[J-Pop] A compilation of popular songs with irresistible guitar cutting [2026]
Cutting is a guitar technique that mixes rests and brushing within the strum to produce a crisp, snappy sound.
That chaka-chaka tone feels great, doesn’t it?
If you’re into guitar, you’ve probably tried it at least once.
In this article, we’ve put together a list of popular Japanese songs that feature cutting!
From the latest buzzworthy tracks to classic hits, we’ve selected a wide range of Japanese music across various genres—funk tunes, city pop, pop, and even gritty garage rock.
Guitarists, this is a must-check!
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Russian HuskyTHEE MICHELLE GUN ELEPHANT
A track by the four-piece rock band THEE MICHELLE GUN ELEPHANT, which featured Futoshi Abe—an outstanding master of cutting who influenced many guitarists and passed away suddenly in 2009.
It’s the opening number of their third album, “Chicken Zombies,” and its gritty vocals and sprightly arrangement really get your energy up.
The high-speed cutting, which incorporates brushing effectively, creates a sense of drive and tension both in the backing and in the guitar solo.
It’s a work packed with the coolness of rock guitar, thrillingly coloring a simple ensemble.
I got a girlfriend.SHISHAMO
This song by SHISHAMO, featuring an eye-catching guitar riff built around light, snappy cutting, portrays the pure feeling of wanting to brag to others about a secretly new lover.
Paired with an emotional vocal delivery, the pop chord progression and strumming create a groovy performance that deftly captures both the thrill and impatience of love.
Released in November 2013 as the first track on the album “SHISHAMO,” the song was selected as the ending theme for TV Tokyo’s “JAPAN COUNTDOWN” and Nagasaki International Television’s “AIR.” This down-to-earth love song, carried by a band sound imbued with hidden feelings, is sure to resonate with listeners who feel the urge to tell someone about the person they’re in love with.
SHININ’ YOU, SHININ’ DAYChar
A funk tune where rhythmic cutting and sophisticated harmonies blend beautifully appeared from Char as the B-side of the single “NAVY BLUE,” released in June 1976.
It was also included on the October 1976 album “Char” and remains a beloved classic among fans.
The snappy guitar cutting that begins with a striking intro unfolds over deft chord work such as Dm9 and C69.
Switching between clean tones and crunchy sounds, the 16-beat rhythm is pure groove.
Coupled with English lyrics, it has a distinctly Western feel.
Featured as a main song at the Hibiya Open-Air Concert Hall in April 2021, it’s a track that fully showcases the allure of the guitar.
It’s a must-listen not only for funk lovers but especially for guitar players.
Night Talk Deceivejin
This is the 14th song by Jin, a Vocaloid producer who also thrives as a novelist and screenwriter.
With the related videos from his cross-media project, the Kagerou Project, surpassing 20 million total views, he has created a mega-hit that will go down in Vocaloid history.
It’s the ninth song within the aforementioned Kagerou Project and a hugely popular track that has achieved a million views as an original Vocaloid song.
The funky yet technically intricate cutting phrases played on a distorted guitar showcase how well Vocaloid music meshes with rock guitar.
It’s a Vocaloid number whose complex arrangement amps you up and whose guitar sound alone makes you want to keep listening.
SUMMER B LUEBureddo & Batā
A refreshing city pop track distinguished by the groove of rhythmic guitar cutting.
Its easygoing rhythm evokes summer scenes in Shonan, paired with an urbane melody that conjures white sandy beaches and lyrics depicting a bittersweet seaside romance.
The guitar work that colors the chord progression is rich with intricate touches—slides, hammer-ons, and more—sure to delight players.
Featured on the 1980 album “LATE LATE SUMMER,” the song shines even brighter thanks to Haruomi Hosono’s arrangement.
The record also includes top-tier musicians emblematic of the era, such as Masataka Matsutoya and Ryuichi Sakamoto.
Its versatility—suiting everything from full-band performances to acoustic renditions—is another draw, making it a perfect fit for outdoor activities like summer drives and BBQ parties.
pearl earringsMatsutōya Yumi
From the 1982 album “PEARL PIERCE,” whose urbane sensibility and sophisticated arrangements truly shine, comes a classic by Yumi Matsutoya.
Its elegant melody, suffused with bittersweet emotion, and lyrics that vividly portray the feelings of a modern city woman radiate a timeless allure.
The arrangements by her husband, Masataka Matsutoya, balance coolness and glamour with hints of funk and soul, while Masaki Matsubara’s 16-beat guitar comping creates an exquisite groove.
Skillfully combining right-hand strokes with left-hand muting and weaving in tension chords, the refined performance epitomizes the very essence of city pop.
It’s the perfect track for a nighttime drive or relaxed moments in a café.
[J-Pop] A Collection of Popular Songs with Irresistible Guitar Cutting [2026] (21–30)
hide and seekPorukadotto Sutingurei
This is the ninth single by Polkadot Stingray, a four-piece rock band from Fukuoka known for their tagline: “A scheming, supernatural, high-stylish guitar rock band.” Their meticulously crafted yet catchy songs have earned them wide popularity.
Written as the theme song for the drama “A Solitary Person Who Fell in Love: Stendhal’s Theory of Love,” the track delivers a powerful impact with its dizzyingly shifting arrangements and multilingual lyrics.
The technical guitar cutting injects a finely tuned tension into the ensemble.
Despite its brief runtime of under two minutes, it’s a cool rock tune packed with the band’s allure and depth.