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 (51–60)
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.
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.
Masterpieces of Japanese Fusion: From Nostalgic Classics to Recent Recommendations (61–70)
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.
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.