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: 10 classic J-POP and Japanese tracks where the mood and impression shift naturally (41–50)
New EraAdo
Ado’s “New Genesis (Uta from ONE PIECE FILM RED)” is another cool song that uses key changes effectively.
The intro starts in G major, then modulates to E minor—the relative minor of G major—during the A section.
Because relative keys share the same number of sharps, it doesn’t feel like a dramatic shift; instead, it works as a subtle accent that doesn’t disrupt the song’s natural flow.
By the way, when you’re covering a song, modulating to a relative key is easier to play since the key signature doesn’t change, so it’s a great recommendation for beginners who want to try playing a song with modulation.
A Fateful EncounterCHAGE and ASKA
Released in 1994 as CHAGE and ASKA’s 36th single.
It was used as the theme song for the Fuji TV Monday 9 p.m.
drama “Imōto yo” (“My Little Sister”), and the song was inspired by the plot and title of the 1957 film An Affair to Remember.
It topped the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and became a million seller.
The key change in the middle of the song is especially pleasing.
Things that have formShibasaki Kou
In addition to her work as an actress, Ko Shibasaki began her career as a recording artist after playing a singer in the film “Yomigaeri.” You could say she’s one of the leading examples of an artist who found great success after starting out as an actress.
From her catalog, the song I recommend for its satisfying key change is “Katachi Aru Mono.” It modulates right before the chorus; because the key change happens just before the transition from the B-melody to the chorus, the flow is extremely smooth.
Be sure to check it out.
Just the two of usRADWIMPS
Released in May 2006, this is RADWIMPS’ third major-label single and sixth single overall.
In this song, the key changes starting from the first chorus (around 1:34), then returns to the original key from the second chorus—a modulation used to make the chorus stand out more.
While many hit songs up through the ’90s only modulated for the final chorus, since the 2000s there’s been a rise in songs that use these slightly more technical modulations, which really feels like an evolution in J-pop.
The arrangement that highlights the chorus without feeling unnatural is superb.
Ponytail and ScrunchieAKB48
This is the 16th major single by the Japanese female idol group AKB48, released in May 2010.
Lyrics by Yasushi Akimoto, music by Shinya Oda.
Idol songs may have a reputation for being “simple and straightforward,” but the modulation techniques used in this track are quite intricate and very skillful.
It might be out of place to go into overly technical details here, so I’ll refrain, but within this song, rather than abrupt, scene-changing shifts, it achieves very smooth, natural-sounding modulations through the use of carefully crafted chord progressions.
If you’re interested, try searching for the chord sheet.
SaudadePorunogurafiti
Pornograffitti left a striking mark on the Japanese music scene with their passionate rock sound infused with Latin elements.
Among their work, this fourth single, released in September 2000, is indispensable.
Set to Latin rhythms, the lyrics—written in a woman’s voice about an unbreakable attachment to a past love—pierce deeply into the listener’s heart.
The dramatic development from the pre-chorus to the chorus, along with key changes that color the entire track, are superb arrangements that further highlight both the yearning and the passion.
The song was also featured in a commercial for Otsuka Pharmaceutical’s Pocari Sweat and served as the theme for TBS’s drama “Wonderful,” and it was included on the album “foo?”.
On nights when you want to overcome the pain of heartbreak, or when you want to release the emotions buried deep inside, this track is sure to be there by your side.
Hello, Again ~A Place That’s Been There Since Long Ago~My Little Lover
This song, with its strikingly memorable chorus, is “Hello, Again ~A Place Long Ago~,” released in 1995 by My Little Lover, known to fans as “Maira-ba.” Its popularity was reignited when JUJU released a cover.
While the intro, verse, and pre-chorus are bright, the chorus takes on a more serious mood—this is where the key changes.
That modulation adds significant movement to the piece, resulting in a dramatic work.
