RAG Music
Lovely music

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 collection with a Japanese taste (91–100)

I love you.Inoue Sonoko

The title is “Daisuki,” the number one phrase I think guys want to hear: “I love you.” The cute vocals and melody evoke a sweet-and-sour, youthful vibe.

The atmosphere is just so refreshing.

If you listen while you’re in love, you’ll feel the fun of romance.

The music video is 100% youth.

Adults can listen while reminiscing about those good old days.

Youth is wonderful.

Midsummer SunŌhara Sakurako

Sakurako Ohara – Midsummer Sun (Music Video Short ver.)
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 – Idea (Official Video)
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

Shunsuke Kiyokiba – HANGOUT [Music Video]
HANGOUT Shunsuke 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.