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 traditional Japanese taste (11–20)
coloring; color scheme; hues; decoration; embellishment; added flair (figurative)ikimonogakari
It’s a gentle pop tune that portrays the small happiness found in everyday life and the connections between people.
This track is the lead song from the album “Asobi,” released in April 2025, and was selected for the Odakyu Group’s corporate commercial.
Its familiar, catchy melody and heartwarming lyrics make a lasting impression.
Another highlight is the grand choral work featuring choirs from Tokyo University of Agriculture, Seijo University, and more.
It’s a piece we hope you’ll listen to as music that accompanies your daily life, such as during your commute to work or school.
StaRtMrs. GREEN APPLE
With its upbeat, refreshing pop-rock sound, this track brims with energy for taking a new step forward.
Originally featured on Mrs.
GREEN APPLE’s major-label debut mini-album “Variety” in July 2015, it gained attention as the song for Kao’s Merit commercial and as the theme for Fuji TV’s show “Super Addictive! Laugh-Out-Loud Character Parade.” The lyrics, filled with anticipation for a shining future, and the catchy melody make it perfect for waking up in the morning.
It’s a song that helps you feel positive—ideal for starting a new chapter or when you want to reset your mindset.
It Ain’t OverFuji Kaze
Singer-songwriter Fujii Kaze, who blends a wide range of musical genres with his own distinctive sensibility and performs on the world stage.
Among the tracks on his album “Prema,” released in September 2025 and selling 192,000 copies in its first week, this one in particular evokes a quietly profound emotion.
It is a ballad with a soothing, undulating groove, suffused with the warmth of soul and gospel that seeps deep into the heart.
While gently accompanying the sense of loss that comes with losing someone precious, the lyrical world whispers a conviction that “this is not the end,” like a prayer.
Coupled with the saxophone—played by Fujii himself—this song makes you feel your heart softly uncoil as you listen.
It’s the perfect number for nights when you want to step away from the hustle and immerse yourself in time that’s just your own.
New PageSandaime Jē Sōru Burazāzu fromu Eguzairu Toraibu
A warm sound that gently wraps around you seeps into the heart.
This song by Sandaime J SOUL BROTHERS, released in May 2025, was chosen as the ending theme for Fuji TV’s news program Mr.
Sunday.
Distinct from their signature powerful dance numbers, it carries a message that softly supports those who feel anxious about tomorrow.
It’s crafted to offer a sense of healing when you happen to hear it in everyday life.
It’s the perfect cheering song for people leading busy lives or those who want to get their minds ready for the start of a new week.
Shukusai (Movie edit) feat. Toko MiuraRADWIMPS
Known for the theme songs of Your Name and Weathering With You, RADWIMPS are a household name.
However, most of this song is sung by Toko Miura.
The refreshingly RADWIMPS-like melody pairs perfectly with Miura’s clear, translucent voice, enhancing the song’s invigorating feel.
It’s best enjoyed on a rainy day, immersing yourself in the world of the film and the music.
A fantastical, rhythmic track.
Night Festival OndoRyokushokushakai
A track that fuses J-pop with a sound crafted using traditional Japanese instruments has arrived! Created by Ryokuoushoku Shakai, this work beautifully blends the rhythms of classic ondō with modern pop-rock.
With its bright, energetic melodies and rhythms, it captures the lively spirit of summer festivals.
Released in May 2024, the song has been widely embraced by listeners since its debut.
It’s sure to elevate the atmosphere at events like Ryokuoushoku Shakai’s own co-headlining live show, “Ryokuoushoku Yomatsuri”! Give it a listen when you want to relive summer memories or need a boost of energy.
A bright, Japanese-style song. J-POP collection with a Japanese taste (21–30)
green peasGReeeeN
GReeeeN is a four-member vocal group whose songs like “Aiuta” and “Kiseki” have sold over a million copies.
“Green Peas” is a track that showcases their signature refreshing vocals and bright melodies.
While it features many high notes that are tough for male singers, their vocal skill keeps the sound from becoming piercing, which is a big plus.
The crisp, percussive guitar cutting adds a lively texture, giving the song a fresh, upbeat groove.
It’s the kind of tune that makes you want to start dancing without even thinking about it!
