Recommendations for mellow, feel-good songs that transcend the boundary between Japanese and Western music
A collection of mellow tracks.
What kind of songs do you like?
The kind you can enjoy while driving at night, or ones that make the time you spend slowly with someone special feel even more wonderful…
They’re also great as background music to elevate the atmosphere of a setting.
You might associate mellow songs more with Western music, but there are plenty in Japanese music too!
Here, I’ll carefully select and introduce recommendations—both Western and Japanese—of mellow tracks that enhance the mood and make you feel at ease when you listen.
- [Emotional Track] Stylish night songs to listen to at night
- A selection of stylish tracks: those catchy songs you hear on the street
- [Classic and Contemporary Hits] Emotionally Stirring, Heart-Touching Songs
- A nostalgic song—a timeless classic that somehow feels familiar and touches the heart.
- A gentle song. A classic that calms the heart. A song that makes you feel kind.
- Songs to brighten up your car interior! Recommended driving tracks for the Yutori generation
- The lyrics are profoundly good. The more you listen, the more it sinks in. Masterpieces of Japanese music, recommended popular songs.
- Today's recommended ballads: A carefully curated selection of heartwarming, gem-like masterpieces!
- A beautiful Japanese song that purifies the heart. A highly recommended classic.
- For When You Want to Get Sentimental: Classic Japanese Songs Overflowing with a Melancholic Atmosphere
- A song with gentle lyrics that warm the heart
- [2026] Introducing Recommended Classic J-Pop/Nihon Music Medley Videos!
- Beautiful Melodies: A Collection of Masterpieces and Moving Piano Songs
Recommendations for comfortable, mellow songs that transcend the boundary between Japanese and Western music (11–20)
202 feat. Izumi Makuraraburii samaa chan
“202 feat.
Izumi Makura” beautifully blends a cute vibe with a mellow atmosphere.
The wonderfully languid vocal style perfectly brings out both sweetness and sensuality.
It’s a melody that’s ideal for a nighttime drive date.
The lyrics have a delightfully bittersweet touch too, so be sure to check them out.
Love Will Conquer AllLionel Richie
When it comes to quintessential male soul singers from the home of soul music, the United States, Lionel Richie is the standout.
His romantic vocals were hugely popular in Japan as well.
Among his songs, “Love Will Conquer All” is one of the mellowest.
It’s a classic that’s perfect for listening to during a romantic drive.
Merry Christmas Mr LawrenceRyuichi Sakamoto
This “Merry Christmas Mr.
Lawrence” is one of Ryuichi Sakamoto’s signature pieces.
I imagine many people have heard it.
The melody is heartbreakingly beautiful yet somehow noble—immensely sophisticated.
It’s also incredibly immersive, so if you want to dive deeply into music, be sure to give it a listen.
deep breathHanaregumi
Everyone knows Hanaregumi.
He’s one of the most famous artists in the mellow genre.
His song “Shinkokyuu” has a relatively pop-leaning melody compared to his other tracks.
It’s very easy to listen to, so I can recommend it even to those who aren’t into unconventional songs.
It’s a calming track—definitely give it a listen.
The eve of revolutionTempalay
This track, which carries a hint of Western indie rock influence, is “Kakumei Zen’ya” by the Tokyo-based three-piece band Tampalay.
The playful sounds sprinkled throughout pair exquisitely with the mellow composition.
It’s a song that also evokes a certain sense of nostalgia.
MywayDef Tech
Def Tech is a vocal duo that’s extremely popular among surfers.
The reason for their popularity lies in their musical style.
All of Def Tech’s songs are crafted with a refreshing, summery vibe.
Their track “My Way” is a summer song that adds a mellow atmosphere to that signature feel.
Recommendations for comfortable, mellow songs that transcend the boundary between Japanese and Western music (21–30)
On the ShoreDef Tech
Released in May 2025 as the lead single from the album “4ELEMENTS,” which commemorates their 20th anniversary.
Its gentle melody blends with a very soft sonic texture to create a soothing atmosphere.
While rooted in Def Tech’s signature Jawaiian Reggae style, it feels more refined than ever.
The lyrics, which emphasize the importance of accepting yourself as you are, are also striking.
It might give you the strength to start moving forward again when you’re worn out from work or relationships.
In conclusion
For those who are well-versed, many of the songs may have been familiar, but perhaps there were some you discovered for the first time as well.
With the popularity of city pop, I think you can enjoy everything from high-quality mellow vibes to tracks so smooth they might make you melt.
Be sure to find your favorite mellow numbers and enjoy a chill time.