[2026] A selection of Japanese songs with cool, striking piano intros!
When you hear “a song with an impressive piano sound,” what kind of track comes to mind?
Perhaps a ballad that showcases beautiful tone, or maybe a jazz or classical masterpiece.
In this article, we’re focusing on piano used effectively in rock and pop—especially classic Japanese songs that feature cool, striking piano phrases right from the intro!
We highlight notable recent Japanese tracks, including bands with dedicated keyboardists as well as some unexpectedly piano-forward genres.
Enjoy them as a listener, and if you’re a pianist, try learning them by ear or making your own transcriptions!
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[2026] Picking Japanese songs with cool, striking piano intros (1–10)
Promise The StarBiSH
BiSH, who embody the fusion of rock and idol, deliver a grand number that grips the heart from its very first piano intro and never lets go.
The lyrics woven by Kenta Matsukuma and JxSxK trace wounded hearts and hope for the future, resonating deeply with listeners.
Its exhilarating rhythm and emotionally rich melody blend exquisitely, resulting in a striking track that feels like a snapshot of youth.
Released in March 2017, the song reached No.
4 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.
Packed with the allure of a group that overturns conventional idol images, this work hints at new possibilities in music.
SonareTOMOO
Singer-songwriter TOMOO, who has the distinction of reaching the Japan Final of Yamaha’s “The 6th Music Revolution” contest and draws attention with expressive, piano-centered songs, will release Sonare in January 2026—a much-talked-about work chosen as the opening theme for the TV anime A Diary of the Unknown Country.
Its organic ensemble—built around piano and layered with strings and harp—carries a pleasantly uplifting feeling, as if opening the door to the story.
The lyrics, which portray delicate emotions of resonating with someone amid loneliness, seem to gently encourage those taking a new step forward.
It’s a heartwarming pop tune whose airy sound resonates deeply in the chest.
Blueberry Nightsmakaroni enpitsu
Macaroni Enpitsu, a next-generation rock band drawing significant attention, captivates many listeners with their grand sound crafted by conservatory-trained members.
This work, woven from Hattori’s fresh, vibrant vocals and Hasegawa’s versatile keyboards, deftly expresses the pain of heartbreak and the complexity of tangled emotions.
While yearning for a destined partner, the wavering feelings caught between fate and reality are sure to resonate with listeners.
Released in February 2019, the song became a hit, surpassing 100 million streams.
It’s a stirring track that stands beside anyone struggling with love—be sure to experience it.
[2026] Picking Japanese songs with cool, striking piano intros! (11–20)
EVERBLUEOmoinotake
Omoinotake is a band formed in 2012 by three members from Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture.
They are characterized by a unique trio lineup of piano, bass, and drums.
This work was produced as the opening theme for the TV anime Blue Period.
It’s a song that resonates with people who carry a “blue wish,” keeping their eyes forward while confronting their dreams and themselves.
The lyrics depict the boredom of everyday life, frustration with an unchanging self, and awakening to a new world, along with the journey of challenge and growth.
It expresses the struggles of youth and the passion and anguish of seeking self-realization through art, conveying a sense of strength and hope as one overcomes setbacks and failures while striving toward their dreams.
It’s a recommended track for anyone trying to keep moving forward despite their worries during their youthful years.
Kiss DiamondWEAVER
WEAVER’s “Kuchizuke Diamond” is a song written specifically for the TV anime Yamada-kun and the Seven Witches, and its piano intro is particularly striking.
Yuji Sugimoto’s delicate yet catchy piano playing brings brightness and momentum to the track.
Although WEAVER originally started as a guitar-and-bass-based band, after evolving since their formation, they are now known for a style that prominently features the piano’s timbre.
In this song, the keyboard’s beautiful melody captivates listeners from the very beginning and conveys a pop-rock essence.
The piano intro, simple yet richly expressive, has an unforgettable charm that will likely stay with listeners after just one listen.
tailwindSHE’S
SHE’S is a four-piece piano rock band that drew attention after becoming finalists at the teen-only rock festival “Senko Riot” just one year after forming.
Their major 6th single, “Oikaze” (Tailwind), features lyrics that shake your heart by giving you a push to get back up no matter how many times you stumble.
From the airy, floating synths in the opening into a tight piano phrase, the intro builds anticipation for the track.
Centered around a piano sound that creates clarity and freshness, it’s an emotional pop tune.
Silent JealousyX JAPAN
This song, crafted by YOSHIKI, the leader of X JAPAN, is included on the 1991 album “Jealousy.” Centered on the pain of lost love, it features intense guitar riffs and an emotional melodic line.
It opens with a striking piano intro, and YOSHIKI’s performances on drums and piano add depth to the track.
TOSHI’s powerful vocals convey the anguish in the lyrics with great intensity, moving everyone who listens.
The fusion of beautiful melody and fierce sound is captivating, making it recommended not only for rock fans but also for those who appreciate grand, epic song structures.