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-inspired song. J-POP compilation with a traditional Japanese taste (41–50)
Blue Hawaii Lemon≒JOY
This ≒JOY release is filled with bittersweet feelings, set to a sound as fresh as a breeze that heralds the arrival of summer.
Released in June 2025, it’s the group’s third single, with Reon Esumi as the center.
The lyrics, which liken summer romance to shaved ice, are absolutely adorable and make you feel like falling in love yourself.
It’s perfect as background music for making memories with friends and loved ones!
A bright, Japanese-style song. J-POP collection with a traditional Japanese taste (51–60)
Ever-Night, Ever-AgesREOL
This track captivates with its unique sound that fuses traditional Japanese elements with EDM.
Its lyrics express the connection between the past, present, and future, and the music blends tradition with modernity.
Included on REOL’s album Sigma (Σ), released in October 2016, it reached No.
8 on the Oricon chart.
The music video presents stunning visuals that merge classic Japanese aesthetics with digital art.
It’s a recommended listen for those interested in Japanese culture or seeking new forms of music.
ANTENNAMrs. GREEN APPLE
Mrs.
GREEN APPLE is a three-piece rock band garnering attention from a wide range of listeners with a colorful catalog that reflects their diverse backgrounds.
ANTENNA, the title track and opener of their fifth album, leaves a lasting impression with its catchy synths and hysteric guitar ensemble.
The whirlwind of key changes in the arrangement seems to capture the mix of anticipation and anxiety toward an unseen future, as depicted in the lyrics.
It’s a refreshing rock tune marked by a hook-laden melody.
lovin’Mrs. GREEN APPLE
The three-piece rock band Mrs.
GREEN APPLE, which has continued to dominate the J-POP scene with unwavering popularity since the start of Phase 2 in 2022.
The song “lovin’,” included on their fourth album Attitude, was used as the theme song for Mezamashi Doyoubi from July 6, 2019 to March 28, 2020.
Its lyrics, which say that time spent with someone special remains extraordinary even as our days rush by at incredible speed, remind us of feelings we tend to forget when life gets busy.
It’s a pleasantly catchy pop tune, marked by a bouncy shuffle beat and a lively, memorable melody.
AdventureYOASOBI
Adventure, released in 2023 by YOASOBI—an immensely popular music duo especially among younger generations—was written as the theme song for Universal Studios Japan’s “UniSpring.” Its driving electronic sound evokes the exhilarating experiences one might have in the park.
Many listeners will relate to the lyrics, which depict various scenes that perfectly match students spending a special day.
It’s a track that amplifies the excitement of spring, brimming with anticipation for new encounters and fun.
Flower of HappinessJanīzu WEST
A heartwarming piece I’d like to introduce is “Shiawase no Hana.” It’s a song by the idol group Johnny’s WEST, with lyrics and composition by Takashi Yamaguchi of Sambomaster, resulting in a classic rock sound.
The lyrics convey the message: “Precisely because everyday life can be tough, let’s keep smiling and live joyfully.” The arrangement highlights each member’s unique voice, which might help you discover a new side to the group.
YUME WeatherShimatani Hitomi
It’s a warmhearted song that, curiously, brings to mind beautiful Japanese scenery.
It’s by the popular singer Hitomi Shimatani, who rose to fame with the hit “Amairo no Kami no Otome,” and it was released in 2003 as her 11th single.
It drew attention for being used as the ending theme of the TV anime Doraemon and the theme song of the film Doraemon: Nobita in the Wan-Nyan Spacetime Odyssey.
The light, breezy sound pairs perfectly with Shimatani’s rich, soaring vocals.
The latter half of the chorus has such a cool melody!
