[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 (41–50)
25-string kotosakura
Kasumi Watanabe is active as a performer on the koto, 17-string koto, and 25-string koto.
Here is her original arrangement of “Sakura” for 25-string koto, which she arranged herself.
Even the intro before the familiar ♪ Sakura, sakura melody begins is enchanting—evoking the refreshing feeling of a night breeze sweeping through cherry blossoms during nighttime viewing, along with a fragrance-like, palpable beauty.
Tsugaru Jongara-bushihanawachie
The Tsugaru Jongara-bushi is a classic standard in the shamisen world.
Along with Tsugaru Yosare-bushi and Tsugaru Ohara-bushi (Ohara-bushi), it is one of the three great folk songs of Tsugaru and may be the most famous piece of all.
Please enjoy a solo performance by Hanawa Chie, a Tsugaru shamisen player from Nippon Columbia.
Moon over the Ruined CastleNoie Gassōdan
Much smaller than a koto and playable on a tabletop, the taishogoto is said to have been born in 1912, the first year of the Taisho era, in Osu, Nagoya.
One of the best-known standard pieces for the taishogoto is Rentaro Taki’s masterpiece “Kojo no Tsuki” (Moon over the Ruined Castle).
Here is a performance by the Kinshoryu Taishogoto Neue Ensemble.
The Subscription ListWajuku Kotsuzumi Tai
The crisp “pon! kon!” tones of the kotsuzumi (hand drum) naturally stir the spirit of Wa—Japan’s traditional sensibility—within us.
In the kabuki staple Kanjinchō, the kotsuzumi is used to full effect in the musical accompaniment.
Savor the rolling volleys of the kotsuzumi delivered by the lineup of performers on stage.
Kabuki Gomen-Jyo [Japanese drums]Wadaiko Saiza
![Kabuki Gomen-Jyo [Japanese drums]Wadaiko Saiza](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/qupswFhMCxI/sddefault.jpg)
It’s a bit of an older album now, but here’s a track from Wadaiko Saizā’s 2002 release, “Japanese Drums.” It remains very popular, especially among internet fans around the world, and there are still many comments from fans looking for new works.
Indeed, even though it’s taiko drumming, a performance that conveys such subtle nuances is truly rare.
Yoshiwara Lament LIVE 2017Wagakki Band
The popular beauty group Wagakki Band has had many of their songs covered by enka singers and performers, and when they perform the popular “Yoshiwara Lament,” it becomes endlessly polished, sexy, and just right.
It’s stylish yet has an idol-like feel, resulting in a beautiful finish that exudes femininity.
Voice and Performance as One VOL.1 ‘Heart Sutra’seimei ongaku raibu
A live performance of the Heart Sutra by Ryukai Matsushima—composer, arranger, and monk of the Koyasan Shingon sect.
This is the most famous sutra, used by many schools, teaching that “all phenomena are emptiness,” a densely packed world of just 260 characters.
Including hosting and a Dharma talk, it’s a profoundly uplifting yet enjoyable piece to listen to.
It’s not stiff at all—something you could listen to every day.