[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!
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[Piano Beginners] J-POP That Looks Hard but Is Surprisingly Playable [2026] (11–20)
A Cruel Angel’s ThesisTakahashi Yoko
Neon Genesis Evangelion is a TV anime with a large fanbase.
Its opening theme, A Cruel Angel’s Thesis sung by Yoko Takahashi, is one of the quintessential anime songs that even people who haven’t seen the show know.
In fact, the chorus is built on a repeating four-chord progression, so once you learn it, it’s surprisingly easy to play.
The melody is catchy and easy to remember, and it stays within a single octave, so it’s not that difficult.
Definitely give this classic a try!
FlowerFuji Kaze
Fujii Kaze captivates people with his warm vocals, beautiful lyrics, and advanced piano technique.
His works delve deeply into self-exploration and human truth.
“Hana” was written as the theme song for the drama “My Most Favorite Flower,” featuring a contemporary R&B-tinged sound.
Using flowers as a motif, it conveys a sense of life’s transience and beauty, along with an intent to deepen understanding of oneself and others.
His talent, which had already taken his debut album ‘HELP EVER HURT NEVER’ to No.
1 on the charts in May 2020, is on full display here as well.
You’ll find it easier to play if you feel the beat as you perform.
Give it a try!
Dried flowersYuuri
Dry Flower, a song that delicately portrays the ache of unrequited love, has gained strong support, especially among younger listeners.
The signature work of Yuuri, who debuted after gaining attention on social media, is a gemlike ballad that depicts the complex emotions after a breakup from a woman’s perspective.
The protagonist’s regret and lingering attachment after choosing to part ways with her lover are woven together with the idea of everlasting love symbolized by dried flowers.
The melody line is beautiful, so even just playing the melody with your right hand can be enjoyable.
For the left hand, simply holding the chords as harmonies creates a lovely sound, so try playing in whatever way suits you best.
SubtitleOfisharu Higedan Dism
With a melody brimming with poignancy that captivates listeners’ hearts, Official HIGE DANDism’s “Subtitle” was released in 2022 and chosen as the theme song for the much-talked-about drama “silent.” Because the groove is a shuffle and the vocal line features many triplets, you need to pay close attention to how you play it.
It’s important to follow the sheet music carefully, but practicing while listening closely to the original track will help you form a clearer image.
Keep the A and B sections restrained, then build to an explosive lift in the chorus for a performance that will move your audience!
broad daylightKing Gnu
Hakujitsu was written as the theme song for the drama Innocence: False Accusation Lawyer starring Kentaro Sakaguchi.
It’s one of King Gnu’s signature songs, showcasing their unique world-building, the band members’ high level of technique, and the powerful vocals of Satoru Iguchi.
Because the key heavily uses the black keys, playing it on piano in the original key can be quite challenging for beginners.
It might be a good idea to first get a feel for the song’s atmosphere and rhythm using sheet music in a key with more white keys, then try tackling the original key version.
idolYOASOBI
YOASOBI’s “Idol,” the opening theme for the TV anime Oshi no Ko, has gained strong support especially among young people.
Written specifically for YOASOBI by the manga’s original author, Aka Akasaka, the song is a pop piece that faithfully depicts the anime’s worldview.
The melodic motion is on the intricate side, but there are many repeated phrases, so keep practicing steadily.
If you decide on your fingering firmly in advance, you’ll be able to play recurring phrases without hesitation!
[Piano Beginners] J-Pop That Looks Hard but Is Surprisingly Playable [2026] (21–30)
Romantic Flightkome kome CLUB
Roman Hikō, which earned Kome Kome Club their first No.
1 on the Oricon charts, is a classic song beloved across generations as one of the defining J-pop hits of the 1990s.
Many adults who have taken up the piano may feel like giving this song a try.
To recreate its lively feel on the piano, keep the left hand to single notes or chord pulses—you don’t need to add much rhythm.
Since the right hand’s rhythm and note movement are a bit intricate, be sure to practice hands separately thoroughly before putting them together.