[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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- Kids will love it! A collection of dance song ideas with easy-to-follow rhythms
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[Japan] A Compilation of J-POP with a Traditional Japanese Feel (41–50)
YUME WeatherShimatani Hitomi
It’s a warmhearted song that, curiously, brings to mind beautiful Japanese scenery.
It’s by the popular singer Hitomi Shimatani, who rose to fame with the hit “Amairo no Kami no Otome,” and it was released in 2003 as her 11th single.
It drew attention for being used as the ending theme of the TV anime Doraemon and the theme song of the film Doraemon: Nobita in the Wan-Nyan Spacetime Odyssey.
The light, breezy sound pairs perfectly with Shimatani’s rich, soaring vocals.
The latter half of the chorus has such a cool melody!
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.
Great Edo ControllerYunomi feat.TORIENA
This is the track “Oedo Controller” by Yunomi, who works as a trackmaker and DJ, and the singer TORIENA.
The synthesizer melodies that come in here and there have a traditional Japanese flavor, making it very approachable for Japanese listeners.
At the same time, the beat is based on future bass, so it’s super easy to groove to.
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!
Moon DropsRUI
A song by Kou Shibasaki, a female singer who is also active as an actress and entrepreneur.
It was used as an insert song and the theme song for the film ‘Yomigaeri,’ and was released under the name RUI, the singer character she plays in the movie.
The track carries an overall Japanese aesthetic, and it’s fair to say that the melismatic turns in the A-melody shape the song’s direction in particular.
In addition, the crystal-clear vocals in the chorus evoke the story told by the lyrics, making this a work that showcases Shibasaki’s versatility.
Pure Land (Sukhavati)GARNiDELiA
GARNiDELiA is a music duo that made their major debut in 2014 and has been expanding its fan base through energetic live performances in Japan and abroad.
Gokuraku Jodo, included on their 5th single Promise -Promise code-, became a catalyst for growing their popularity in the Chinese-speaking world after it was released on video-sharing sites as part of the “Odotchatte Mita” dance series.
Its Japanese-style melody set over a hysteric synth sound and four-on-the-floor beat feels modern yet tinged with melancholy.
It’s an impressive upper-tune where evolved music and Japanese aesthetics fuse brilliantly, creating a pop yet nostalgic atmosphere.
FIREWORKSEXILE
It’s a song included on EXILE’s 31st single, released in 2009.
Used as the CM song for “Sky PerfecTV! EXILE TV,” it reached No.
1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
“FIREWORKS” means “fireworks,” and the lyrics liken a beloved person to fireworks.
The shamisen performance by the Yoshida Brothers is also outstanding.