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[J-Pop] A fresh sensation! A roundup of mashup works

[J-Pop] A fresh sensation! A roundup of mashup works
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Mixing two or more songs together into a single piece is called a “mashup.” That rush when different tracks hit you all at once—it’s addictive, isn’t it? Especially when it’s songs you already know.

In this article, we’re introducing mashup tracks from Japanese music! The lineup ranges widely, from that song used in a commercial to fan-made cover videos.

Be sure to check it out to the end! You might just discover a new side of music.

Japanese Pop: A Fresh Sensation! Mashup Collection (1–10)

Rose Flower × Native Danceryui (FLOWER FLOWER) × Mizobe Ryo (odol)

This is a number that blends Quruli’s “Bara no Hana” and Sakanaction’s “Native Dancer,” used in 2019 for Sotetsu’s Commemorative Movie for the Direct Line to Central Tokyo.

A common thread is that both tracks were remixed by Rei Harakami the year after their release, and that distinctive sense of float, clarity, and rhythm really stands out.

The wintry chill and poignant, expansive scenery of “Native Dancer,” and the fleeting everyday scenes of “Bara no Hana,” meld seamlessly into a single piece.

I’m in awe of the craftsmanship that lets you simply surrender to the beat and savor the comfort.

Mercury × Boogie Back TonightIkeda Tomoko × TENDRE

A mash-up of “Suisei” by tofubeats, released in 2013, and “Konya wa Boogie Back nice vocal” by Kenji Ozawa and Scha Dara Parr, released in 1994.

It also made waves as the song for Suntory’s Horoyoi commercial.

The mellow, danceable groove that gently gets your body swaying and the catchy pop tune are stylishly blended.

The softly soothing, delicate vocals by Chiahi Sato of Kinoko Teikoku and Tomoko Ikeda, formerly of Shiggy Jr., are absolutely irresistible.

Ado “Odo” × asmi “PAKU”Tirorimikkusu

Tilori Mix | Ado “Odo” × asmi “PAKU”
Ado “Odo” × asmi “PAKU”Tirorimikkusu

The song that spread by word of mouth in no time after it played in a McDonald’s commercial is “Tirori Mix.” It’s a mashup that uses the melody that plays when the fries finish frying as its base, combining Ado’s “Odo” and asmi’s “PAKU.” Using the fries-done melody alone makes a big impact, and it’s surprising how two songs with such different vibes harmonize so well.

It’s addictive enough to make you want to listen over and over, so be sure to check it out first.

Hakujitsu × LemonMELOGAPPA

It would be incredibly cool to mash up “Hakujitsu” by King Gnu and “Lemon” by Kenshi Yonezu into a single track [MELOGAPPA]
Hakujitsu × LemonMELOGAPPA

MELOGAPPA is a music duo active mainly on YouTube.

The piece they uploaded that’s been making waves is “Hakujitsu × Lemon.” It’s a mashup of two masterpieces: “Hakujitsu” by King Gnu and “Lemon” by Kenshi Yonezu.

The first half leans more toward “Hakujitsu,” and the latter half reverses that, offering plenty of highlights.

Also pay attention to the video editing, which reflects the lyrics of both songs—the timing of the switches between tracks is especially easy to follow.

BATTLE FUNKASTICHOTEI vs RIP SLYME

FUNKASTIC BATTLE -RIP SLYME vs HOTEI-
BATTLE FUNKASTICHOTEI vs RIP SLYME

Born from the mashup project “MTV TOYOTA,” “BATTLE FUNKASTIC” is a single that combines Tomoyasu Hotei’s “BATTLE WITHOUT HONOR OR HUMANITY” with RIP SLYME’s “FUNKASTIC.” As the collaborative credit “RIP SLYME vs HOTEI” suggests, its appeal lies in a fiercely combative sound that crashes together like a battle.

However, the arrangement builds toward the latter half to create an increasing sense of unity.

Love Song × See You AgainYamashita Ayumu & gb

Ai Uta × See You Again Mashup / gb (GB) & Ayumu Yamashita Cover / GReeeeN × Charlie Puth, Wiz Khalifa
Love Song × See You AgainYamashita Ayumu & gb

Released in 2015 and a worldwide hit, “See You Again” is also well known as a song dedicated to actor Paul Walker, who appeared in the film “Furious 7” and passed away in 2013.

“Ai Uta,” meanwhile, is GReeeeN’s third single, released in 2007, a classic filled with straightforward affection.

Both numbers express unwavering, profound love, and each one’s unique charm comes through clearly.

This mashup showcases the soft, rich vocals of Ayumu Yamashita and gb, slowly soaking into the heart.

Classic MashupRan Ran × Tsuchiya Tao × Soshina

Classical Mashup – Lang Lang / Tao Tsuchiya / Soshina
Classic MashupRan Ran × Tsuchiya Tao × Soshina

A mashup doesn’t have to be limited to just two pieces.

With that in mind, I’d like to introduce the “Classical Mashup.” This is a single track created by pianist Lang Lang, Tao Tsuchiya, and Soshina to commemorate the release of “100 Classics of Rassic.” In it, the three of them each play different classical masterpieces on the piano.

What’s even more astonishing is that 24 pieces are mashed up within about five minutes.

It’s not just combinations—the music keeps changing, offering a curious, ever-shifting listening experience.