Songs with satisfying key changes: classic J-POP and Japanese tracks where the mood and impression shift naturally
There’s a technique called “modulation” that’s used when you want to dramatically change a song’s scene or mood partway through.
If we were to explain modulation in depth, it would be enough to fill an entire music theory book, so I’ll skip the details here.
The most common pattern is raising the key for the final chorus to heighten the excitement.
There are also songs that, for example, modulate only in the pre-chorus to catch the listener off guard, as well as songs that skillfully modulate repeatedly while still sounding natural, using subtle modulation techniques.
This time, I’ve picked out a few songs where the modulations feel particularly pleasing or are especially well crafted.
If this article sparks your interest in modulation, please explore further by searching online.
Understanding how songs are put together will surely open up a whole new way to enjoy music!
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Songs with satisfying key changes: Iconic J-pop and Japanese tracks where the mood and impression shift naturally (31–40)
single-minded; wholehearted; devoted; earnestKing Gnu
This is King Gnu’s fourth CD single, released on December 29, 2021.
It was selected as the theme song for the animated film Jujutsu Kaisen 0, which premiered in theaters on December 24, 2021.
The song features an upbeat rhythm with pleasantly crisp guitar cutting.
In the chorus, it employs a key-raising chord arrangement that adds a more dramatic flair to the track.
It’s also noteworthy that after the second chorus, there’s a bridge that hints at a slightly more major-sounding development—an interesting structural choice.
If you’re in a band, I think you’ll gain a lot by trying to cover this song!
YesterdayOfisharu Higedan Dism
Released in September 2019, this Official HIGE DANDism track was also chosen as the theme song for the film HELLO WORLD.
Official HIGE DANDism often creates songs with very stylish arrangements, and in this piece, they achieve a refined sense of “sophistication” by modulating in the B section from F-sharp major to F minor—a parallel-key modulation.
The shift is so smooth that some listeners might not even notice it.
While this might deviate slightly from the main focus of this article, I chose this song to illustrate that modulation isn’t only about sudden, striking changes.
This kind of modulation is fascinating, too.
broad daylightKing Gnu
A massive hit by King Gnu, released in February 2019.
The modulation technique used in this song is the quintessential J-pop move: the key goes up by a half step for the final chorus.
While King Gnu has many distinctive and very cool tracks, their willingness to embrace classic patterns like this is likely a major reason they can keep producing hits.
It’s a great example of a song where you can enjoy the balance between innovation and tried-and-true techniques.
Brilliant RainKing Gnu
King Gnu’s “Ame Sansan” makes effective use of modulation to the parallel key.
The song starts in G minor and, in a simple structure, modulates to the parallel key of B-flat major for the chorus, giving you that exhilarating feeling as the scenery shifts from a mysterious intro to a suddenly clear, refreshing sky.
The melody is also cleverly crafted, featuring quite large intervallic leaps.
If you plan to sing it at karaoke, it might be best to practice by hitting each note accurately one by one before the actual performance.
Love so sweetarashi
Arashi’s 18th single, released in February 2007.
The modulation pattern in this song is the so-called “chorus-only modulation,” but what’s interesting is that, unlike the common approach where the key goes up by a semitone or whole tone in the final chorus or its repeat, this song raises the key from the very first chorus.
Then, starting from the second verse, it returns to the original key, which is another intriguing twist.
Alongside the lyrics, this technique gives the song a sense of anticipation—the composer’s idea here is brilliant!
Songs with satisfying key changes: 10 classic J-POP and Japanese tracks where the mood and impression shift naturally (41–50)
Dan Dan Kokoro HikaretekuFIELD OF VIEW
FIELD OF VIEW’s song “DAN DAN Kokoro Hikareteku,” which gained nationwide popularity as the theme song for the hit anime Dragon Ball GT, features some of the most seamless key changes in J‑pop history.
It modulates from the chorus to verse A and from verse A to verse B, but because the progression involves chords like C and Cm or D#, many listeners don’t even notice the modulation.
Composed by ZARD, the track is exceptionally catchy—be sure to give it a listen.
My RevolutionWatanabe Misato
A signature song by Misato Watanabe, released in 1986.
That sparkling intro grabs you right away.
The lyrics sing of living strongly and true to yourself.
With a key change that actually drops from the high pre-chorus into the chorus to make it easier to sing, and an uncommon structure for the time that weaves in three downward key changes in the chorus, it left listeners with a fresh impact.
Some say the birth of this song sparked the rise of frequent key changes in J-pop.
Beyond the charm of those modulations, Omura’s superb arrangement is another highlight.
With its beautiful tones and Misato’s soaring vocals, it’s a classic that leaves a bittersweet yet radiant impression.
