[Japanese-style BGM] Beautiful tones woven from Japanese tradition
Welcome to a new musical world where the spirit of Wa meets the breath of the modern era.
The shamisen’s powerful tones, the koto’s delicate melodies, the taiko’s resonant depths—Wafu BGM woven from tradition and innovation reminds us of our pride as Japanese.
In this article, we’ve carefully selected BGM brimming with the charm of Japan.
Whether you want to focus on work or study, or calm your mind, Japan’s beautiful sounds will accompany your moments.
With exhilarating rhythms and the exquisite harmony of traditional instruments, why not enrich your everyday life with vibrant color?
- [Japan] A collection of J-pop with a traditional Japanese (wa) vibe and Japanese-style taste
- A bright, Japanese-style song. A roundup of J-POP with a traditional Japanese flair.
- The Spirit of Japan: A Collection of Famous and Popular Shamisen Pieces
- Masterpieces of Japanese instrumental music. Recommended instrumental tracks.
- [Japanese-style Piano Pieces] A selection of recommended works with a pleasantly Japanese flavor
- Nostalgic yet new! Hit songs from the Showa era you’ll want to use as BGM
- [I Want Healing] Songs That Bring a Sense of Calm: Heartwarming Masterpieces of Japanese Music
- [Classical] Classical music BGM. Recommended classical music as background music for work and study.
- Stylish songs that are popular and recommended for vlog background music
- Recommended BGM for YouTube Shorts! Popular songs released in the Reiwa era
- Gently soaking into a weary heart... Healing songs released in the Reiwa era
- A nostalgic song—a timeless classic that somehow feels familiar and touches the heart.
- Gets you pumped! A curated selection of popular and classic Japanese songs perfect as background music for work
[Japanese-style BGM] Beautiful Tones Woven by Japanese Tradition (1–10)
Hymn of Ten Thousand PraisesHakasé Tarō
This piece was composed by violinist Taro Hakase when the birth of his son led him to view life as a single “journey,” a sentiment he poured into the music.
Its somehow nostalgic yet grand melody, evoking the winds of Asia, deeply moves listeners.
The track was included on the 2007 album “SONGS.” Layers of traditional Japanese instruments and percussion over the violin’s melody create both the festive brilliance of a celebration and the sacred atmosphere of a prayer.
It’s a song full of charm that accompanies important days marking new beginnings in life, as well as moments when you want to calm your heart.
Thank youYoshida Kyōdai
The Yoshida Brothers fuse the traditional Tsugaru shamisen with contemporary sounds like rock and electronica.
Among their repertoire, this piece stands out for its particularly gentle, warm tones that resonate deeply in the heart.
Many were surely moved when it was featured alongside a story of gratitude to the parents who supported the brothers, in BS Asahi’s special program celebrating their 15th anniversary.
This work is included on the acclaimed album “FRONTIER,” released in May 2003.
When you want to express thanks to someone dear, why not let its warm timbre echo your feelings?
From the suite MATSURI “NIPPON”Hakasé Tarō
It’s a passionate, large-scale piece where the timbres of the shakuhachi and shamisen blend with a grand orchestra.
The way it builds heat from quiet passages is like a Japanese festival shifting from a solemn ritual to a lively celebration.
Just listening makes your heart naturally dance and your spirit soar.
This track is included on Taro Hakase’s album “JAPONISM,” released in August 2013, and was also selected as a campaign song by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the Japan Tourism Agency, helping to showcase the appeal of Japan.
It might be perfect when you want to get fired up and dive into something, or when you want to refresh your mood with expansive music.
[Japanese-style BGM] Beautiful Tones Woven by Japanese Tradition (11–20)
New ASIATogi Hideki
Born into a distinguished Gagaku family, composer Hideki Togi grounds himself in traditional music while fusing diverse genres such as rock and jazz.
This work is one of his signature pieces, known as the theme song for the NHK TV program “Discovering New Asia.” The soul-stirring melody of the hichiriki blends beautifully with expansive synthesizer tones, opening up a hopeful world like a light illuminating Asia’s future.
The piece is included on the album “from ASIA,” released in March 1999.
With its grand sense of scale, it’s perfect for times when you want to focus on work or study, or when you need the courage to take a new step forward.
clan; family; tribe; race; lineageKodō
This is a performance by Kodo, a Japanese taiko drumming troupe renowned worldwide.
With a massive o-daiko drum at center stage, the perfectly synchronized stick work of the men striking the array of taiko drums is truly overwhelming.
It’s drums only—no other instruments.
And yet, for some reason, you can’t help but be drawn in; it’s mesmerizing.
Eternal Great RiverTogi Hideki
This is a work by Hideki Togi that unfolds a soundscape like a grand historical picture scroll rendered in sound.
It shakes the listener’s heart with an innovative style called “Progressive Gagaku,” which fuses the over-1,300-year tradition of gagaku with the power of progressive rock.
The piece appears on the acclaimed album TOGI, released in March 2012 to mark the 15th anniversary of his debut, and it captivated viewers as the theme song for the BS program “Nazotoki! Edo no Susume” (Unlocking the Mysteries! A Guide to Edo).
It’s the perfect track for when you want to step away from the everyday and embark on an epic journey across time and space.
Dancing GirlKazuya Sato
This is a piece by shinobue (Japanese bamboo flute) player Kazuya Sato.
Its simple, warm melody is nothing you’d expect from his rugged look with his long hair tied back.
Since his major debut in 2016, he’s been a rising star drawing intense attention in the world of traditional Japanese instruments.
If you like the sound of wagakki, his other works are a must-check!