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[Piano Beginners] J-POP That Looks Hard but Is Surprisingly Playable [2026]
Classical piano classics are great, but I also want to try playing my favorite J-pop hits on the piano… If you’ve ever felt that way as a beginner, you’re probably not alone.
That said, many J-pop songs aren’t structured with the piano in mind, so it can be tricky to recreate them using only the piano.
In this article, we’ve put together a selection of J-pop songs—from nostalgic classics to recent hits—that might seem a bit daunting at first but have plenty of beginner-friendly piano arrangements.
Even just tracing the melody with your right hand will make you think, “It’s that song!” right away, and adding some left-hand accompaniment little by little makes it even more fun.
We hope this article inspires you to express your favorite J-pop on the piano!
[Piano Beginners] J-POP That Looks Hard but Is Surprisingly Playable [2026] (1–10)
Que sera, seraMrs. GREEN APPLE
Created by Mrs.
GREEN APPLE, this work is a supportive anthem that gently pushes the backs of people doing their best every day.
Produced as the theme song for the drama “Even If It’s Just Sunday Night…,” it portrays an attitude of living positively while overcoming life’s hardships and setbacks.
Released in April 2023, it sparked a huge response, becoming their fastest song to surpass 200 million total streams.
By repeating the phrase “Que sera sera,” it emphasizes an optimistic outlook toward the future.
The message—“It’s okay if you don’t win; I want to have the strength not to lose”—surely resonated with many people.
It’s also a song that piano beginners can enjoy by simply tracing the melody with the right hand, so please give it a try.
Kaiju no Hanabuta (Monster’s Flower Song)Vaundy
Singer-songwriter Vaundy’s “Kaiju no Hanauta” (Monster’s Flower Song) set records, surpassing 49 million views on its official music video on YouTube and totaling over 300 million streams, establishing Vaundy’s name in the public eye.
The phrase “monster’s song” and the bittersweet lyrics leave a strong impression.
Since the melody’s range isn’t very wide and the rhythm is simple, it’s a song that even piano beginners will find approachable.
Try playing the left hand with precise, steady tempo!
Bye, see you again sometime!Yonezu Kenshi
A song portraying the passage of time and the ever-changing course of life was written as the theme for the NHK morning drama series “Tora ni Tsubasa.” Created by Kenshi Yonezu, a popular J-pop singer-songwriter, the piece explores themes of parting, reunion, and growth, expressing the story of passionate legal professionals.
Set to a light, lively melody, the lyrics leave a strong impression by evoking hope for the future and a sense of connection to the past.
Its grand scale, as if casting thoughts a hundred years ahead, is also compelling.
The rhythm can be a bit tricky, so try practicing at a slow tempo first.
Racing into the NightYOASOBI
‘Racing into the Night,’ released in December 2019 as YOASOBI’s first digital-only single.
The song is characterized by vocalist ikura’s charming voice, a lively rhythm, and an exhilarating, fast-paced sound.
The original is quite uptempo, but it’s best to start by practicing slowly while feeling the rhythm.
The rhythm is intricate and the pitch moves up and down sharply, so take your time reading the score.
Practice by combining the melody with a simple left-hand part, and once you’re comfortable, try adding rhythm to the left hand as well.
LemonYonezu Kenshi
Kenshi Yonezu’s “Lemon,” written as the theme song for the drama Unnatural starring Satomi Ishihara, is a piece that portrays “death,” the drama’s central theme.
Its lyrics liken unforgettable memories to the scent of a lemon, resonating with many and becoming a hot topic.
The song features a distinctive, swing-like rhythmic feel.
For beginner pianists, choose sheet music where the left hand uses half notes or quarter notes with not-too-dense rhythms, and first practice hands separately, focusing on firmly grasping the right hand’s rhythm.
To new loversback number
“Atarashii Koibitotachi ni,” crafted by back number, is distinguished by its poignant lyrics and melody.
The three-piece band from Gunma produced the song as the theme for Fuji TV’s Monday 9 p.m.
drama, “Umi no Hajimari.” The lyrics focus on parting with a past lover, feelings toward a child, and relationships with lovers in the present, vividly portraying the protagonist’s inner world and emotions.
Try expressing the beauty and bittersweetness of this piece through a piano performance.
Once you get comfortable, adding emotion to your playing will make the piano even more enjoyable.
PretenderOfisharu Higedan Dism
Official HIGE DANDism’s “Pretender,” written as the theme song for the film “The Confidence Man JP: The Movie” starring Masami Nagasawa.
Many of Official HIGE DANDism’s songs feature complex key changes, which can be tricky to handle on piano, but this track has no modulation, so it should be relatively easier to play! That said, you might initially be thrown off by the distinctive melodic flow and rhythms that make you think “That’s a Hige Dandism song!” after just one listen.
With steady practice, you’ll definitely master it!