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“Somehow Nice” Chillout Music: Chill tracks perfect for BGM and relaxing time

The expressions chirui and chiru shitai have become firmly established among young people—you hear them all the time, right?

The phrase “chill out” means things like calming down or settling your mind, and overall it’s used with the sense of relaxing or wanting to relax.

Here, we introduce plenty of chill-out music that’s relaxing and full of mood—that “kind of nice” sound that soothes you as you listen.

From slow-tempo tracks to mellow, smooth, rhythmic tunes with a pleasant groove, there are loads of healing elements coming from various angles.

That nostalgic retro vibe, the bittersweetness, and the stylishness are wonderful, too.

It’s also fun to dive deeper in whatever way your own sensibilities lead you.

While many of these tracks feel perfect for late afternoon into the night, they’re also great for a work BGM playlist or for moments when you want to take a breath and be soothed—definitely consider adding them to your playlists!

“Kinda Nice” Chillout Music: Chill tracks perfect for BGM or relaxation time (11–20)

ApolloMononkuru

Apollo (Porno Graffitti cover) – Mononkul / Sara Yoshida, Ryuta Kakuta
ApolloMononkuru

Mononkul is a musical duo formed by Sara Yoshida and Ryuta Kakuta, who were active as jazz musicians.

They deliver warm songs that are perfect for chilling out.

This track, Apollo, is a cover of a song by the rock band Porno Graffitti.

Originally an up-tempo number, it’s been transformed into a wonderfully jazzy, rhythmic arrangement.

Along with her gentle vocals, you can savor the band’s comfortable groove.

How about making it your companion for a relaxing time after school or work?

snow jamRin Oto

snow jam – Rin-ne (Official Music Video)
snow jamRin Oto

“snow jam” by Rin-ne, a much-talked-about rapper of the new generation, is a love song that captures tender feelings for a lover.

Released in 2020 as a digital-only single, it gained popularity mainly on TikTok and topped various streaming charts.

According to the Oricon Weekly Streaming Ranking, it surpassed 100 million streams about a year after release.

The music video on YouTube hit 24 million views, and Rin-ne’s appearance on THE FIRST TAKE also drew attention.

If you haven’t heard it yet, be sure to give it a listen!

hanatabamacico

“Hanataba,” sung by the three-member unit macico, is a single released digitally in 2020.

macico was selected for Spotify’s “RADAR: Early Noise 2021,” which highlights artists expected to make big strides this year.

The synthesizer sounds used in the track create a pop feel, and the gently drifting rhythm is also pleasant.

Keep an eye on macico, who are tipped for a breakthrough, and give “Hanataba” a listen!

Amber-Hued City, Morning of Shanghai Crabskururi

Quruli – Amber-Colored Town, Morning of the Shanghai Crab
Amber-Hued City, Morning of Shanghai Crabskururi

“Amber-Colored City, Morning of Shanghai Crab” is a track by Quruli, a rock band with over 25 years under their belt, released as an EP in 2016, the band’s 20th anniversary year.

Among songs composed by Shigeru Kishida, who constantly pursues new sounds, this one is perhaps the most chillout-inspired.

Quruli’s fresh sonic palette and the striking lyrics in the chorus became a talking point on social media such as Instagram.

Its hip-hop feel performed by a live band is groovy and cool—definitely a track you should give a listen to!

Circus NightNanao Tabito

Tavito Nanao “Circus Night” (Official Music Video)
Circus NightNanao Tabito

“Circus Night” is a song by singer-songwriter Tavito Nanao, included on his 2012 album “Little Melody.” This track helped raise his profile and became one of his signature songs.

In 2019, it drew renewed attention when “Circus Night” was discussed on the reality show Terrace House, boosting views for the music video posted on YouTube.

With its steady, understated rhythm and Nanao’s gentle vocals, it’s a captivating classic that grows on you—definitely give it a listen!

Stay Inside feat. OvallGotch

“Stay Inside feat. Ovall” performed by Gotch
Stay Inside feat. OvallGotch

The song that turns my everyday room into a relaxing space is “Stay Inside feat.

Ovall.” It was released in 2020 under the name Gotch by Masafumi Goto, who is also active as the vocalist of the rock band ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION.

Even when you can’t go outside, it’s a track that lets you chill out comfortably at home.

Many listeners will relate to the warm lyrics laid over a rhythmic tempo.

The performance, overflowing with the groove of the band Ovall, is another major draw.

Give it a listen whether you’re spending time alone or with someone.

an empty seaYONA YONA WEEKENDERS

YONA YONA WEEKENDERS “Empty Sea” (Official Music Video)
an empty seaYONA YONA WEEKENDERS

“Ningenninai sea” (Nobody’s Sea) is a song by the four-piece city-pop band YONA YONA WEEKENDERS, included on their self-produced 2018 album of the same name.

Within just three months of its digital release, it surpassed 120,000 streams on Spotify.

The rhyme schemes in the lyrics are pleasing, and the word choices are super stylish.

The song’s sophisticated, forward-driving sound is also very chic—definitely give it a listen!

NEW ERANulbarich

Nulbarich – NEW ERA (Official Music Video)
NEW ERANulbarich

“NEW ERA” is a song by the rock band Nulbarich, known for a sound that fuses black music and rock, and it’s included on their 2016 album Guess Who?.

In 2017, it was featured in a Honda GRACE commercial.

If you like acid jazz in the vein of Jamiroquai, this band is highly recommended—if you haven’t listened yet, be sure to check out “NEW ERA”!

Summer GateSato Chiaki

This song, which starts with a moody synth phrase, is a solo track by Chiaki Sato, the vocalist of Kinoko Teikoku.

It’s included on the EP “SickSickSickSick,” released in 2018.

It has a distinctive groove that makes you want to gently sway side to side, and Sato’s airy, floating vocals feel wonderfully soothing.

At the same time, the bass line crafts a crisp, well-defined groove that’s really satisfying—try focusing on it as you listen.

STAY TUNESuchmos

Suchmos – STAY TUNE [Official Music Video]
STAY TUNESuchmos

The must-have track for amping up the nighttime vibe at parties or on drives is “STAY TUNE.” Released in 2016 by Suchmos, a rock band with diverse musical roots, it’s known as one of their signature songs.

It’s a cool dance tune with an urban feel, crafted into a rhythmic piece that evokes city pop.

Although it’s uptempo, it’s also perfect for kicking back and chilling out.

If you’re into soul or Black music, definitely give it a listen.