[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!