[J-POP] Certified Pro if You Can Play It!? An Insanely Difficult Piano Piece
Groovy J-pop that blends the sounds of guitars, bass, drums, and various instruments with distinctive vocals.
In fact, it sounds insanely cool on the piano, too.
That said, as you can imagine, since these aren’t originally piano pieces—and because you have to express both the instruments and vocals on a single piano—mastering them is extremely difficult!
This time, we’ve handpicked some particularly high-level tracks from among those J-pop songs that are tough to play on piano.
The difficulty varies greatly depending on the arrangement and performance approach, but the more complex the arrangement, the cooler it tends to be.
If you want to be able to pull off challenging J-pop pieces, be sure to check these out!
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[J-POP] Certified Pro if You Can Play It?! Piano Pieces That Are Incredibly Difficult (1–10)
unravelTK from RIN TO SHITE SIGURE
The single “unravel,” released by TK from Ling tosite sigure, the vocalist of the rock band Ling tosite sigure, was used as the opening theme for the anime Tokyo Ghoul.
Beneath its complex and sophisticated melodic lines, the rhythm is constantly subdivided, so solid technique is required to play it well on piano.
However, if you omit this pulsating subdivision, the piece feels lacking, so it’s worth practicing thoroughly to master it.
Along with finger technique, refine your expressive abilities to recreate its unique sound world, and aim for a highly polished performance!
KICK BACKYonezu Kenshi
Kenshi Yonezu, who continues to churn out hit songs not only as a singer but also as a producer, wrote KICK BACK as the opening theme for the TV anime Chainsaw Man.
It’s an energetic track with rapid, repeated key changes.
Keeping up with its distinctive rhythm and unpredictable modulations requires a lot of practice, but performing it on piano adds a classical element, letting you enjoy a coolness different from the original.
Use accents and staccato to create contrast, and aim for a crisp, sharp performance!
First LoveUtada Hikaru
The exquisite ballad “First Love,” sung by Hikaru Utada.
In 2022, more than 20 years after its release, a drama titled “First Love: Hatsukoi,” inspired by this song and “Hatsukoi,” which was released 19 years later, was streamed and became a hot topic again.
Depending on the arrangement, playing this piece on the piano itself isn’t particularly difficult.
However, to recreate the song’s world and depth without vocals, you need delicate expressiveness and the ability to differentiate tone colors.
Can the heart-wrenching vocals of Hikaru Utada be conveyed using only the piano? Give it a try and find out!
[J-POP] Pro status if you can play it!? Piano pieces that are insanely difficult (11–20)
I’m a messMY FIRST STORY
The popular rock band MY FIRST STORY, known as “MaiFasu,” released “I’m a mess” as the B-side to their single “Kokuhaku.” Sparked by a surge of TikTok videos using the track in a short period, the song quickly climbed various charts and became a massive hit, now standing as one of the band’s signature tunes.
While rooted in rock, it also carries a certain calm atmosphere—that balance is part of its appeal.
To avoid a performance that’s merely loud and intense, make full use of dynamic changes in the piano tone to elevate the performance to a higher level.
A Cruel Angel’s ThesisTakahashi Yoko
Zankoku na Tenshi no Thesis, the opening theme of the TV anime Neon Genesis Evangelion, has become a nationwide mega-hit that transcends the realm of anime songs, even being honored as “the most sung song of the past 30 years.” Even if you can’t sing the lyrics, many of you can probably hum the melody, right? It’s definitely a piece that will get the crowd going on piano, but capturing its driving feel and rhythm on the keys is actually quite challenging.
That said, once you conquer its complex arrangement, you’ll be filled with the exhilarating feeling of “I played the Eva song!” Give it a try!
mixed nutsOfisharu Higedan Dism
Official HIGE DANDism has won support from a wide audience with their distinctive songs.
Among their many hits, “Mixed Nuts” is a particularly popular track, known as the opening theme for the TV anime SPY×FAMILY.
Characterized by its upbeat tempo and intricate piano arrangement, this piece is considered extremely challenging due to its rhythmic shifts and use of rests, demanding advanced technique on the piano.
The interlocking left- and right-hand rhythms in the intro alone might make you hesitate, but once you play it through, you’re sure to feel exhilarated! Why not take the plunge and give it a try?
Come, spring.Matsutōya Yumi
Haru yo, Koi, a smash-hit song by Yumi Matsutoya released in 1994, has been loved by many ever since.
It was used as the theme song for an NHK morning drama series and featured in numerous commercials, and it even appears in junior high school textbooks.
The song’s melancholy atmosphere pairs perfectly with the poignant tones of the piano.
While many different arrangements have been published, the beauty of the version specially arranged by one of Japan’s leading pianists, Shinya Kiyozuka, for figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu’s exhibition program is truly breathtaking!