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 (51–60)
rainbow-coloredayaka
A healing song whose hopeful, courageous vocals and heartwarming melody brighten your morning mood.
The powerful yet gentle singing and the warm tones of the acoustic guitar evoke a resilient, forward-looking spirit that won’t yield to any hardship.
Released as Ayaka’s single in June 2014 and written as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series “Hanako to Anne,” this piece is recommended for anyone who wants to start a new day with a positive mindset.
Set it as your alarm, and from the moment you wake up, you’ll feel ready to move forward at your own pace, one step at a time.
The feeling of meeting for the first timeDAOKO
This song was used as an insert track for the film “Kaguya-sama: Love Is War.” It’s a 2019 release by DAOKO, the singer also known for hits like “Uchiage Hanabi.” While it has a fresh, catchy sound, there’s a certain wistfulness to it as well.
If you’re in love right now, it might really resonate with you.
Osaka LoverDREAMS COME TRUE
DREAMS COME TRUE, one of Japan’s leading artists.
While their mellow ballads tend to be the most famous, this song is a cute portrayal of romance from an adult woman’s perspective.
The vocalist’s distinctive voice and the rhythmic melody feel fresh and breezy.
Sprinkled throughout with Osaka dialect, it’s delightfully addictive.
You’ll hear lots of Osaka place names too, so it’s a fun way to study local geography.
It’s the perfect track to listen to on the Shinkansen, bus, or plane heading to Osaka.
I hope it’s sunny.DREAMS COME TRUE
This song was selected as the theme for the NHK morning drama series Hirari.
It’s a 1992 release by DREAMS COME TRUE, a band that has been at the forefront of the Japanese music scene for many years.
The song focuses on the parent-child relationship, with lyrics that express a warm, heartfelt feeling toward one’s parents—sentiments that well up precisely because the singer is now an adult.
Its comfortable rhythm makes you feel as if you’re out for a stroll, and Miwa Yoshida’s energetic vocals match the tone perfectly.
By the time the song ends, you’re left with a bright, refreshed feeling.
A bright, Japanese-style song. J-POP collection with a Japanese flair (61–70)
Going CrazySunrise In My Attache Case
The strummed guitar sound and bouncy melody line feel refreshing.
It’s a track by the four-piece rock band Sunrise In My Attache Case, released digitally in 2019.
The chorus in particular gives the impression of blasting away any gloomy feelings.
How about it as background music for a drive on a sunny day?
GONGWANIMA
A straightforward sound that fires you up—this is a rock track I’d recommend to the younger generation.
It’s a song by WANIMA, a three-piece rock band from Kumamoto Prefecture, released in 2019 as their fifth single, “Summer Trap!!”.
It drew attention for being chosen as the theme song for the film ONE PIECE STAMPEDE.
Amid its refreshing vibe, you can feel a strong resolve.
If you like emotive tracks, definitely give it a listen.
TOKYOYUI
One of YUI’s signature songs where the anxieties and hopes of youth intertwine.
Released in February 2006, this track was issued as the lead single from the album FROM ME TO YOU.
The lyrics, inspired by her experience moving to Tokyo at age 17, vividly depict the courage and confusion of stepping into a new environment.
The warm tones of the acoustic guitar and YUI’s clear, transparent vocals gently resonate with listeners.
It’s a song that softly encourages those starting a new chapter or standing before a big decision.
A refreshing yet powerful number that you’ll want to listen to with the arrival of spring.