Songs to listen to when you’re feeling anxious that will calm your mind. Classic Japanese hits and recommended popular tracks.
When you feel rushed, it’s not easy to control your emotions even if you tell yourself to calm down, is it?
At times like that, why not listen to the songs I’m recommending today?
I’m sure you’ll find tracks that ease your anxiety and help you feel more at ease.
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Songs to Calm You When You’re Anxious: Classic and Popular J-Pop Picks (21–30)
hazy spring sky (literally: “flower-clouded” sky; overcast sky during cherry blossom season)Sato Chiaki
Released as a single in April 2023, this track is a lyrical number that overlays the overcast skies unique to spring with memories that suddenly resurface.
It captures the bittersweet longing for days gone by and the gentle process of letting them go, resulting in a piece that resonates with each listener’s own memories.
It’s sentimental yet soothing.
An emotional pop tune I’d recommend as background music for nights when you want to calm your heart or moments of quiet reflection.
made my day feat. Takuya Kuroda / Marcus DTakeuchi Anna
It’s a song that gently stays by your side in the quiet before dawn.
This work by singer-songwriter Anna Takeuchi was released in October 2022 as the second installment of a three-month series.
Featuring trumpeter Takuya Kuroda and beatmaker Marcus D, it’s crafted into a jazzy, lo-fi hip-hop sound.
In a whisper-soft voice, it paints the special moments found in everyday life.
The warm feeling that spending time with you makes the day a wonderful one intertwines with the laid-back beat, making it so comforting.
Give it a listen on nights when you want to reset a tired heart.
For ten minutes, for a hundred yen feat. Moka Sato, KujiraMAISONdes
MAISONdes is a music project that weaves stories of a “six-tatami-mat apartment somewhere.” This track is a collaboration between Moka Sato and Kujira.
The theme is the small, everyday respite spent at a laundromat.
With a relaxed tempo and Moka Sato’s clear, translucent vocals, it gently eases the confusion and fatigue of growing up.
On nights when you want to step away from the busyness of daily life and reset your mind, listening to this gentle melody is sure to bring you a sense of calm.
I want to see you.iri
An urban, mellow track that captures an overwhelming, helpless longing for someone you’ve parted ways with.
It’s a work by iri, a singer-songwriter known for her uniquely husky voice.
Originally released independently in August 2015, it was later included on the November 2017 EP “life ep.” The track produced by mabanua, together with vocals that drift between rap and singing, beautifully portrays urban solitude and aching emotion.
When you’re heartbroken and feeling down, this song will quietly seep into your heart.
freedomtofubeats
Created by tofubeats, a Kobe-born music producer highly trusted by fellow musicians, this piece gently lightens the heart.
The track was chosen as the theme song for the short film “Mukachi no Kachika” and was released in May 2023.
Its comfortable beat and transparent sound foster a gentle mood, and the message in the lyrics—“It’s okay to be more free”—helps release the heart from everyday constraints.
It’s a work that gives you the courage to take a step forward.
Wakakusa Night.Kubota Kai
If you’re looking for music to keep you company on a sentimental night, how about this track? It’s by singer-songwriter Kai Kubota, known for his diverse musicality rooted in hip-hop, and it’s included on his debut EP “Myoujou,” released in December 2019.
The chill sound infused with neo-soul and R&B, paired with literary lyrics, resonates beautifully.
It vividly conjures a scene of swaying on an overnight bus, thoughts drifting toward your hometown.
I think it’s perfect for when you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Jam feat. iriSuzuki Mamiko
It’s a duet number that turns those comfortable moments spent with easygoing friends into music.
Created by Mamiko Suzuki—who also performs as a member of the rap unit chelmico—featuring singer-songwriter iri, the two artists’ natural vocals blend together beautifully.
The lyrics, which depict the everyday scenes of time spent with friends, gently loosen the listener’s heart.
The airy, jazzy sound is another highlight.
Perfect for a laid-back afternoon on your day off or as soothing BGM for a calm night.