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 taste (91–100)
Midsummer SunŌhara Sakurako
Refreshing right from the intro! This song is highly recommended for listening by the seaside.
It’s a track by Sakurako Ohara, a singer who’s also active as an actress and radio personality.
It was released in 2015 as her third single.
The lyrics capture the feeling of wanting to fully enjoy the coming summer with someone you like.
If you’re currently crushing on someone, you might especially relate.
It’s also great to listen to as a couple! With the light, cheerful sound of acoustic guitar, it’s a sparkling, breezy number that’s easy on the ears.
IdeaHoshino Gen
Gen Hoshino, a beloved figure in Japan’s Black music scene.
The first verse expresses light, the second expresses darkness.
Despite the light, breezy melody and fresh vocals, the lyrics are heavy.
This exhilarating music, which doesn’t let the weight of the song drag it down, has touched many hearts.
The music video is also captivating, with Gen Hoshino’s crisp, addictive moves.
Light and darkness.
It’s the perfect song to accompany a nightcap.
HANGOUTShunsuke Kiyokiba
This song leaves a refreshing impression, like a sky that stretches on forever.
While it captures the beauty of everyday life, it also carries a sense of anticipation for setting out on a new journey.
Shunsuke Kiyokiba’s powerful vocals feel as if they’re giving listeners a gentle push forward.
Released in January 2024, this track marked a new step in his musical career.
It seems poised to become a moving piece that stands alongside signature songs like “believe” and “The Last Night,” included on the album IMAGE.
Perfect for right before diving into a new environment or when you want a change of pace.
It’s the kind of song you want to listen to as spring arrives.
lilacMinami
This track opens with a refreshing guitar sound.
Minami’s cute-yet-sexy voice feels crisp, and her English lines and rolled r’s are especially captivating.
It’s not just breezy—there’s passion in it too—so it’s great for flipping the switch when you need a boost.
Ideal for jogging or training scenes; it amps up the heat of sports and will help you take that extra step beyond your limits.
A view I’ve never seen beforeSuda Masaki
This song was created as a cheer anthem for Japan’s national soccer team.
It’s sung by Masaki Suda, who plays Oni-chan in au’s popular commercials.
The passionate lyrics and melody really resonate.
His unfussy voice feels refreshing, adding a lightness to the intensity.
It’s a song for everyone who keeps fighting—great for boosting your courage before an important match or work, and for soaking it in after the day is done.
paprikaYonezu Kenshi
Now a composer who represents Japan, Kenshi Yonezu’s song “Paprika.” With a Japanese folk-inspired, traditional-scale flavor, it’s endlessly pleasant to listen to.
If you’re Japanese, there’s surely no one who would dislike this melody.
It’s a masterpiece where a Japanese-style melody and dance music are beautifully fused.
Shibuya Centennial Grand DanceBEGIN
A bon odori song brimming with love for Shibuya has arrived from BEGIN.
Celebrating Shibuya’s history and future, this work blends traditional bon odori rhythms with Brazilian marcha into a “Bon Marcha” style that feels both nostalgic and vibrant.
The lyrics, interwoven with scenes of Shibuya, reflect the band’s deep feelings.
Released for streaming in August 2024, it’s also slated to be included on the album “BEGIN no Bon Marcha,” out in October.
An original choreography video will also be released, making it promising for use at local events.
It’s highly recommended to listen when visiting Shibuya—a perfect track to enjoy while soaking in the city’s atmosphere.