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 (1–10)
Tufted puffinHakasé Tarō
A piece used as the ending theme for the human-interest documentary program “Jounetsu Tairiku,” which has been airing since 1998.
It’s also known for the story that when Taro Hakase appeared as a guest on the show and performed it, the producer at the time asked to use it as the program’s ending theme.
In contrast to the passionate arrangement of the main theme “Jounetsu Tairiku,” its classical melody leaves a strong impression, as if you’re witnessing Hakase’s superb technique and expressive power firsthand.
It’s a song that almost everyone has heard at least once, making it a perfect entry point for those just starting to listen to Taro Hakase.
sunflowerHakasé Tarō
Released in 2010.
This is the theme song for the NHK morning drama series Teppan.
That year was when the Great East Japan Earthquake occurred, and the broadcast of the morning drama was temporarily suspended.
When it resumed a week later, the song became a source of encouragement for many people, with comments like, “I’m happy that a bit of the everyday life we lost has returned.” Sunflowers are also a favorite flower of Taro Hakase himself—so much so that he even gave the name to his daughter—and they are said to be a symbol of vitality.
The piece begins with a sparkling piano tone, followed by a gentle violin melody that softly envelops you; as you listen, you can’t help but smile.
It’s a deeply comforting song.
Passion ContinentHakasé Tarō
This piece was composed at the request of the TV program’s producer to serve as the theme song for the human-focused documentary series Jonetsu Tairiku.
There’s even an anecdote that, because the deadline was just one week from the initial request, the A and B sections from two completely different songs were combined into a 30-second segment.
It’s a number that has become synonymous with Taro Hakase.
Born from his collaboration with bandoneon player Ryota Komatsu, the tango rhythm and the beautiful violin melody create a distinctive sound that is neither purely classical nor purely tango.
With delicate arrangements shining through its passionate beat, it stands as one of Taro Hakase’s most popular and representative works.
Another Sky ANA 60th Anniversary VersionHakasé Tarō
Composed in 2002 to commemorate ANA’s 50th anniversary as the ANA Group’s image song, “Another Sky” was rearranged for the 60th anniversary as “Another Sky ANA 60th Anniversary ver.” This piece, played onboard, is a perfect travel companion.
Its majestic orchestral sound evokes blue skies above the clouds, while the gentle tone of the violin—reflecting the calm atmosphere in the cabin—fills you with excitement for the journey.
EtupirikaHakasé Tarō
Released in 1998.
It’s the ending theme of the MBS TV documentary program “Jounetsu Tairiku” (Passion Continent).
Even if the title doesn’t ring a bell, many people have probably heard this piece.
It’s one of his signature works, second only to “Jounetsu Tairiku.” The title “Etopirika” refers to a type of auk—a seabird with a beautiful, large orange beak.
The powerful, soaring high notes of the violin evoke the image of a sea bird freely darting across the sky and over the ocean.
Between Calm and PassionHakasé Tarō
This piece was created to deepen the imagery and add dimension to Jinsei Tsuji’s novel Between Calmness and Passion.
It was released in 2001 as a healing album produced by Tsuji himself.
True to the title, the piano and violin sway between calmness and passion, pulling you instantly into the world of the music.
Yet this is a track where I’d like you to pay special attention to the cello, which steadily and coolly supports the piano and violin throughout.
It’s the very embodiment of an unsung hero working behind the scenes.
WITH ONE WISHHakasé Tarō
This is the song chosen for Nichi-Iko Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.’s commercial “Challenge to the World.” It’s the title track from their 15th album, released in 2012.
After the Great East Japan Earthquake, Nichi-Iko asked Taro Hakase to create a song to support recovery, and this piece was born from that request.
Its emotional tone, which conveys hope for the future, is striking.
Listening to it feels like strength welling up from deep within.
Highly recommended when you need the power to face tomorrow or when you want to lift up someone important to you.
