Masterpieces you’ll want to play on the harmonica. Popular songs that look cool if you can play them.
The harmonica is one of the classic instruments you’ll find at school.
Many of you have probably played it in music class, right?
Because it’s a simple instrument that produces sound just by blowing, even small children can play it easily—that’s the nice part.
This time, we’re introducing famous songs you’ll want to try playing on the harmonica at least once.
We’ve gathered a genre-spanning selection, from long-loved Japanese and Western songs to recent popular J-pop.
If you’re thinking, “I want to play popular songs on the harmonica,” or “I want to perform the harmonica in front of people,” be sure to use this as a reference!
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Iconic songs you’ll want to play on the harmonica: Cool, popular tracks to master (31–40)
Passion ContinentHakasé Tarō
When you think of Taro Hakase, it’s this song! Loved by people of all ages, the highly recognizable piece “Jonetsu Tairiku.” This song was composed at the strong request of the show when Taro Hakase appeared on Jonetsu Tairiku, and it’s now practically the face of the program—just hearing it brings the show to mind.
While the violin is strongly associated with this piece, it also sounds incredibly cool on the harmonica and is sure to make for a powerful, satisfying performance! It may seem a bit challenging, but definitely give it a try.
Walking GhostBUMP OF CHICKEN
With its exhilarating drive, BUMP OF CHICKEN’s “Walking Ghost” features a particularly memorable harmonica passage even in the original.
It’s a track that sings of the frustration of comparing yourself to others and feeling rushed, even when you’re doing your best day by day, yet its brisk melody and speedy rock sound feel like they’ll blow your worries away.
It’s fast and densely arranged, so the first challenge is simply riding the momentum—but the warm tone of the harmonica should help cover that.
Get into the rhythm and set the mood!
PretenderOfisharu Higedan Dism
It’s a rock ballad that shines with a glamorous, stylish sense of sound.
It’s a song by Official HIGE DANDism, released in 2019, and it became a hot topic as the theme song for the film The Confidence Man JP.
Thanks to the piano’s tone, you can feel warmth within the track’s sleek style.
Vocalist and keyboardist Satoshi Fujihara’s straight, soaring voice is also striking.
The lyrics, which depict the struggles in a relationship with a loved one, are sure to resonate with many.
Be sure to sing it at karaoke with someone you like.
Daydream BelieverZa Taimāzu
The band The Timers, whose lead vocalist ZERRY closely resembles Kiyoshiro Imawano, released this debut single, Daydream Believer, in 1989.
The song has been used in commercials and is loved across generations, and it’s become one of Kiyoshiro Imawano’s signature songs.
In The Timers, Kiyoshiro Imawano also played harmonica—if you’re a fan, don’t you want to try this song on harmonica? Its slightly wistful, nostalgic melody fits the harmonica’s tone perfectly.
contrailMatsutōya Yumi
This song, which is also the title track of Yumi Matsutoya’s first album, is about a young girl who died at a tender age.
In fact, it was originally written for Izumi Yukimura and was even recorded, but due to circumstances it was never released.
With its beautiful melody and distinctive chord progression, even without lyrics it could be arranged so that the delicate tone of the harmonica evokes the song’s world on its own.
Great songs you’ll want to play on the harmonica: popular tracks (41–50) that look cool when you can play them
NautilusYorushika
This is a song by Yorushika, a rock band led by Vocaloid producer n-buna.
It’s included on the album “Elma,” released in August 2019.
Vocalist suis’s crystal-clear voice seeps deep into your heart.
It’s a beautiful yet emotional rock ballad where you can feel an explosion of feeling within quietude.
The work tells the story of two characters, Amy and Elma, expressing the emotions of trying to overcome loss and sorrow.
Why does it make us want to cry as we listen? Playing it on harmonica might let you savor the world of the song even more deeply.
It’s a perfect track for those who want to share a moving experience through a sound that resonates with the heart.
SubaruTanimura Shinji
Here is one of Shinji Tanimura’s signature songs, released in 1980 and selling over 600,000 copies.
Many of you may have heard it as the commercial song for Nikka Whisky’s “Super Nikka.” It was also a hit across Asia outside Japan and remains popular.
Although the song has a grand, expansive feel, it suits the harmonica very well.
It would likely shine even more when performed with piano or strings rather than harmonica alone.