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)
Become the windtsuji ayano
The ukulele’s tone, the warm singing voice, the irresistibly cute lyrics—no matter how you slice it, it’s a refreshing song.
It’s a work by Ayano Tsuji, a singer-songwriter from Kyoto Prefecture, released in 2002.
Chosen as the theme song for the Studio Ghibli film “The Cat Returns,” it became a major hit.
Some of you might even sing it often at karaoke.
If you listen to it when you’re nervous, it might relax both your body and mind.
It also makes you want to hop on a bicycle and head out.
Maybe the wind.Sakanakushon
This is a work by Sakanaction, an electronic band known for releasing many highly original, high-sense tracks.
It was released in 2016 as their 12th single.
Chosen as the song for a Shiseido TV commercial, it became a hot topic.
It’s a four-on-the-floor number that gives you a strange sensation—as if a visible breeze were sweeping through you, even though you’re just listening to music.
On days when a refreshing wind is blowing, add this to your playlist and head out.
It’ll be a perfect fit.
PopNishino Kana
Kana Nishino, who enjoys immense popularity as a spokesperson for young women.
“Pa” is a song that portrays the everyday life of women who are giving it their all.
With Kana Nishino’s cute vocals and a refreshing melody, this track is perfect for a day off—it makes you feel like doing something.
It fits seamlessly into daily life, so listening during your commute can also boost your mood.
If you’re a girl, it’s definitely worth listening to at least once.
Oni BanquetTomonari Sora
Blending a Japanese aesthetic with modern elements, this work presents a unique worldview where tradition and innovation merge.
Centered on the theme of a demon’s feast, its lyrics strikingly celebrate the importance of enjoying life to the fullest.
Encouraging listeners to live honestly with their desires rather than being bound by social norms, the song quickly captured many hearts—garnering over 2.5 million views on TikTok.
It’s a track that fully showcases Sora Tomonari’s talent.
Highly recommended for those interested in music that incorporates Japanese motifs or anyone seeking an uplifting, empowering message.
A bright, Japanese-style song. J-POP collection with a Japanese flair (61–70)
youthful daysMr.Children
This love song sings, with all its might, about the happiness of being with someone precious.
It’s a track by the national rock band Mr.
Children, released in 2001 as their 21st single.
It was used as the theme song for the drama “Antique: Western Confectionery.” Rather than being simply sweet and bittersweet, it gives the impression of emotions that couldn’t be stopped, written down just as they are.
That powerful feeling pierces the heart.
Kazutoshi Sakurai’s clear, radiant vocals are wonderful, too—especially the first verse, which feels refreshingly breezy.
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!
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!