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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Great songs you’ll want to play on the harmonica: popular tracks (41–50) that look cool when you can play them
Like the flow of a riverMisora Hibari
This song can be considered one of Hibari Misora’s signature works from her later years.
It was her final release during her lifetime, in 1989.
It’s said that at her strong request, the song was cut from the album and released as a single.
After her passing, it won the 31st Japan Record Award.
The lyricist Yasushi Akimoto is said to have written it with New York’s East River in mind, and its grand imagery pairs beautifully with the sound of the harmonica.
It might be nice to play it by a riverside at dusk.
Famous songs you’ll want to play on the harmonica. Popular tracks that look cool if you can play them (51–60)
Aim to be a Pokémon MasterMatsumoto Rika
This song, known as one of the signature themes of the Pokémon anime and featuring Rica Matsumoto’s memorable vocals, was released in 1997 and became a massive hit, selling over two million copies.
Its lyrics, which sing of the courage to push toward one’s dreams and the bonds with friends, have captured the hearts of many.
In 2017, a 20th-anniversary version was released and used as the theme song for the film Pokémon the Movie: I Choose You! When played on harmonica, its familiar, widely recognized melody rings out with a clear tone.
Loved by people of all ages, it’s sure to liven up any event or gathering where it’s performed.
Country RoadHon’na Yoko
This song, released in 1971 by American country singer John Denver, became a huge hit.
In Japan, Honna Youko’s cover version was used in the Studio Ghibli animated film “Whisper of the Heart,” leading to a revival hit and renewed appreciation for the song.
The simple tone of the harmonica suits country songs very well.
Playing it while strumming the guitar is difficult, but it might be especially cool.
Sugarcane fieldMoriyama Ryoko
This song, for which composer Naohiko Terashima conceived both the melody and the lyrics during a visit to Okinawa in 1964, was created in memory of the many people who died in the Battle of Okinawa during the Pacific War and still rest beneath the sugarcane fields.
It became widely known after Ryoko Moriyama included it on her release “Ryoko Moriyama College Folk Album No.
2.” Many artists besides Ryoko Moriyama have covered it as well.
The sound of the harmonica feels like a breeze blowing across the sugarcane fields.
Exploding Brain Girlrereriri
Harmonica players who love Vocaloid, definitely give this a try! It’s one of the signature songs by popular Vocaloid producer rerulili, “Nou Shou Sakuretsu Girl” (Brain Fluid Explosion Girl).
Released on video platforms in 2012, it quickly became a hit and even expanded into other media, including a novel and a live-action film.
It’s characterized by a rapid-paced structure with a driving, cascading melody line.
The key challenge is how to render that melody on harmonica—there’s the fun.
Recommended for those who want to take on a higher-difficulty piece.
Look up at the stars in the nightSakamoto Kyu
This song is best known as being sung by Kyu Sakamoto, but it was originally written as the main theme within the musical “Look Up at the Night Stars,” which premiered in 1960.
Kyu Sakamoto’s cover became a hit in 1963, and since then it has been covered by many artists, sung as a choral piece, and cherished by many.
The warm tone of the harmonica suits this poignant yet hopeful ballad perfectly, and it is sure to move everyone who hears it.
Carrying YouInoue Azumi
A beloved classic that everyone knows—please play it with all your heart.
It’s “Carrying You,” the theme song from the film Castle in the Sky.
Sung by Azumi Inoue, who also performed “My Neighbor Totoro” and “Stroll,” it was released as a single in 1988.
The lyrics, which convey the feelings of the protagonist setting off on a journey with memories in their heart, are truly moving.
I bet many of you can sing it without looking at the lyrics.
Since the melody is on the slower side, it’s an easy piece for beginner harmonica players to try.