the film “Dorobou Yakusha,” starring member Ryuhei Maruyama.

The lyrics were written by Porno Graffitti’s guitarist Haruichi Shindō, showcasing his distinctive sensibility.

The vocals also bring out Kanjani Eight’s full coolness, making it a wonderful track.

Get OverDream

dream / Get Over (HD)

This is a signature song by Dream, who were active as a dance-vocal group.

It became a hot topic as the opening theme for the anime Hikaru no Go, which is famous for sparking a Go boom.

How about giving it a listen while you work or study?

Yesterday and Tomorrowyuzu

Yuzu Yesterday and Tomorrow

This is Yuzu’s 25th single.

It portrays a love story in a very refreshing way, making you think, “This is pure youth.” With its breezy melody, it makes you want to take off running with your partner as you listen.

I think it would be a hit if you did a karaoke duet with your significant other.

Because you can do it someday, you can do it today.Nogizaka 46

Nogizaka46 'If You Can Do It Someday, You Can Do It Today'

This is Nogizaka46’s 19th single.

It was used as the theme song for the film “Asahinagu.” It’s a straightforward, encouraging song about getting back up again and again without giving up, even when you hit a wall.

The high-quality music video is also worth noting.

KemuriDJ KRUSH

DJ Krush – Kemuri

A landmark trip-hop track released in 1994 by DJ Krush, globally acclaimed as a pioneer of Japan’s hip-hop scene.

Its distinctive soundscape—blending jazz and soul samples with natural and environmental sounds—artfully fuses urban clamor with quietude into a highly refined piece of artistry.

Originally released as a split single on the UK label Mo’ Wax, it drew considerable attention and was later included on the album “Strictly Turntablized.” Ideal for work sessions when you want to boost focus without lyrics, late-night drives, or meditative moments.

While rooted in hip-hop breakbeats, this genre-transcending exploration continues to offer fresh discoveries to listeners even today.