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!
- Ranking of popular fusion songs
- Masterpieces of Japanese instrumental music. Recommended instrumental tracks.
- [2026] Recommended Japanese Fusion Bands Summary
- Classic fusion music masterpieces. Recommended staple tracks.
- [Western Music] Classic Jazz Fusion Masterpieces: Recommended Albums You Should Listen to at Least Once [2026]
- Masterpieces of Japanese fusion—From nostalgic classics to recent recommendations—
- Best City Pop Classics: Recommended Popular Songs [Timeless & Modern]
- [2026] Masterpieces of instrumental music. Recommended instrumental tracks.
- Carefully selected Japanese songs with a Latin flavor! Recommended J-POP brimming with exotic vibes
- A roundup of instrumental fusion bands active in Japan
- The allure of surf music: a supreme healing space lured by the ocean’s tones
- [Selected by the pros!] 10 great bassists from the jazz fusion world
- [Japanese Music] Masterpieces of 2000s Pop: A roundup of hit songs from 00s J-POP
Masterpieces of Japanese Fusion: From Nostalgic Classics to Recent Recommendations (61–70)
The Tokyo TasteSadisutikksu
A track by the band formed immediately after the breakup of the Sadistic Mika Band, whose performances in the UK were also well received.
The rock elements are toned down in favor of a fusion-leaning approach, resulting in a poppy and charming yet subtly quirky piece.
The afternoon horizonMatsuoka Naoya
This is a piece by Naoya Matsuoka, a jazz and Latin pianist from Kanagawa Prefecture.
It is included on his 2002 album “A Farewell To The Seashore ~ Gogo no Suiheisen” (“Afternoon Horizon”).
It has a refreshing feel that makes you want to listen to it by the summer seaside.
RENDEZVOUSWatanabe Sadao
This is a piece by Sadao Watanabe, a saxophonist from Tochigi Prefecture.
It is included on his 1984 album “Rendezvous.” The sparkling saxophone tone is wonderful.
As a side note, the album features the world-renowned bassist Marcus Miller on keyboards.
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.