[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] (21–30)
First LoveUtada Hikaru
A classic love song! Hikaru Utada’s “First Love” is a single cut from the album First Love, which has sold over 8 million copies, and it remains a masterpiece that famous artists in Japan and abroad continue to cover.
Given Utada’s exceptional vocal ability, some may think “it looks hard to play on the piano,” but the rhythm and note patterns aren’t all that complex.
Start by slowly following the notes, and work your way toward performing this romantic classic!
migratory bird[Alexandros]
![migratory bird[Alexandros]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/C0jkZrq_Yms/sddefault.jpg)
A number packed with a exhilarating feeling like flying through the sky, “Wataridori” by [Alexandros].
Released in 2015 as a double A-side single together with “Dracula La,” this song was used as the theme for the film Akegarasu.
The A and B verses are somewhat subdued, but it’s important to keep a solid groove and perform in a way that doesn’t let the momentum drop throughout the track.
Maintain a steady rhythm while clearly contrasting the A and B verses with the chorus to add dynamics and make the performance shine.
For the soaring chorus, try playing in octaves or layering parts to build excitement.
I love youback number
I Love You by back number was written as the theme song for the NHK morning drama Maiagare!, starring Haruka Fukuhara.
The track is notable for its rich vocals and gentle, heartwarming lyrics.
Its comfortable, straight-to-the-heart melody pairs perfectly with the piano.
The chorus spans a slightly wider vocal range, so choose fingering that allows smooth movement and practice gradually.
Even without bringing the tempo up to the original, you can fully enjoy the song’s atmosphere and charm, making it perfect for beginners.
sparkleFuji Kaze
Fujii Kaze’s “Kirari,” written under the concept of “GOOD GROOVE” and featured in the commercial for Honda’s VEZEL, is a number full of exhilarating drive that perfectly suits a car commercial.
Because it’s a light, dance-pop track, the rhythm is fairly complex.
You’ll encounter tricky spots with dotted rhythms and strings of sixteenth notes that challenge both rhythm and fingering.
It’s recommended to first practice the right hand slowly to grasp the rhythm, keep the left hand as simple as possible, and then gradually add rhythms that match the feel of the original track as you get comfortable.
Song of PointillismMrs. GREEN APPLE feat. Inoue Sonoko
It’s a ballad whose beautiful melody and poignant lyrics resonate deeply.
A collaboration between Mrs.
GREEN APPLE and Sonoko Inoue, it was loved by many as an insert song for the 2018 film “Aonatsu: 30 Days With You.” Centered on the white keys in the key of C major with a slow tempo, it’s very approachable.
The progression mainly uses basic chords like C, F, G, and Am, and the frequent repetition of the same patterns makes it easy to remember.
Be sure to play it with feeling.
We are!kitadani hiroshi
“We Are!” sung by Hiroshi Kitadani is known as the very first opening theme of the nationally beloved anime One Piece.
It’s also a staple anison that many people know, since it was used in the film version and a TVXQ version aired when the anime celebrated its 10th anniversary.
The original is an up-tempo rock tune, but its chord changes are gentle and the melody doesn’t use that many notes.
On piano, if you play the melody with your right hand and just the bass notes with your left, you might be surprised at how playable it is.
Give it a try!
A Bouquet for YouUtada Hikaru
Hanami singer Hikaru Utada, a beloved national icon, released the song “Hanataba wo Kimi ni” in April 2016 as the theme for the NHK morning drama series Toto Nee-chan.
It features a simple piano melody and beautiful strings.
The lyrics express the desire to convey feelings for a loved one not through words, but by presenting a bouquet of flowers.
With hints of gospel and R&B, this song appeals to listeners across generations and continues to be cherished by many.
Light and open in tone yet tinged with a certain wistfulness, its delicate character also makes it perfect for piano performance.
Give it a try.