[Japanese-style Piano Pieces] A selection of recommended works with a pleasantly Japanese flavor
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!
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[Japanese-Style Piano Pieces] A Curated Selection of Comfortingly Japanese Works (21–30)
Spring has come, and the cherry blossoms are in bloom.Nakata Yoshinao
The first piece from the suite “The Four Seasons of Japan,” which depicts Japan’s seasons through music.
It expresses the joy of spring’s arrival and the blooming of cherry blossoms.
Scored for piano four hands, two performers collaborate to vividly portray spring scenes.
Multiple melodies symbolizing the Japanese spring are skillfully interwoven, featuring beautiful lines that evoke fluttering cherry petals and the gentle atmosphere of the season.
This lyrical work blends traditional Japanese melodies with elements of contemporary music and is recommended for anyone wishing to experience the feeling of spring in Japan.
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.
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.
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”?