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]
- [Selected by the pros!] 10 great bassists from the jazz fusion world
- 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
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- [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 (21–30)
Sky HighMatsubara Masaki
A 2008 track by Masaki Matsubara, who long worked as a session guitarist for top musicians such as Masashi Sada and Yumi Matsutoya, and who sadly passed away in 2016.
It delivers a smooth sound that remains every bit as vibrant as in his heyday.
HEART OF EARTHKorekata Hirokuni
Hirokuni Korekata hails from the Kansai region, and shortly after moving to Tokyo his guitar skills were recognized by top-tier musicians, leading him to be invited into various bands.
This piece is one of his signature songs and is very popular among fans.
Incidentally, many people who aren’t familiar with fusion still know it, likely due to his appearances on television programs.
Masterpieces of Japanese Fusion: From Nostalgic Classics to Recent Recommendations (31–40)
UNICORNWatanabe Kazumi
This is a track by Tokyo-born guitarist Kazumi Watanabe.
It’s included on the album “TO CHI KA,” released in 1980.
The aggressive guitar phrases are really cool.
It gained attention when it was used in a commercial for the audio brand Lo-D.
LEFT-HANDED WOMANŌmura Kenji
This is a number by guitarist Kenji Omura, who passed away in 1998 at the young age of 49.
It’s included on the album “KENJI SHOCK.” Not only does it feature the cool, guitarist’s- touch melody you’d expect, but the flowing horn tones that accompany it are also pleasing to the ear.
And don’t miss the organ, which delivers a sound every bit as cool as the guitar!
Alibabasupēsu sākasu
This is a track by Space Circus, a fusion band active in the 1970s.
It’s one of their signature songs, included on FUNKY CARAVAN released in 1978.
Its innovative sound shocked many music fans at the time of its release.
BurninKishida Keishi
A number from the legendary solo album “Sunburst” by super-drummer Keishi Kishida—whose talent was recognized in the U.S.
through collaborations with renowned musicians—featuring a thrilling, technically sophisticated arrangement.
Perfect for when you’re in the mood for a fast-paced track.
The Sea of DiracFukamachi Jun
A track where a distinctive rhythm and dynamic sound merge into one.
It’s the lead track from Jun Fukamachi’s 1977 album “The Sea of Dirac,” known for his work as a composer and keyboardist.
You can feel his sophisticated musical sensibility.