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

The Blue MarbleDJ Mitsu the Beats

DJ Mitsu the Beats「The Blue Marble」

This is an instrumental track by DJ Mitsu the Beats—also a member of the Sendai-based hip-hop unit GAGLE—that beautifully fuses jazz and hip-hop.

Included on the EP “implosion,” released in April 2022, the piece showcases delicate beat-making and rich musicality.

Although it has no vocals, its unique sound—blending elements of jazz, soul, and funk—is wonderfully pleasing and ideal as background music while working.

Created by a formidable talent who was the only Japanese artist selected for URB magazine’s “Next 100” in L.A.

in 2004, the track is perfect for focused work sessions or relaxing on a quiet night.

april.#19KASHIWA Daisuke

KASHIWA Daisuke / april.#19 (MUSIC VIDEO) “from Re:”

This is a signature instrumental piece by KASHIWA Daisuke that opens with a beautiful piano melody and unfolds into a complex, grand sonic world interwoven with strings and electronic tones.

It was first included on the remix album “april.#07,” released in April 2007, and later featured on the album “Re:”.

Over its lengthy 8 minutes and 51 seconds, a dynamic structure emerges in which tranquility and intensity intersect, showcasing a genre-transcending sound that fuses electronica, post-rock, and contemporary classical music.

It’s an ideal track for when you want to focus deeply on work or be enveloped by a sweeping soundscape during a drive.

Racing Flashfox capture plan

fox capture plan / Flash of Sprinting Light

This is an instrumental piece by a piano trio, released in 2014 as the lead track from the album “WALL.” It features Ryo Kishimoto’s meticulous and emotional piano playing, Hidehiro Kawai’s powerful bass lines, and Tsukasa Inoue’s dynamic drums, uniting to create a distinctive blend of driving rhythms and lightning-flash melodies.

As a signature track that fully showcases the appeal of contemporary jazz rock—fusing jazz improvisation with rock energy—it’s also a staple in their live performances.

In 2024, a re-recorded version commemorating the band’s 10th anniversary was released, evolving into an even more refined sound.

Perfect for those seeking an energetic instrumental track—great as background music for studying or working, and guaranteed to lift your spirits on a drive.

Love’s Melody and Rainy SkiesAAA

AAA / “Love Sound and Rainy Sky” Music Video

This is a song by AAA, who are active as a dance performance group.

It has become a popular track, especially among women, as a bittersweet love song.

The song is a ballad, so it’s also recommended as background music while working or studying.

LOVE PHANTOMB’z

B’z / LOVE PHANTOM

It’s one of the hit songs by B’z, a rock band that represents Japan.

Since its release, it has been broadcast many times on music programs and has become a beloved classic over the years.

Just listening to it fills you with energy—it’s a real power song, so be sure to give it a listen.

Magical Cooking ~From You to You~BUMP OF CHICKEN

BUMP OF CHICKEN “Magic Cooking ~From You to You~”

This is BUMP OF CHICKEN’s 17th single.

It’s a popular song that was also used on NHK’s “Minna no Uta.” Almost all of the episodes in the song are based on the real-life experiences of the vocalist, Mr.

Fujiwara, and it was apparently created with the concept of the grown-up self speaking to their younger self.

My Gift to YouCHEMISTRY

CHEMISTRY “My Gift to You” Official Video

This is a song by CHEMISTRY, a popular music duo.

They are a group that debuted from the audition program ASAYAN.

While it’s also popular as a winter song, it’s a calm, ballad-style track, so it’s a great one to listen to while studying.