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
- The allure of surf music: a supreme healing space lured by the ocean’s tones
- [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 (41–50)
game; play; amusementHonda Toshiyuki
This piece was created as a track in the 2013 TV drama The Family Game.
It was composed by saxophonist Toshiyuki Honda.
The bold choice of a saxophone quintet drew attention.
He also handled the other tracks in the show, so the soundtrack comes recommended for fans.
Masterpieces of Japanese Fusion: From Nostalgic Classics to Recent Recommendations (51–60)
BelievinNANIWA EXP
During the heyday of fusion in Japan, its popularity was evident across the country, but the bands from the Kansai area were collectively called Kamigata Fusion, and they were known as its leading act.
Their emotional performances and unity with the audience were remarkable.
It was an era when instrumental numbers could ignite this kind of excitement.
It’s My TimeJinbo Akira
This is a piece by Akira Jimbo, a top-tier Japanese professional drummer recognized worldwide.
It’s included on his 2012 album “Smile Smile.” The gentle rhythm really touches the heart.
It also drew attention as an image song for Doutor Coffee.
L’esprit de l’exil RevisitéLu7
This is a track by Lu7, an instrumental band consisting of keyboardist Luna Umegaki and guitarist Tsutomu Kurihara.
It was released in 2018.
The grand sound design, which even evokes a sense of sci-fi, feels too expansive to be contained within the framework of fusion.
UnforgettablePRISM
PRISM was quick to incorporate influences from overseas fusion, progressive rock, and jazz, continually delivering brilliant and technically sophisticated numbers.
Their appeal isn’t limited to hard-edged pieces; their emotive, tear-jerking sound in calmer atmospheres is also captivating.
HOLLYWOOD ILLUSIONKikuchi Himiko
An impactful piece that begins with gorgeous strings and then unfolds into a bewitchingly urban, serious sound.
It was once used as the opening theme for Ladies 4 and is a well-known track.
The level of polish is high.
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.