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!
- [Japan] A collection of J-pop with a traditional Japanese (wa) vibe and Japanese-style taste
- [Japanese-style BGM] Beautiful tones woven from Japanese tradition
- [Japanese-style Piano Pieces] A selection of recommended works with a pleasantly Japanese flavor
- Recommended upbeat dance songs. Perfect for performances or entertainment!
- A bright, Japanese-style song. A roundup of J-POP with a traditional Japanese flair.
- A collection of bright, cute songs: recommended tracks to lift your mood
- Nothing but masterpieces! Hit songs from the Reiwa era that are perfect for background music
- A bright love song. A positive and happy romance song.
- Upbeat, bright songs: a collection of tracks that lift your mood when you listen
- [J-POP] I want to listen to songs with impressive, beautiful piano tones! Recommended piano cover tracks
- Stylish songs that are popular and recommended for vlog background music
- Now’s the time to listen! Uplifting Showa-era songs that brightened Japan
- [J-Pop] Bright, upbeat songs recommended for weddings
A bright, Japanese-style song. J-POP collection with a Japanese flavor (71–80)
baby loveKarafuru Pīchi
It’s a pop number that gives you a sweet-and-sour feeling! Released in March 2025, this track layers a bouncy, skip-along rhythm with a uniquely charming voice, radiating the appeal of a colorful candy assortment.
The lyrics warmly embrace the emotions of love and the importance of friendship, making it truly heartwarming.
It’s the perfect upbeat tune to accompany a joyous, heart-lifting moment!
Flower of HappinessJanīzu WEST
A heartwarming piece I’d like to introduce is “Shiawase no Hana.” It’s a song by the idol group Johnny’s WEST, with lyrics and composition by Takashi Yamaguchi of Sambomaster, resulting in a classic rock sound.
The lyrics convey the message: “Precisely because everyday life can be tough, let’s keep smiling and live joyfully.” The arrangement highlights each member’s unique voice, which might help you discover a new side to the group.
Happinessarashi
An energetic song that makes you want to break into a run as you bask in the morning light.
Set to refreshing guitar sounds, it paints an image of sprinting toward the future.
Born as a TV drama’s theme song, it’s a beloved anthem packed with positive messages.
Perfect for those taking on new challenges or seeking the courage to move forward.
It’s a track that lifts your spirits and helps you take that first step with a smile.
BlissfulBE:FIRST
With its fresh, hope-filled vibe, this track feels like it could blow away the summer heat.
The uptempo rhythm and light, catchy melody are delightful, and you can feel the positive energy radiating from the seven members of BE:FIRST.
Released as a pre-streamed single from the August 2024 album “2:BE,” it also drew attention as a tie-in song for Docomo’s ahamo service.
The lyrics liken life to a playground, celebrating the joy of having fun while valuing friendship and bonds.
The music video, shot in New York, is a must-see.
It’s a song I’d especially recommend to anyone about to take a new step forward.
The feeling of meeting for the first timeDAOKO
This song was used as an insert track for the film “Kaguya-sama: Love Is War.” It’s a 2019 release by DAOKO, the singer also known for hits like “Uchiage Hanabi.” While it has a fresh, catchy sound, there’s a certain wistfulness to it as well.
If you’re in love right now, it might really resonate with you.
Osaka LoverDREAMS COME TRUE
DREAMS COME TRUE, one of Japan’s leading artists.
While their mellow ballads tend to be the most famous, this song is a cute portrayal of romance from an adult woman’s perspective.
The vocalist’s distinctive voice and the rhythmic melody feel fresh and breezy.
Sprinkled throughout with Osaka dialect, it’s delightfully addictive.
You’ll hear lots of Osaka place names too, so it’s a fun way to study local geography.
It’s the perfect track to listen to on the Shinkansen, bus, or plane heading to Osaka.
I hope it’s sunny.DREAMS COME TRUE
This song was selected as the theme for the NHK morning drama series Hirari.
It’s a 1992 release by DREAMS COME TRUE, a band that has been at the forefront of the Japanese music scene for many years.
The song focuses on the parent-child relationship, with lyrics that express a warm, heartfelt feeling toward one’s parents—sentiments that well up precisely because the singer is now an adult.
Its comfortable rhythm makes you feel as if you’re out for a stroll, and Miwa Yoshida’s energetic vocals match the tone perfectly.
By the time the song ends, you’re left with a bright, refreshed feeling.