Classic Japanese a cappella songs: popular tracks that feel great to sing
When you hear the word “a cappella,” what songs come to mind?You probably imagine the beautiful harmonies of a vocal group.Of course, there are songs by artists like The Gospellers who focus on a cappella, but even in various genres—pop, R&B, rock—you can often find elements that feel a cappella at their core, with unaccompanied, voice-only performances as the foundation.Here, we’ll pick out famous Japanese songs where you can really feel those a cappella elements!When you’re in the mood to be soothed by beautiful voices, be sure to find a favorite track from this playlist.
A cappella masterpieces of Japanese pop. Popular songs that feel great to sing (1–10)
ECHOLittle Glee Monster
Little Glee Monster is a vocal group that usually performs backed by a band, but on YouTube’s project THE FIRST TAKE, they sing with a simple acoustic arrangement.
Because the accompaniment is so minimal, the harmonies they create stand out even more.
Every moment is truly breathtakingly beautiful, but the long sustained notes where all five of their voices align are downright goosebump-inducing.
JupiterHirahara Ayaka
“Jupiter,” which sets original lyrics to Holst’s The Planets (Jupiter), is Ayaka Hirahara’s biggest hit song.
The delicate tension at the opening draws you right in.
In addition to “Jupiter,” her rendition of “Pomp and Circumstance” with original lyrics is also a track that showcases her vocal prowess.
RobinsonGosuperāzu
The original song by Spitz was released on April 5, 1995, and sold over 1.6 million copies—a million-selling hit.
While it started as a breezy band tune, in their hands it’s completely transformed into a rich, sweet gospel number.
The familiar melody really draws you in with its catchy appeal.
The fact that it features an arrangement distinct from the original is also excellent.
It’s a track I can recommend not only to Gospellers fans but to anyone who enjoys a cappella.
PretenderPentatonix
This is a cover of “Pretender” by Pentatonix, the American a cappella group known for their many buzzworthy covers.
They’ve brilliantly arranged and recreated the song—originally by the band Official HIGE DANDism, which features piano, guitar, bass, and drums—using nothing but their voices.
The original track leaves a very beautiful impression, but this rendition is so exquisitely done that it’s astonishing how beautiful a song can become using only vocals.
I truly think this is a piece that showcases the full allure of a cappella.
The overall quality is so high that I almost missed it, but their Japanese pronunciation is excellent too!
Remember Me BabyYamashita Tatsuro
This is a track included on the repeatedly reissued a cappella album “ON THE STREET CORNER.” It’s in the doo-wop style that was popular from the mid-1950s to the early 1960s.
It’s a cover song, with the original by an artist called The Earls.
Although the song didn’t make much of a splash in the United States, it has become well loved in Japan, thanks in part to Tatsuro’s contributions.
You can enjoy Tatsuro’s rich harmonies, all performed by himself through multitrack recording.
It’s a buoyant, uplifting listen that makes your heart dance! It’s perfect for a holiday morning or a stroll.
Dip!Dip!Dip!RAG FAIR
Originally released as the B-side to the 2004 single “HANA,” it was later included on the album “CIRCLE.” You might remember it from the McDonald’s “Fish McDippers” commercial.
The driving, up-tempo beat and rapid-fire vocal melody are incredibly uplifting! It’s a top-notch uptune even a cappella.
The resonant vocals are so fun you’ll catch yourself humming along! With its bursting energy, it’s perfect as party BGM, for pumping yourself up before a game, or for feeling free and open on a drive.
sha la laSkoop On Somebody
A classic hit by Skoop On Somebody released in 2001.
With its beautiful melody and lovely lyrics, this song carries you into a dreamlike world.
It may differ from a traditional a cappella style, but the 20th-anniversary version features a special lineup including AI, Chikuzen Sato, and actor Yasufumi Terawaki.
Set against a simple backing, their intertwining, colorful vocals create a song that gently unravels your heart and fills you with warmth.
It’s like a sunlit spot in musical form.
I can’t put it into wordsofukōsu
It’s a song that resurfaced in popularity after Kazumasa Oda later self-covered it and it was used in a commercial.
Many artists have covered this song over the years, and it is often arranged for a cappella by both professionals and amateurs.
Its poignant lyrics and melody are highly acclaimed.
MimosaCOLOR CREATION
This is a cover by the handsome next-generation boy group COLOR CREATION of a ballad originally released by The Gospellers in 2004.
Their vocals are absolutely stunning, so even if you don’t know the song, please give it a listen! “Mimosa” is a flower that carries the meanings of “the finest woman” and “the finest love.” The sweet, high-quality mood that matches that mimosa image blends with COLOR CREATION’s refreshing, fresh charm, making it irresistibly enchanting.
Love’s Melody and Rainy SkiesHaisukūru Banban
This is a cover of “Koi Oto to Amazora” by the mixed-gender a cappella group High School BanBan, who were runners-up on the a cappella competition show “Hamonep.” It’s one of AAA’s signature songs, right? I love the original too, and the wonderful arrangement gives it a bright vibe and a smooth flow that makes it a joy to listen to! RUSY’s vocal percussion—he’s even competed at world championships—is really pleasing, and I felt a vision of a future where layers of love build upon each other, surpassing the original’s sense of poignancy.