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)
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.
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.