[Ghosts & Yokai] Horror Song Collection [Monsters & Zombies]
I bet a lot of people feel like listening to horror songs when summer rolls around.
In recent years, Halloween culture has really taken root, and along with it, a wide variety of tracks have been released.
So in this article, I’ll be introducing lots of songs featuring ghosts, yokai, monsters, zombies, and more.
The lineup ranges from truly scary to super cute.
They’re great not only for your own listening, but also as BGM for parties!
- A spine-chilling, terrifying song. Japanese music that evokes madness and horror.
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- A spine-chilling scary song: masterful tracks that evoke fear and eerie recommended songs
[Ghosts & Yokai] Horror Song Special [Monsters & Zombies] (1–10)
Monsterpinku redii
The immensely popular female duo Pink Lady released their eighth single in 1978—a hit number that sings from the perspective of a monster feared by people.
The two screams at the beginning are incredibly catchy.
A golden-combo work by Yu Aku and Shunichi Tokura.
There’s no such thing as ghosts.MICHIKO KIMOTO
Originally, this song was broadcast on NHK’s children’s programs like “Minna no Uta” and “Okaasan to Issho.” It has been loved across generations, with covers by voice actress Mayumi Tanaka and singer-songwriter Kaela Kimura, and even being selected as a practical skills test piece for nursery teachers in 2016.
The lyrics, which exquisitely capture a child’s bravado and fear, together with the pop melody, evoke a sense of nostalgia regardless of age.
Among songs that feature ghosts, this is arguably one of the most famous.
Ghost Trainningen ishi
This song features a striking band sound that conveys an eerie mood right from the opening.
It’s “Ghost Train” by Ningen Isu, a band known for hard rock sounds paired with lyrics that create a unique worldview.
The track appears on their 1999 album “Funeral Songs of the Twentieth Century.” The lyrics depict a deceased person boarding a ghostly train to search for the one they once loved, who passed away earlier.
While the sound and lyrics are chilling, the longing to see a departed loved one is a feeling many can relate to.
It’s a song that instills a sense of fear yet leaves a poignant sting in the heart.
[Ghosts & Yokai] Horror Song Special [Monsters & Zombies] (11–20)
Under the willow tree
Like “Ocharaka” and “Alps Ichiman-jaku,” “Under the Willow Tree” is a ghost-themed play song for pairs.
When you think of a willow tree, many people imagine it as a tree where ghosts gather.
Under that willow tree, all sorts of characters appear, starting with ghosts.
The ghosts let out groans, while the others strike proud poses or play around…
At the end, you play rock-paper-scissors with your partner in time with the lyrics.
If some kids are trembling with fear before a test-of-courage event, this song might help ease their nerves a bit!
GhostbustersRei Pākā Junia
The theme song for the film Ghostbusters by the multitalented Ray Parker Jr., who is active in various musical fields as an R&B and soul musician, guitarist, and singer.
It’s an incredibly famous track that even people who haven’t seen the movie have probably heard at least once.
Although the film centers on evil spirits, the song brilliantly conveys the movie’s comedic tone.
It’s one of the world’s most famous horror-themed songs.
Yokai ShiritoriYokoyama Daisuke / Mitani Takumi
A yokai song you can play during little breaks at summer events: it’s called “Yokai Shiritori.” This version of shiritori has a slightly eerie atmosphere compared to the ordinary game.
Yokai who have gathered at the yokai professor’s place suggest playing shiritori using yokai names, starting from their own names.
Any yokai who accidentally says a name that ends with “n” sulks and heads home.
So many different yokai names appear that when an unfamiliar one comes up, you can’t help but get excited wondering, “What kind of yokai is this?” We also recommend using this song as a starting point to play shiritori with yokai names that don’t appear in the lyrics!
The Dobochon Family’s Ghost TripZa Ranianzu
The anime “Dobochon Family’s Ghost Journey” follows the ghost Dobochon, a ghost cat, and three young people as they travel together and face various mysteries.
The theme song, which shares the anime’s title, is performed by the folk group The Ranials.
Its lyrics seem to directly depict the journeys Dobochon and the others have taken, and just by listening, scenes from the anime come to life in your mind.
With a melody that feels just a little spooky, it’s also recommended as background music for scary events like test-of-courage nights!