[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)
SAKURA DropsUtada Hikaru
Recently, Hikaru Utada has seemed to inherit the radiance of her mother, Keiko Fuji, in the most authentic way.
One of Utada’s songs brimming with Japanese taste is “SAKURA Drops.” Just hearing “sakura” calls to mind springtime in Japan, doesn’t it? The music video even features works like Ito Jakuchu’s “Birds, Animals, and Flowering Plants Folding Screen,” showcasing Utada’s dedication to Japanese aesthetics throughout.
It’s said the title also plays on the candy product “Sakuma Drops.” That playful touch is so quintessentially Utada!
Miracle of BondsMAN WITH A MISSION×milet
Kizuna no Kiseki, which drew attention as the opening theme for the anime Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Swordsmith Village Arc, is a collaboration between the rock band MAN WITH A MISSION and singer-songwriter milet.
While the song has a fast-paced, high-energy rock sound, it incorporates traditional Japanese elements to express the world of the series.
The lyrics are also captivating; some interpret the parts sung by each performer as depicting the story from different perspectives.
Take your time listening and delve into your own interpretation!
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.
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.
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.
ShuraDOES
With a hard-hitting rock sound and lyrics like pure literature, this is a song by DOES, a three-piece rock band from Fukuoka Prefecture.
Released in 2007 as their fourth single, it became widely popular—starting with fans of the series—after being used as an ending theme for the anime Gintama.
The simple yet powerful and cool guitar tone will set your heart ablaze.
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!