[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] (41–50)
Promise of SunflowersHata Motohiro
The nationally beloved anime Doraemon was adapted into 3D CGI and made waves with the film STAND BY ME Doraemon.
The theme song chosen was Motohiro Hata’s “Himawari no Yakusoku” (Promise of a Sunflower).
The melody in the A section uses many eighth notes and changes at a relatively steady pace, making it easy to catch the rhythm.
It’s recommended even for piano beginners who struggle with rhythm.
While the chorus melody gets a bit more intricate, it’s originally a slow ballad, so it remains approachable.
foreignerKUBOTA Saki
Saki Kubota’s “Ihōjin – Silk Road Theme” features a distinctive, exotically tinged melody that leaves a strong impression.
Released in 1979, it was her debut single.
It has been covered by many artists and remains a timeless classic loved across generations.
Since there are sections to play gently and others where the rhythm should be firmly articulated, be sure to create clear contrasts so you don’t pull each other off course.
In the rhythmically driven sections, it’s recommended to use staccato effectively.
Like the original, start with the most flamboyant playing to instantly capture the audience’s attention.
secret base ~What You Gave Me~ZONE
It’s a ballad brimming with end-of-summer nostalgia.
Released in 2001 by ZONE, its lyrics portray a story of friendship and farewell that resonate deeply and evoke each listener’s own memories.
The original key is F-sharp major, but transposing to G major leaves just one sharp, making it easier to play.
For the left-hand accompaniment, start with the root notes and gradually build up the chords.
The right-hand melody features many repeated notes, so the trick is to lift your fingers cleanly between strikes.
Since the tempo is on the relaxed side, you can practice without rushing.
Is there still anything that love can do?RADWIMPS
The song “Is There Still Anything That Love Can Do?” by RADWIMPS was created as the theme for the animated film Weathering with You.
The film’s soundtrack, which includes this track, topped the Oricon digital chart for five consecutive weeks.
It’s a beautiful piano ballad characteristic of Yojiro Noda, and it’s perfect for singing with self-accompaniment.
Most parts—except for a few sections—use the same chord progression, and it’s just a repetition of four chords, making it very easy to play.
The different sections only add a few chords and change the order slightly, so definitely give it a try!
Kaikai KitanEVE
The opening theme for the first cour of the TV anime Jujutsu Kaisen is Eve’s Kaikai Kitan.
It even ranked fifth on Billboard’s download chart.
In the A section, there are parts built around two adjacent notes, and in the chorus, parts centered on the same note an octave apart, which makes it easier to remember which keys to play.
To bring out the uptempo sound of the track, the left hand keeps playing at the same pace, and because there are many repeated notes, it’s beginner-friendly as well.
Miracle of BondsMAN WITH A MISSION×milet
Kizuna no Kiseki, the theme song for the TV anime Demon Slayer: Swordsmith Village Arc, became a hot topic thanks to its star-studded collaboration between MAN WITH A MISSION and milet.
It’s a rock number full of driving energy.
While the original is up-tempo, if you’re tackling it on piano, start by practicing slowly! The range isn’t very wide, and there are many repeated phrases, so even beginners can play it if they calmly follow the notes.
With fast, cool songs it’s tempting to ramp up the tempo right away, but until your fingers move smoothly, hold back and practice carefully.
Kanata HarukaRADWIMPS
Kanata Haluka by RADWIMPS, the theme song for Makoto Shinkai’s film Suzume, features a simple, heartwarming melody that carries a hint of nostalgia and pairs beautifully with the piano.
Start by practicing the right-hand melody, which is easy on the ears and memorable, then add the left-hand bass notes to keep the beat.
To make the chorus truly soar, play the other sections gently; shaping the dynamics this way will evoke the film’s emotional impact.
Don’t hesitate to use expressive contrasts in volume.