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 (31–40)
Clap Clap!!Nishino Kana
A song that showcases Kana Nishino’s signature poppy, catchy melodies and memorable handclaps.
With an uplifting sound and lyrics filled with positive messages, it’s a refreshing number that gives you energy from the morning.
Released in May 2011 as the B-side to the single “Esperanza” and included on the album “Thank you, Love,” this track was also used as the theme song for Fuji TV’s “Mezamashi Doyoubi.” Combining a freshness perfect for morning hours with the excitement of uniting the audience at live shows, it’s ideal not only as a morning companion but also for a quick mood boost.
damnFuji Kaze
This is a track by Fujii Kaze that leaves a strong impression with its breathtaking performance and vocals, conveying a swelling of emotion as he confronts the self throughout the song.
Set to a rhythmically driven piano rooted in R&B and soul, it explores themes of self-love and self-liberation.
It was included on the March 2022 album “LOVE ALL SERVE ALL” and was also released as a single in September of the same year.
Chosen as the theme for NTT Docomo’s “docomo future project” commercial, the piece beautifully expresses a dialogue with the self through its performance.
It’s the perfect song for moments of restlessness or anxiety, or when you want to look inward.
The music video, directed by Kento Yamada, depicts the struggle and growth toward self-liberation through Fujii Kaze’s performance.
Its exhilarating sound makes it a recommended pick when you’re feeling rushed.
FUN! FUN! FUN!GENIC
It’s a poppy, energetic dance track that sings about the excitement of everyday life.
Created by GENIC, it was released in October 2024.
It’s also featured as the commercial song for Laguna Ten Bosch, a popular resort in Aichi Prefecture, and the track shimmers like an illumination display.
Its brisk rhythm and refreshing melody are captivating, and you’ll find your body naturally starting to move as you listen.
The lyrics, which emphasize the importance of enjoying the present, carry a youthful, positive message that warms the heart.
It’s the perfect song for when you’re feeling down or need a boost of energy.
Flowersyuzu
It’s a song whose beautiful harmonies resonate in the heart.
Surprise-released in December 2024, this refreshing up-tempo track blends acoustic guitar tones with digital sounds, painting a gentle, flower-inspired world alongside warm vocals.
It was created to further expand on the world of the album “Zukan.” Highly recommended when you want to feel positive.
StarlightWagakki Band
A song by the mixed-gender eight-member rock band WagakkiBand, chosen as the theme for the TV drama Ichikei no Karasu.
To dispel preconceived notions based on the band’s image, it was released under the name WGB.
While deliberately toning down the signature WagakkiBand style, its high level of completion still showcases the band’s depth and prowess.
Despite its modern tone, the timbre of traditional Japanese instruments woven throughout the track imparts a distinctly Japanese flavor, resulting in a work that fuses tradition and popular music at a high level—something other artists cannot easily replicate.
A bright, Japanese-inspired song. J-POP compilation with a traditional Japanese taste (41–50)
Stars overtaking meToukyou Sukapara Daisu Ookesutora
Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra, the ska band affectionately known as “Skapara.” They’ve produced numerous hits, including Beautiful Burning Forest featuring guest vocalist Tamio Okuda.
While catchy phrases like in that song are a hallmark of their sound, Oikoshiteku Hoshi is another track that shines with a similarly poppy vibe.
Written as the theme song for Kyoto Racecourse, which reopened in April 2023, this piece brims with an exhilarating sense of speed that perfectly matches the image of horse racing!
Lucky (feat. UMI)Nulbarich and Sunny
A track marked by a lively rhythm and soulful vocals.
Its refreshing sound, blending elements of city pop and R&B, is easy on the ears and sure to capture listeners’ hearts.
Released in May 2024, this song is a collaboration with the Pokémon (“Pocket Monsters”) series.
The lyrics, expressing a spirit of adventure and freedom, deliver a powerful message that resonates with young people.
Perfect for your commute to school or work, it’s a song that gives you positive energy.
Be sure to check it out—it’s a perfect fit for a fresh morning mood!