[2026] A Collection of Popular, Tear-Jerking Inspirational BGM

Is Paris Burning?Kako Takashi

Takashi Kako Quartet “Is Paris Burning?”

The theme song of NHK Special “The Century of Images,” renowned as a landmark in documentary programming.

Its weighty grandeur, which evokes the tides of history, and its hauntingly beautiful melody are truly striking.

Composed by the internationally acclaimed Takashi Kako, the piece was created to coincide with the start of the series in 1995 and has long been beloved as its signature.

In December 2015, an album titled “Is Paris Burning? = Anthology =,” featuring multiple versions including piano solo and ensemble arrangements, was also released.

With its dramatic sound that blends sorrow and hope, it’s perfect BGM for studying to boost concentration or for tasks when you want to raise your motivation.

Taiga Drama “Gō: Hime-tachi no Sengoku” Main ThemeYoshimata Ryō

Taiga Drama “Gō: Hime-tachi no Sengoku” Main Theme | Ryo Yoshimata (요시마타 료)

A majestic orchestral masterpiece that resonates in the heart, coloring the stories of women who lived through the tumultuous Sengoku era.

Composed by Ryo Yoshimata, a composer known for numerous soundtracks, it served as the opening theme for the 2011 NHK Taiga drama “Go: Hime-tachi no Sengoku” (Gō: Princesses of the Warring States) and is included on the album NHK Taiga Drama Original Soundtrack: “Go: Hime-tachi no Sengoku,” released in February 2011.

For Yoshimata, this was his second time scoring a Taiga drama in a short span, and it is said the work was created under considerable pressure.

When you hit a wall at work or in your studies, I recommend playing this piece softly—it resets anxious feelings and boosts concentration.

Whistle: Asuka’s ThemeŌshima Michiru

Fubue ~Asuka’s Theme~ | GARDEN WINDS | Oboe: Naoto Yamamoto / Piano: Takahiro Iwase

This piece is notable for its gentle, expansive oboe tone that evokes a sense of nostalgic scenery.

It was composed by Michiru Oshima, a composer from Nagasaki Prefecture.

Chosen as the opening theme for the NHK morning drama series Asuka, it brought a refreshing breeze into living rooms across the country.

The warm performance by world-renowned oboist Fumiaki Miyamoto is truly soothing.

Later included on the hit relaxing album image, it has remained beloved far beyond the drama itself.

Its calm melody is perfect for settling the mind and focusing on study or work, and it’s also recommended for a relaxing break.

Once-in-a-lifetime encountertenpyō

Ichigo-Ichie – Tempei Nakamura / Once-in-a-lifetime Encounter – Tempei

This is a piano solo piece distinguished by a delicate, beautiful melody that gently nestles close to the heart.

It is included on pianist Tempei’s major-label debut album TEMPEIZM, released in June 2008, during his travels around the world.

This work is imbued with memories and encounters with his mentor and close friends.

Originally written for a wedding, it resonates with warm tones that cherish those irreplaceable moments spent with someone special.

Within its brief runtime, it tightly condenses a dramatic arc and deep emotion, making your heart swell every time you listen.

It’s perfect for when you want to pause your studies or work for a moment and calm your mind.

How about refreshing yourself while soaking in a quiet sense of inspiration?

KEEP A DISTANCEObara Takashi

KEEP A DISTANCE

This instrumental piece layers the shakuhachi’s characteristic gentle breathiness with the piano’s crystal-clear tones, intertwining as if in dialogue.

The exquisite sense of space, in which each instrument seems to respect the other’s voice, brings a quiet solace to the listener.

Composed by Takashi Obara to celebrate shakuhachi player Michiyama Fujiwara’s 20th debut anniversary, the work delicately conveys the warmth of staying connected even while apart—a theme especially resonant in a time when social distance was called for.

Its calm, beautiful melodies don’t disrupt your thoughts, making it an ideal companion for study sessions that require concentration or desk work you wish to approach with a peaceful mind.

Cello Suite “Festival”Tsuneta Daiki

Daiki Tsuneta – Cello Suite “The Fest” / Daiki Tsuneta – The Fest Suite for Cartier

A composition by Daiki Tsuneta, who leads King Gnu and millennium parade and is active across a wide range of projects.

Written to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Trinity, Cartier’s emblematic jewelry, the piece is also known for closing the event held at the National Stadium in October 2024.

This suite, which fuses the profound timbre of the cello with contemporary sonic architecture, brings a majestic yet comfortable tension to your workspace.

Its dramatic, immersive development makes it an ideal BGM to enhance focus for work or study.

A number imbued with a finely honed aesthetic down to the smallest details, it’s sure to stimulate the senses.

Blue DragonSawano Hiroyuki

From the drama “Iryu: Team Medical Dragon” — Blue Dragon — ORCHESTRA POSSIBLE

It’s a grand piece that combines taut tension with the powerful resolve to face adversity.

Dramatic strings and a heartbeat-like rhythm stir the listener’s emotions.

Composed by Hiroyuki Sawano, a composer who has scored numerous celebrated anime and dramas, it’s famous as the signature track of the drama “Iryu: Team Medical Dragon.” This work is said to have been a major turning point for Sawano, leading to his later success.

It’s perfect for boosting focus when you need to buckle down to study, or for psyching yourself up before tackling a job you absolutely can’t afford to lose.