Iconic Songs to Enhance Calligraphy Performances: From Traditional Japanese Tunes to the Latest Hits!
Calligraphy performances are highly regarded not only for the finished work, but also for the process of creation as a part of art and entertainment.
Many of you may have seen them on social media or video platforms and been captivated by their power and beauty.
Calligraphy is familiar to us Japanese as well.
Some of you might secretly be thinking, “I want to try a calligraphy performance myself.”
In this article, we’ve picked out songs that are perfect for calligraphy performances.
Whether you already perform calligraphy or simply admire it, please listen while imagining yourself freely wielding the brush!
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Iconic Tracks to Color Your Shodo Performances: A Curated Selection from Traditional Japanese Tunes to the Latest Songs (21–30)
WafuPongo
A track by Pongo, a female singer-songwriter from Portugal who’s gaining attention for songs that draw on a wide range of musical backgrounds, including world/folk influences.
Featured on her second EP, “UWA,” the song’s oriental atmosphere and melodies are truly exhilarating.
The light, folk-instrument-driven beat can create a dreamlike moment even in a calligraphy performance, producing a piece that appeals through both sight and sound.
It’s a number that, despite being Western music, conveys a strong affinity with Japanese culture—full of drive and depth, yet evoking a certain nostalgia and wistfulness.
pale pinkNakata Yūji
Yuji Nakada, a singer-songwriter who made his major-label debut as the vocalist, guitarist, and producer of the three-piece rock band Tsubakiya Shijuusou, has continued to work energetically as a solo artist since the band’s breakup.
“Usubenii,” included on his fourth album BACK TO MELLOW, is a track marked by its delicate acoustic guitar arpeggios.
Its emotional yet dreamlike melody seems poised to lend a sacred atmosphere to a calligraphy performance.
It’s a piece that conveys beautiful wistfulness, with a richly layered arrangement that feels deeply satisfying.
Iconic Songs to Elevate Your Shodo Performance: From Traditional Japanese Tunes to the Latest Hits (31–40)
Yachiyofuuga chikurin
A shakuhachi ensemble centered around Dozan Fujiwara—known as the “Prince of Traditional Instruments” and a master of the Tozan-ryu, the largest shakuhachi school in Kansai—performs this piece by Fuga Chikuin.
Composed by Tozan-ryu’s founder, Tozan Nakao I, who was the first in Japanese music to adopt an orchestral format, the work conveys an ineffable grandeur despite being performed solely on shakuhachi.
Its shakuhachi orchestration creates a uniquely Japanese resonance that pairs perfectly with calligraphy performances.
It’s a piece with a pleasing melody whose artistry links tradition with innovation.
O-Shichi and the Night Cherry BlossomsSakamoto Fuyumi
This is the 12th single by singer Fuyumi Sakamoto, who is highly acclaimed not only for enka but also for her covers of classic kayōkyoku and J-pop songs.
Unlike the commonly imagined image of enka, this uptempo track is regarded as “progressive enka” and is one of Sakamoto’s signature songs.
The arrangement, which shifts from a weighty opening to a driving, fast-paced feel, evokes a thrilling sense reminiscent of progressive rock.
A collaboration between the modern art of calligraphy performance and an innovative enka number, it’s a highly recommended track for background music that brings a fresh sense of excitement.
Brainwashing feat. DOGMA & Chinza DOPENESS (Prod. Chaki Zulu)Awich
A track by Awich, a female singer from Okinawa who’s drawing attention with her realistic lyrics and overwhelming expressive power.
Featured on her third album, “Kujaku” (Peacock), it’s a gritty hip-hop number featuring guest verses from rappers DOGMA and Chinza DOPENESS.
The track’s dense, heavy atmosphere and soulful rap could lend a unique sense of float and impact to a calligraphy performance.
It’s a modern piece whose mismatch between outlaw sound and Japanese tradition creates an addictive quality.
BushidoNxnja
This is a track by Nxnja, who is also a member of cornerflex and is based in Kashima City, Ibaraki Prefecture.
It’s a backing track meant for freestyle rap, but even without vocals it has a distinctive character.
As the title suggests, it seems to express the valor of samurai, featuring a relaxed beat and Japanese-style timbres that leave a strong impression.
With its gently repeating tones, it draws you into its world—a track with a mysterious allure.
KinjaBangTROY BOI
TroyBoi, a UK-born DJ who has performed at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, the largest outdoor music festival in the United States, delivers EDM infused with dubstep and trap to his listeners.
Among his tracks, the one that’s perfect for calligraphy performances is “KinjaBang.” Its deep, heavy-bass track is accented by striking tones of traditional Japanese instruments and flutes.
If you’re planning to upload a calligraphy performance on TikTok or elsewhere, why not use this track—an impressive collaboration of Japanese and Western elements—as your BGM?
