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[Japanese-style Piano Pieces] A selection of recommended works with a pleasantly Japanese flavor

Accompanist / Piano Instructoryuri
Accompanist pianist × piano instructor × web writer. I began piano lessons at age four and, inspired by my piano teacher, decided to pursue music. I went on to specialized music programs in high school and university, where I discovered the appeal of accompanying instrumentalists and singers. Currently, alongside teaching piano, I work mainly in my home region of Aichi as an accompanist for flute, voice, choir, and more. Through lessons, my students often introduce me to trending songs, and my hobby is trying anything on the piano—Japanese and Western pop, commercial jingles, and beyond. Since 2021, I’ve also been active as a web writer, covering music and a variety of other genres.

The piano is an instrument born in Europe.

Classical music is a musical style that developed in the West.

If you mainly practice classical works, you may naturally end up focusing on pieces infused with European essence, and it might be rare to feel a sense of “Wa” (Japanese aesthetics) while playing the piano.

So in this article, for those who want to try playing piano pieces that convey a distinctly Japanese flavor, we’ll introduce a wide selection of Japan-inspired piano works.

Even within the label “Japanese style,” the roots and forms of the pieces vary widely—from works composed by European composers inspired by Japanese ukiyo-e to sets of variations based on children’s songs.

Please enjoy listening while comparing the different expressions of “Japaneseness” in each work and savoring how interpretations of “Japanese style” vary from one composer to another!

[Japanese-Style Piano Pieces] A Curated Selection of Comfortingly Japanese Works (21–30)

Dance and SongNakata Yoshinao

[Recommended Piano Recital Piece] A Dance and Song ♫ Yoshinao Nakada

Dance and SongNakata Yoshinao

This is a solo piano piece that begins with light 5/8-meter staccato and syncopation.

Rhythmic, dance-like elements alternate with an elegant singing melody, vividly capturing the exhilaration of a summer night and its serene afterglow.

Composed during the mature period of the composer, who served as a lecturer at Kobe Yamate Women’s Junior College in 1993, it is one of the most popular tracks among the 24 pieces included in the album “Children’s Dreams.” While incorporating Japanese-style elements, it possesses a universal appeal and is highly regarded as a recital repertoire.

It is recommended for those aiming to level up while enjoying piano performance, as it allows players to savor the beauty of melody and harmony while honing both technical skills and expressive depth.

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SummerHisaishi Joe

Joe Hisaishi – Summer

SummerHisaishi Joe

This is a piano-centered instrumental piece included on the original soundtrack of the film “Kikujiro.” Its heartwarming melody and light rhythm leave a strong impression, evoking the feel of a refreshing summer’s day.

In the film, it beautifully captures the themes of “summer adventures” and “growth” as seen through a boy’s innocent eyes, leaving a deep mark on audiences.

The piece was also used in Toyota Corolla commercials from 2000 to 2002, making it familiar to many.

Its gentle, transparent tone and faintly nostalgic melody resonate with listeners.

It’s also approachable as a piano practice piece and is sure to captivate audiences at recitals.

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In conclusion

How did you like the Japanese-style piano pieces? The atmosphere was quite different between works by Japanese composers who stay faithful to a distinctly Japanese sensibility and those by overseas composers who capture “Japan-ness” from their own unique perspectives, wasn’t it? There are many more piano pieces that evoke a sense of wa beyond the ones we introduced! Why not take this opportunity to explore works infused with the essence of “wa”?