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)
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.
ake-kazeHayashi Asuka
It’s a masterpiece that gives you the power to keep walking through a long life—a song that fires you up from deep within.
Sung by Asuca Hayashi, who drew attention for performing the theme song of the film “Pokémon the Movie: Advanced Generation – Jirachi: Wish Maker,” this was her debut single, released in 2003.
She was only 13 at the time—what incredible vocal ability at such a young age.
As a composition, it’s an energetic piece with hints of traditional folk elements.
Give it a listen and it might just blow away your worries and doubts.
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.
A bright, Japanese-style song. J-POP compilation with a traditional Japanese taste (81–90)
Fruits BasketFRUITS ZIPPER
This piece evokes a brightness and freshness like the summer sun.
FRUITS ZIPPER’s pop, catchy sound resonates pleasantly throughout.
It’s a track included on their second single “NEW KAWAII / Fruits Basket,” released in September 2024, commemorating the group’s second anniversary.
The lyrics, which emphasize the importance of living true to yourself, are striking, carrying a message to keep your own pace and not succumb to social pressures.
It’s the perfect song for when you need a change of mood or want to take a new step forward.
Definitely give it a listen if you’re looking to lift your spirits.
Kiss the windGLIM SPANKY
This track blends a refreshing seasonal vibe with the pleasures of rock.
Its liberating lyrics evoke a drive in the car, while Remi Matsuo’s powerful vocals and Hiroki Kamemoto’s distinctive guitar playing leave a strong impression.
It’s a song packed with GLIM SPANKY’s appeal, released digitally in July 2024.
It was also used as the theme for Suzuki’s Solio Bandit commercial, capturing the hearts of a wide range of listeners.
Perfect for summer holidays or moments when you can feel a pleasant breeze during a drive.
Great for a change of pace or as a companion on sunny days.
Give it a listen, and you’re bound to have a refreshing day.
Hello, KagerouGReeeeN
This is a song I really want junior and senior high school students devoted to their clubs to hear.
It’s by GReeeeN, a music group that, despite keeping their faces hidden, has created many songs that grab listeners’ hearts and don’t let go.
It was released in 2018 as their 31st single.
Chosen as the theme song for Fuji TV’s coverage of the PyeongChang Olympics, it became a hot topic.
The passionate yet refreshing vocals and straightforward lyrics strike right at the heart.
Find love, and romance continues.HoneyWorks feat.Kotoha
This song is about marriage.
Its clear high notes create a joyful atmosphere.
The melody and vocals are fresh and give off a cute feel.
It’s perfect for a wedding—play it during a touching moment or a fun scene and it’s sure to get everyone excited.
It’s also recommended as background music for a man’s proposal.
A perfect song for a special day.