Taro Hakase’s famous and popular songs
Taro Hakase is a violinist who has produced famous pieces such as “Jounetsu Tairiku” and “Himawari,” and has been active across the boundaries of classical and pop music.
His distinctive character is also captivating—his trademark, strikingly permed hairstyle and entertainment-rich live performances shatter the conventional image of a violinist.
In this article, we’ve gathered popular and signature tracks for those who are about to listen to Hakase’s music for the first time.
You might even discover, “Wait, this song was by Hakase too?”
Enjoy!
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Taro Hakase’s Famous and Popular Songs (21–30)
Symphonic Poem: HopeHakasé Tarō
This symphonic poem, Hope, is in five movements.
In stark contrast to the dark, heavy atmosphere of the first movement, which lasts 59 seconds, the second movement sees Hakase’s familiar brightness pop up unexpectedly.
The third movement, the core of the work, is the highlight.
The piece begins lightly with punchy string accompaniment and harp arpeggios.
The second theme features Mr.
Hakase as soloist.
Its sprightly, Csárdás-like melody is delightful to hear.
The fourth movement opens with a calm accompaniment that feels like the entrance to heaven, then gradually powers up as the entire orchestra heads toward the central theme of Hope.
Like a keen-eyed bird traveling the world choosing its next landing place from the sky, or a bird about to set off into the heavens, beating its wings with vigor, those seeking their own hopes gather—and with that, the piece draws to a grand close.
Color your lifeHakasé Tarō
It gently moves the listener’s heart with memories of “there was this, and there was that.” Like a sepia-toned photograph at the start, then the scene shifts and the tempo picks up a little.
Indeed, life doesn’t end in a single color.
Hakase’s signature glissando flows pleasantly into the ear.
This is truly a performance technique unique to string instruments.
Taro Hakase’s famous and popular songs (31–40)
Another Kyoto: The Sea of Kyoto EditionHakasé Tarō
This is the final chapter of the short film trilogy “Another Kyoto.” At the peak of the energetic music, the husband proposes to his wife once again, and the two enjoy Kyoto’s cuisine together.
Whether they visit the red-brick district or spend a relaxing time by the sea, every moment reminds us that it is irreplaceable.
Humans will inevitably face death someday. That fear is always there, and at times I find myself wondering what I’m living for and feeling like giving up. But then I pause and think: hold on. I’m able to do so many enjoyable things while I’m alive—doesn’t that make it all right?Hakasé Tarō
In the end, happiness probably comes down to how much you’ve been able to do things you truly enjoy in life—these words make me feel that way.
They seem like guidance for how to live and what it means to succeed.
Theme of Jonetsu TairikuHakasé Tarō
This is the main theme of the program “Jounetsu Tairiku,” which shines a spotlight on the lives of people active in various fields.
Its melody conveys the passion and feelings within each person, expressed through a Latin-like fiery beat and the soaring tone of the violin.
It’s one of Taro Hakase’s signature pieces that you hear in many places, isn’t it?
Song of Kamijima TownHakasé Tarō
This is the image song for Kamijima Town in Ehime Prefecture, created by Taro Hakase, one of Japan’s leading violinists.
After actually visiting the town, Hakase turned the emotions he felt from its scenery and the character of its people into music—resulting in a special piece written exclusively for Kamijima.
The gently played violin melody evokes the calm sound of the Seto Inland Sea’s waves and the pleasant breeze that sweeps through the islands.
Listening to it, you can almost see the sunlit, shimmering sea and the lush, green islands.
It’s a gem of an instrumental piece that lets you feel the warm atmosphere of Kamijima Town through music.
From the suite MATSURI “NIPPON”Hakasé Tarō
It’s a passionate, large-scale piece where the timbres of the shakuhachi and shamisen blend with a grand orchestra.
The way it builds heat from quiet passages is like a Japanese festival shifting from a solemn ritual to a lively celebration.
Just listening makes your heart naturally dance and your spirit soar.
This track is included on Taro Hakase’s album “JAPONISM,” released in August 2013, and was also selected as a campaign song by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Japan Tourism Agency, helping to showcase the appeal of Japan.
It might be perfect when you want to get fired up and dive into something, or when you want to refresh your mood with expansive music.