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A wonderful, moving song

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.

Recommendations for comfortable, mellow songs that transcend the boundary between Japanese and Western music (11–20)

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

Ryuichi Sakamoto – Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence
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

Hanaregumi – Deep Breath [Music Video Short ver.]
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

Tempalay "The Night Before the Revolution" (Official Video)
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 – My Way【Official Music Video】
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.