[Japan] A collection of J-pop with a traditional Japanese (wa) vibe and Japanese-style taste
Many people probably feel that listening to songs with a Japanese (wa) vibe is calming, don’t you think?
Here, we’ve carefully selected and will introduce some exceptional masterpieces that let you feel that “wa.”
We’ve gathered tracks that evoke Japan’s seasons and hometown nostalgia, as well as songs that might not seem traditionally Japanese at first listen but use Japanese-flavored scales like the yo scale (yonanuki).
There are also pieces with classical-style lyrics or sounds that conjure a Japanese atmosphere in various ways.
Some even include intense EDM and aggressive rock tunes.
These are all wonderful tracks that reveal new sides of famous songs and highlight the charms of Japanese music!
Be sure to find a favorite “wa” song that resonates with your heart!
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[Japan] A Collection of J-POP with Traditional Japanese Flair and Wa Vibes (31–40)
Time after time ~In the town where flowers dance~Kuraki Mai
A singer-songwriter with a captivating, distinctive whisper voice, Mai Kuraki’s 15th single.
Chosen as the theme song for the film Detective Conan: Crossroad in the Ancient Capital, this number was crafted with the imagery of Kyoto’s changing seasons in mind.
The arrangement foregrounds a wistful acoustic guitar and piano, and the melody—enhanced by Kuraki’s superb vocal prowess—evokes vivid scenes from the lyrics.
It’s a song that lets us rediscover the beauty of Japan, one that truly conveys a sense of wa.
fall from favor; leaving the capital in disgrace (metaphor for a decline in status or being sidelined)Yorushika
Yorushika is a duo rock band popular for their lyrics with a literary message and songs that vividly evoke that worldview.
Miyako-Ochi, included in the music art book Gentō—released under the concept of a “listenable art book”—is a poignant number whose sentimental lyrics are inspired by poem No.
116 in Volume 2 of the Manyōshū.
Its brisk, hook-filled sound lingers in the ear along with its pop melody.
It’s a delicate pop tune with an evocative, story-like listening experience.
UkifuneGO!GO!7188
Released in 2002 as GO!GO!7188’s eighth single.
It was selected as the opening theme for NTV’s AX MUSIC-TV.
Blending a traditional Japanese flavor with rock, it’s one of the most popular tracks among GO!GO!7188’s works.
Crimson Lotus FlowerLiSA
A song that needs no introduction—a track that supported the Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba craze that swept across Japan in 2019.
There wasn’t a day you wouldn’t hear it, whether in convenience stores, CD shops, restaurants, or just walking around town.
It’s no exaggeration to say it swept all the awards, led to a performance on the New Year’s Eve music show Kouhaku Uta Gassen, and firmly cemented LiSA’s status as an artist.
The rock sound even carries a distinctly Japanese flair—you can almost hear flutes and drums in it.
Be sure to check out the music video too, featuring dancers in cool demon masks!
RISINGYoshida Kyōdai
It’s one of the signature pieces by the Yoshida Brothers, a sibling duo who play Tsugaru shamisen.
Many of you have probably heard it at scenes like entrances, kagami-biraki, or toasts at traditional Japanese weddings.
It’s a superb track where the Japanese-style melodies of the Tsugaru shamisen blend perfectly with aggressive rock.
[Japan] A Compilation of J-POP with a Traditional Japanese Feel (41–50)
Goldfish FireworksOtsuka Ai
At first your ears are caught by its beauty, but the arrangement in the latter half of the song is insanely cool.
It’s a track by singer-songwriter Ai Otsuka, who had hits like “Sakuranbo,” released in 2004 as her fifth single.
True to its wistful tone, it’s a heartbreaking love song about unrequited feelings, and it’s a real tearjerker.
Otsuka’s delicate, ephemeral vocals seem to seep deep into your heart.
It’s a classic Japanese breakup song that you’ll find yourself wanting to listen to in the summer.
Ninjari Ban Bankyarī pamyu pamyu
Sushi and tempura are Japanese dishes popular with people from overseas, but when it comes to popular “people”…
it’s probably geisha and ninja! In Asakusa, you can even buy ninja cosplay costumes, and swords and shuriken are common souvenir items.
The digital prodigy Yasutaka Tanaka turned those ninjas into a song: Ninjari Bang Bang.
The repeated ninja phrases will get stuck in your head! There are tons of comments from people around the world on video sites—truly a worldwide, Japanese-style track.
And of course, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s eternally cute music video is a must-see!