A bright, Japanese-style song. A roundup of J-POP with a traditional Japanese flair.
Many people probably enjoy J-pop that incorporates Japanese flavors, such as sounds featuring traditional instruments or songs composed with the yo-nuki (pentatonic) scale.
There’s also demand for using Japanese-style tracks as wedding or video BGM.
In this article, we’ll introduce a selection of recommended, upbeat Japanese-style songs all at once!
If you’ve been looking for tracks to use as BGM or simply new songs to listen to, please use the selections below as a reference!
A bright, Japanese-style song. J-POP with a traditional Japanese taste (1–10)
Breezy LoveNEW!JO1
JO1, the global boy group captivating fans with their diverse performances.
Released in March 2026, this work was chosen as the tie-in song for Sorule’s haircare commercial, “The hair you want, anytime.” It’s a dance-pop track that expresses an enveloping, tender love through soothing synth sounds.
The members were deeply involved in the songwriting, directly reflecting their genuine sensibilities.
Recommended for moments when you want to refresh yourself or for a stroll under warm sunshine.
Cheerful Vibes Echo (Kanade Otonose SOLO)ReGLOSS
A catchy pop number that blows away the Monday blues at the start of the week.
It’s a solo track by Kanade Otonose from the VTuber group ReGLOSS, and just as the creators describe it as a “cheer song that sends you off every morning with a bright smile,” it’s filled with warmth.
The lyrics, which affirm that “the direction you’re facing is what’s ahead,” are like a sunflower turning toward the sun.
Listen to it on mornings when you’re starting something new or whenever you need a boost, and it’s sure to lift your spirits!
hyururira-pappatuki.
It’s a track with a breezy, light rhythm and a free, playful vibe.
Even the onomatopoeic title already gives off a distinctly Japanese feel.
Released by tuki.
when she was a 16-year-old first-year high school student, the song showcases her unique sensibility.
Dropped in July 2024, it seems to have already received praise from many listeners.
tuki.
debuted with the single “Bansanka” in September 2023 and has continued to release songs one after another.
“Bansanka” in particular achieved significant success.
Vivanajinoa & eto
It’s a song that clears your heart like the sky after the rain! Sung by Noa and Eto, members of the popular streaming group Colorful Peach.
The theme is hope—like sunshine breaking through a rainy heart.
Its uplifting message boosts self-esteem and gives listeners a gentle push forward.
Why not ride its light, skippable rhythm and blow away that foggy mood?
Taisho RomanticismYOASOBI
This song, which tells a love story that transcends time and space, has been delivered by YOASOBI.
Set in the Taisho era, it portrays the feelings of two people living in different periods intersecting through letters, expressed within a unique world that fuses electronic sounds with traditional Japanese elements.
Released in September 2021, the track gained strong popularity on streaming platforms and earned platinum certification, capturing the hearts of many listeners.
It’s recommended for those who want to feel love and human connection that transcend eras.
Immerse yourself in YOASOBI’s world.
&JoyKis-my-ft2
The 33rd single, “& Joy,” is an euphoric pop tune that carries the message: even on cloudy days, let’s live vibrantly while finding small joys.
It will be available for streaming in November 2025.
Its dynamic melody gently comforts a tired heart and then, with the chorus, suddenly opens up into a bright, expansive view.
It’s sparkling Kis-My-Ft2 pop you’ll want to play when you’re looking to regain a positive outlook in everyday life.
festivalFuji Kaze
This song by Fujii Kaze beautifully fuses the spirit of Wa (Japanese harmony) with a contemporary sensibility.
Released in March 2022, it takes traditional Japanese festivals as its motif to celebrate life’s joys and sorrows, as well as the bonds between people.
Unveiled as an advance single from the album “LOVE ALL SERVE ALL,” it drew significant attention.
Fujii’s gentle, embracing vocals and the piano’s delicate tones resonate deeply.
Through festivals across the four seasons, the lyrics convey the importance of living freely, leaving listeners profoundly moved.
It’s a recommended track for times when you want to find small everyday joys or need the courage to live true to yourself.