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 (51–60)
NESSANoro Issei
A lively Latin number featured on the original solo album “vida,” released in 1989.
It’s a superb track where light, airy percussion intertwines with his catchy guitar phrases, and it’s been used as background music in a variety of settings.
Plumed BirdKōsaka Masayoshi
This is a fast-paced number where a powerful guitar rampages over a percussive rhythm.
The guitar solo, which is almost identical to the album version, clearly demonstrates outstanding technique.
You can sense Larry Carlton’s influence, but it’s undoubtedly a fine piece.
SensationSensation
An uptempo track by Sensation, an instrumental band from Osaka Prefecture.
It’s included on their first album, “Sensation I,” released in 2012.
While the sound is classic fusion, the four-on-the-floor rhythm makes it easy for younger listeners to enjoy, giving the track a fresh feel.
last trickSato Hiroshi
Hiroshi Sato, a musician’s musician still lavishly praised by many major artists.
While he loved the blues, he continued to create outstanding songs with remarkably diverse sound-making, and his passing is deeply regrettable.
This is a work from 1979, where the relaxed tempo, electric piano, and gentle vocals melt together and seep into your heart.
Seaside SunsetMOTO&MASU
This is a track from the album “WN BOYS GO TO MANHATTAN” by MOTO & MASU, a combo consisting of the genius arranger Motoki Funayama—who has worked on hit songs for many artists including Miyuki Nakajima and TOKIO—and his friend, the virtuoso fusion guitarist Takashi Masuzaki.
It was used as the theme song for the weather segment of the Nippon TV information program “news every.” in 2014.
It’s an absolutely outstanding piece—nothing less would be expected.
A true delight for fusion fans.