Masterpieces of Japanese fusion—From nostalgic classics to recent recommendations—
Fusion is a hybrid music genre that, while rooted in jazz, blends many elements ranging from rock and world music to electronic music and even classical.
In Japan as well, a fusion boom erupted from the late 1970s to the early 1980s, and bands and artists achieving major commercial success appeared one after another.
This time, we’re focusing on Japanese artists and bands to introduce classic tracks from Japanese fusion.
Please enjoy the brilliance of Japanese fusion—music that has greatly influenced the history of J-pop and features many key figures in the recently buzzworthy genre known as city pop!
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- Masterpieces of Japanese fusion—From nostalgic classics to recent recommendations—
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- [2026] Masterpieces of instrumental music. Recommended instrumental tracks.
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Masterpieces of Japanese Fusion: From Nostalgic Classics to Recent Recommendations (61–70)
SAUDADEKōsaka Masayoshi
You can feel a refreshing vibe that evokes a tropical island.
It’s a track by Masayoshi Takanaka, who is active as a guitarist, music producer, and composer.
It was released in 1982 as his ninth single.
Put it on at home and soak in a resort mood.
FLAMINGISSEI NORO INSPIRITS
This is a track by ISSEI NORO INSPIRITS, a band formed around fusion guitarist Issei Noro.
It’s included on the 2017 album “TURNING.” The balanced sound and composition are simply jaw-dropping.
Funky PunchJIMSAKU
Jimsaku is a fusion duo formed by bassist Tetsuo Sakurai and drummer Akira Jimbo.
“Funky Punch” is included on their 1993 album “WIND LOVES US.” Its appeal lies in a richness of sound that’s hard to believe comes from just two instruments.
SnoozeKarioka
Carioca is a Latin fusion band that has been releasing excellent songs for many years with Brazilian sounds like samba and bossa nova as their theme.
This work is an album released in 1981, and the title track is a slow-tempo instrumental number.
Happy Go LuckyShioya Satoshi
Satoshi Shionoya, an exceptional player and musician who was appointed as the pianist for Orquesta de la Luz at a young age.
This is a funky track from his third original album.
The powerful, heart-etching piano is rhythmic and deeply satisfying.
WEST WEATHERKorekata Hirokuni
This is a piece by Hirokuni Korekata, a guitarist born and raised in the Kansai region.
It’s included on his second album, Melody City, released in 1983.
The intro, which begins with the sound of water, is striking.
You’ll hear plenty of cool guitar phrases throughout.
MORNING FLIGHTMALTA
My body can’t help but move to the upbeat groove.
It’s a track by MALTA, a saxophonist from Tottori Prefecture.
It’s included on the 1995 album “SUMMER DREAMIN’.” The crisp, sharp performance is super cool.
In conclusion
As I mentioned at the outset, when you revisit the many masterpieces that have marked the history of Japanese fusion, it becomes clear—through band ensemble work, arranging methodologies, and more—that their influence has spread across a wide range of genres.
I hope this article inspires you to enjoy Japanese fusion from multiple angles, without being bound to the idea of it as merely an offshoot of jazz!