[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] (31–40)
LeoYuuri
“Leo” is a track included on Yuuri’s 2022 album Ichi.
There’s a piano accompaniment version of the music video, which makes it easy to grasp the feel of playing and singing, so I highly recommend it.
Another plus is that it’s in F major, which has just one flat, making the chords easy to finger and remember.
In the video, the accompaniment uses a variety of techniques, from quarter-note playing to arpeggios, so try it with the technique that suits your level!
BetelgeuseYuuri
Betelgeuse, the eighth major digital-only single by Yuuri, released in November 2021.
With total streams surpassing 400 million, it has become one of Yuuri’s signature songs, not only for his own performance video but also for cover videos by well-known artists and creators that have racked up astonishing view counts.
Centered on the theme of human connections, its piercingly heartfelt lyrics and Yuuri’s expressive vocals are particularly compelling.
When performed on a delicately toned piano, the song takes on a calm, mature character—and deliberately slowing the tempo to create a gentle atmosphere is highly recommended.
horizonback number
Many of back number’s songs make effective use of the piano.
Among them, a top recommendation is “Suiheisen,” a digital-only single released in 2021.
It’s in B-flat major, a key with two flats that’s approachable for chord playing, and many of the chords can be played using just one flat.
The tempo is a relaxed ballad, making it accessible for beginners.
If you can play seven types of chords, you’ll be able to manage it—so give it a try and memorize them!
BoyhoodInoue Yosui
As one of the iconic songs of the Heisei era, Yosui Inoue’s “Shonen Jidai” remains beloved across generations.
With its simple yet beautiful melody line and chord progression, it also makes an excellent piece for piano practice.
While it’s important to focus on technical aspects such as finger movement, the key with this piece is, above all, emotion.
Vividly picture the scenes evoked by the lyrics in your mind, and, taking cues from Inoue’s vocal phrasing, aim to perform with rich expressiveness.
Child of the devilHiguchi Ai
Higuchi Ai’s “Akuma no Ko” was written as the ending theme for the TV anime Attack on Titan The Final Season Part 2.
The A section has a unique worldview, but on piano the high notes use the same two tones throughout while only the bass changes, so it’s surprisingly easy to reproduce with just the left hand.
The melody also develops mainly through repeated notes of the same pitch, making it easy to remember and play—another key point! Beginners, be sure to give it a try!
[Piano Beginners] J-Pop That Looks Hard but Is Surprisingly Playable [2026] (41–50)
I LOVE YOUOzaki Yutaka
A ballad distinguished by its gentle piano timbre.
This gem of a song portrays the heartrending tale of two young lovers tormented by a forbidden romance.
Even as they carry loneliness and anxiety, the way they affirm their love in a room together, accompanied by the beautiful piano melody, resonates deeply.
Included on the December 1983 album “Seventeen’s Map,” it was released as a single in March 1991.
Also used in JR Tokai’s “Fight! Express” commercial, the piece, despite its simple structure, holds the power to convey profound emotion.
A timeless classic that speaks to the heart—one to listen to when standing at a crossroads in love or in life.
Voice of the Seaurashima tarō (kiritani kenta)
“Umi no Koe” is the song sung by Kenta Kiritani as Urashima Taro in au’s “Santaro Series” commercials.
Released as Kiritani’s single in 2015, it became a million seller.
The sound of the sanshin is memorable, but the piano intro and accompaniment are beautiful as well.
If you know basic chords, you can play it using just seven chords, so give it a try.
If you’re comfortable with sus4 and slash chords, you can make it sound even more authentic—try that too!