[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! (11–20)
Loverssumika
sumika’s songs, brimming with youthful radiance and hope, capture the hearts of many and never let go.
Since forming in 2013, this four-piece band has drawn attention with its diverse musicality and uplifting messages.
This work opens with an intro marked by a beautiful piano melody and carefully portrays the feelings of someone in love.
The lyrics convey shifts in a relationship with a loved one and the importance of a true bond, resonating deeply with listeners.
It’s perfect for those who want to feel the subtleties of romance or enjoy refreshing pop.
During the band’s largest tour in 2017, tickets sold out instantly at every venue, attesting to their immense popularity.
scale (fish/reptile scale)Hata Motohiro
Beginning with an impressive piano intro, this song skillfully blends elements of pop and rock.
Motohiro Hata’s distinctive voice and lyrical verses are a perfect match, resonating deeply with listeners.
Released in June 2007, it was also used as an image song for a documentary program.
The lyrics sing of shedding one’s “scales” as a form of self-protection and finding the courage to accept one’s true self.
The piano tones are used effectively, and the expressive performance elevates the entire piece.
If you’re seeking self-actualization through music, be sure to give it a listen!
Cult.natori
The piano intro is the crucial element that instantly elevates the song’s appeal.
Natori’s “Cult.” stands out with a vivid piano performance that grabs the listener from the very first moment.
Its bright, buoyant melody lingers in the ear and blends beautifully with the band sound that follows.
The piano’s tone, combining both forceful emotion and delicate nuance, further amplifies the track’s dramatic progression.
For pianists trying to replicate it, the phrases are challenging yet rewarding.
It’s fair to say this piece makes the most of the piano’s charm within Natori’s music.
B-grade (B-List)chanmina
Rapper Chanmina, who masterfully uses Japanese, English, and Korean and is counted among the new-generation divas admired by women, has a track called “B-kyu (B-List)” on her 4th album Naked.
Its lyrics are melodious yet intricately rhymed in a way that feels so satisfying.
The piano phrase, which carries a hint of unease, uses few notes but creates a distinct presence and atmosphere throughout the song.
It’s an avant-garde pop tune: coolly minimal and inorganic, yet catchy, with piano that ties seamlessly into the song’s theme.
I want to be your lover.Chōkyūmei
A song by Chokyu-mei has appeared as a track that conveys the band’s appeal in full.
Praised by the four-piece band’s keyboardist, Renpi, this song is simple yet brimming with the joy of performing.
Its distinctive looping piano line is striking, wrapping listeners in a gentle warmth.
Paired with Rei’s clear, translucent vocals, it beautifully captures the sweet emotions of the moment you fall in love.
It’s a recommended track for those who want to feel the purity and poignancy of love or simply sink into comfortable music.
DawN of Skytobiuo
Tobiuo is a piano-and-guitar rock band drawing attention for its modern sound that blends a translucent vocal style with tricky guitar work.
“DawN of Sky,” included on their EP “Who are You?” released June 27, 2018, makes an impact with a piano intro that produces both weighty chordal resonance and delicate phrases.
Throughout the track, the piano sounds woven into the arrangement create a sense of depth that a rock ensemble alone couldn’t achieve.
It’s a refreshing number whose driving beat lifts your spirits.
[2026] Picking Japanese songs with cool, striking piano intros! (21–30)
Hibiscussupittsu
When it comes to songs with a memorable piano intro, many people might think of this track.
Created by the four-piece rock band Spitz, formed in 1987, it is included on their album “Samenai,” released in July 2016.
Characterized by a fresh, melodious rock sound, it was also used in a commercial for Subaru’s SUV, the Forester.
The lyrics include phrases like “mistake” and “betrayal,” conveying themes of regret and sorrow.
With a title that evokes tropical flowers and interpretations that can suggest war or kamikaze units, it’s a song open to diverse readings.
Highly recommended for those seeking Japanese music with an impressive piano tone!