Lovely Vocaloid

[Latest & Classic] Popular! Collection of Japanese-style Vocaloid Songs

A Vocaloid producer who is also a music writerWakachan Araki
I started playing guitar in middle school and focused on band activities during my student years. I’ve been a hobbyist Vocaloid producer for over 15 years. After entering the workforce, I gained experience in various roles, including event sound engineering and videography/photography. As a writer, I’ve contributed introduction articles for music and manga websites, and in 2022 I had the opportunity to write the bonus liner notes for IA SUPER BEST. My specialties are Japanese rock, Vocaloid, and manga.

The tones of shamisen and flutes, scales that feel nostalgically familiar… In this article, we’ve compiled a selection of popular Japan-inspired Vocaloid songs! On Nico Nico Douga, it’s such a beloved genre that it stands as its own category.

There are many Vocaloid producers who specialize in Japanese-style tracks.

Here, we’ll introduce a wide range from timeless classics and staple hits to recent releases.

You’re sure to find a song that strikes a chord with you! Be sure to check it out to the end!

[Latest & Classic] Popular! Compilation of Japanese-style Vocaloid Songs (21–30)

Winter GustWork and P

[MEIKO・KAITO] Winter Wind - 2019 - [Original]

Working in the midwinter wind P

For those who have known the Vocaloid scene since its early days, this work might come to mind as the quintessential “Japanese-style Vocaloid song.” Created by the Vocaloid producer Shigotoshite-P, it was released in 2014.

It’s a Japanese-inspired, mature duet by MEIKO and KAITO that makes you feel as if you’re standing in a gently cooling breeze as you listen.

The noble worldview of the lyrics, which evokes thoughts of eternity, is one of its charms.

By the way, the video introduced here is a rearranged version released in 2019.

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Tie and Untie, Rakshasa and SkeletonBee

Hachi MV 'Tie and Untie: Rakshasa and Corpse' HACHI / Musunde Hiraite Rasetsu to Mukuro

Tie it, open it—Rasetsu and the corpse are eight.

This is a Vocaloid song that lets you savor the thrill of “wanting to see something scary.” It’s a work released in 2009 by the hugely popular singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu under his Vocaloid producer name, Hachi.

It was included on his second album, OFFICIAL ORANGE, released in 2010.

The madness-filled worldview, unfolding over festival-style rhythms, becomes downright addictive.

This is a bit of a tangent, but it feels somewhat similar in atmosphere to Kenshi Yonezu’s 2021 track Shinigami (The Grim Reaper), doesn’t it?

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[Latest & Classic] Popular! Collection of Japanese-style Vocaloid Songs (31–40)

subhumanAyase

Human Imitation / v flower・Hatsune Miku

Human-like Ayase

Please give this Japanese-flavored mixture rock a listen.

The track was composed by Ayase, who is also active as the composer for the music duo YOASOBI, and it was released in 2019.

The high-speed development and the synth phrases are really cool.

The melody in a traditional Japanese scale gives an impression that blends freshness with nostalgia.

The lyrics convey the protagonist’s heartrending feelings… They make you ponder what truly lies at the boundary between humans and yokai.

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Cherry Blossom TattooPinocchioP × Hifumi

PinocchioP × Hifumi – Sakura Tattoo feat. Hatsune Miku & Otomachi Una / SAKURA TATTOO

Sakura no Tattoo PinocchioP × Hifumi

An energetic mixture rock track that cuts into modern society! It’s a collaboration between Vocaloid producers PinocchioP and 123, released in 2021 and included on the compilation album Chimera.

The lyrics revolve around the theme of the so-called “digital tattoo”—how once something becomes a topic online, it never disappears as information.

While regretting their own actions, the song conveys a resolve to overcome it and move forward, and it’s seriously, incredibly fiery.

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Tenraku -Twin Resonance-Yuuyu

Tengaku -Dual Resonance- / Yuuyu feat. Kagamine Rin, Kagamine Len

Tenraku -Dual Resonance- by yuyu

If you saw the title and thought, “Huh?”, you’re probably someone who’s been listening to Vocaloid songs for a long time! Yuuyu, a Vocaloid producer, released “Tenraku -Twin Echo-” in April 2023.

It’s a rearranged version of “Tenraku,” originally released in 2009 and still beloved by fans to this day.

The new version keeps the original’s momentum while cranking up the dynamism.

The biggest highlight is the addition of Kagamine Len’s vocals.

Rin and Len’s sharp, edgy singing fits the track perfectly—it’s unbelievably cool!

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Yuudachi-chanRainnosuke

Yuudachi-chan / flower

Yuudachi-chan, Rain-no-suke

“Yuudachi-chan” is a track produced by Amekai, released with a video in February 2024.

It’s Japanese-flavored electronic music infused with rock elements.

The addictive groove is perfectly complemented by vocals from v flower.

The lyrics are structured like the protagonist casually talking about their feelings for Yuudachi-chan, and as you listen, you’ll find yourself thinking about Yuudachi-chan too before you know it.

Get into the groove!

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The Sole Song of LoveUmetora

The One and Only, Song of Love / Luka, Miku, GUMI, IA, Rin

The one and only, Ai no Eiume Tora

A very cool Japanese-style song that follows in the footsteps of dance music.

It’s a track by the Vocaloid producer Umetora, known for hits like “Ifuudoudou” and “KILLER B,” released in 2018.

The piece was written specifically for the music unit Kihens.

Heavy low-end wrapped in guitar and synth sounds is further colored by the tones of shamisen, koto, and flute, making its luster irresistibly captivating.

The call-and-response shouts that drop in are also so cool that before you know it, you feel like you’re joining in yourself.

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