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 (21–30)
May I be able to love the world!Seiryūjin 25
Released in April 2025, this is a quirky pop tune.
Led by Ryujin Kiyoshi, Kiyoshi Ryujin 25—a groundbreaking idol unit built on the concept of polygamy—delivers a number that brightly and joyfully sings a message of love and peace.
Its buoyant melody, uplifting lyrics, and dazzling vocals are brimming with charm that will bring a smile to your face.
It’s perfect for when you want a change of mood!
HalflakeCUTIE STREET
It’s a pop number wrapped in the fresh air of spring.
Released in March 2025, it’s a track by CUTIE STREET.
Created as a spring-themed song to cheer on new beginnings, the lyrics are by Tsumugi Shachi and the music and arrangement by Maon Kuge.
With its driving band sound and cute vocals, it feels like a celebration of spring’s arrival.
It’s a song we especially recommend for those stepping into a new environment or seeking change.
A bright, Japanese-style song. J-POP collection with a traditional Japanese taste (31–40)
Magic Hour&TEAM
Magic Hour is a youthful pop song that blends poignancy with power.
It serves as the opening theme for the TV anime Honey Lemon Soda and was released in January 2025.
Titled after the beautiful moments of the sky around sunset and just before sunrise, its melody strikingly symbolizes a special time.
The way the arrangement shifts toward the latter half seems to reflect the protagonist’s growth.
It’s a perfect pairing with the anime, and also recommended for anyone who wants to reminisce about their youth.
Don’t Mind MeAyumu Imazu (feat. Hanamura Sota from Da-iCE)
“Don’t Mind Me (feat.
Sota Hanamura from Da-iCE)” is a breezy pop tune by singer-songwriter Ayumu Imazu.
Its greatest appeal lies in his sweet yet translucent vocal quality.
While the track is rhythmical, his voice gives it a unique allure that elevates it beyond a simple dance tune.
The positive lyrics are another highlight—this song is a top recommendation when you want to boost your mood.
fam!CHiCO
CHiCO’s refreshing pop tune is one of those songs that makes you feel brighter the more you listen to it! It features an uptempo, highly catchy melody line.
The lyrics depict special moments in everyday life and the bonds with loved ones, giving you a warm feeling.
Released in April 2024, it was also used as the ending theme for the anime Mission: Yozakura Family.
It’s especially nice to listen to while thinking about time spent with family and friends.
It’s sure to be a song that lifts your spirits!
AshesSuperfly
Superfly is a music duo that has won popularity with songs that channel old-school Western influences while being refined into modern J-pop.
Their ninth digital-only single, “Ashes,” was written as the theme song for the TV drama ‘Gekokujō Kyūji.’ The lyrics, which sing of the value of being passionately devoted to something until you burn out, are sure to give courage and a tailwind to anyone with dreams or goals.
It’s a refreshing pop tune whose powerful vocals and tight rock ensemble will lift your spirits.
The Best Daymoumoon
It’s a song by moumoon that seems to capture the fresh atmosphere of early summer, filled with a strong sense of euphoria.
The gentle, breezy, and light sound evokes a soft wind, and the vocals are striking—tender yet grounded.
The lyrics also incorporate words that depict natural scenery, conveying the song’s image directly.
It feels like a track that lets you savor the kindness of nature, sense happiness from it, and carry that feeling outward.
