[Instrumental] Great Japanese songs without lyrics—perfect as background music for work
The songs we usually hear in genres like pop, rock, and hip-hop are generally built from electronic-sounding instruments and vocal singing, right?
Some listeners pay attention not only to the overall mood of a track but also to the singer’s voice and the lyrical content.
However, depending on the situation, there are times when you might feel like listening to instrumental tracks without lyrics.
So in this article, we’ll introduce a bunch of recommended lyric-free tracks from Japanese music.
Whether you need BGM to help you focus while studying or working, a soundtrack for your drive, or something to listen to before bed, pick the tracks that best suit your needs.
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[Instrumental] Great Japanese songs without lyrics for work/study BGM! (1–10)
april.#19KASHIWA Daisuke
This is a signature instrumental piece by KASHIWA Daisuke that opens with a beautiful piano melody and unfolds into a complex, grand sonic world interwoven with strings and electronic tones.
It was first included on the remix album “april.#07,” released in April 2007, and later featured on the album “Re:”.
Over its lengthy 8 minutes and 51 seconds, a dynamic structure emerges in which tranquility and intensity intersect, showcasing a genre-transcending sound that fuses electronica, post-rock, and contemporary classical music.
It’s an ideal track for when you want to focus deeply on work or be enveloped by a sweeping soundscape during a drive.
Pushin’STUTS
STUTS is a trackmaker with multifaceted talent, known for participating as an MPC player in Gen Hoshino’s music and producing numerous tracks for TV shows and commercials.
The title track of his 2016 release, “Pushin’,” is an addictive number with a hip-hop-flavored beat.
You’ll get hooked on its funky, bold arrangement.
It’s recommended for listeners who enjoy Western rap as well.
You can also appreciate his meticulous sound design using a sampler.
revanssora
This is one of Sora’s signature instrumental tracks, whose crystalline piano melody and delicate layers of electronic tones create a dreamlike soundscape that gently guides listeners into a calm state of mind.
It samples and reconstructs the jazz standard “My Foolish Heart,” particularly Bill Evans’s piano performance, unfolding a beautiful sonic world where jazz and electronica fuse seamlessly.
First released on the album “re.sort” in September 2003, it gained word-of-mouth popularity despite no tie-ins, and was later included on the 2009 compilation album “Mellow Beats, Friends & Lovers.” Its cool, nostalgic tones evoke summer twilights and seaside resorts, making it perfect not only as BGM for studying or working, but also for relaxing away from the bustle of everyday life or as a companion for a drive.
[Instrumental] Also great as work/study BGM! A collection of classic Japanese songs without lyrics (11–20)
FIRST NOTEUehara Hiromi
This piece performed by the trio JASS in the film BLUE GIANT is a masterpiece with a dynamic structure that weaves together passionate saxophone, powerful drums, and Hiromi Uehara’s outstanding piano performance over a substantial runtime of about 7 minutes and 50 seconds.
While rooted in jazz, it fully showcases Uehara’s signature musicality through a fusion of diverse genres such as classical, rock, and fusion, delivering expressive power that deeply moves listeners even without lyrics.
Included on the film’s original soundtrack released in February 2023, it stands out as one of the most striking works among the 30-plus new compositions Uehara wrote for the project.
It’s great as background music for studying or working, and is also recommended for those who want to feel the depth of jazz or immerse themselves in the film’s world.
Les Enfants du Paradisworld end girlfriend
Inspired by the film Children of Paradise, this track is a signature work by Katsuhiko Maeda that fuses a wide range of genres—rooted in post-rock and electronica, while incorporating classical and noise elements.
Over its extended 7 minutes and 28 seconds, majestic strings, distorted drums, circus-like melodies, and chiptune-style synths intertwine to build a cinematic, dramatic soundscape.
Released in September 2010 as part of the album SEVEN IDIOTS, it was accompanied by an advance music video.
Despite being an instrumental piece, it vividly conveys through music the poetic and theatrical qualities of the film depicting the 19th-century Parisian theater scene.
It’s a perfect choice when you want to focus on work or immerse yourself in a cinematic atmosphere.
Anger Of The EarthNomak
Hip-hop trackmaker Nomak captivates many fans with his jazzy, mellow sound.
The opening track of his 2007 album “Calm” stands out with a medium tempo around 90 BPM, featuring live instruments like piano, flute, and saxophone.
Blending the warmth of live instrumentation with hip-hop beats, this piece is perfect as background music for work—drawing you into a pleasant sonic world without disrupting your focus.
Give it a listen during late-night drives, reading sessions, or any time you want to relax.
Merry Christmas, Mr. LawrenceSakamoto Ryuichi
Ryuichi Sakamoto is a musician who has won awards such as the Academy Award and the Golden Globe and is active on the world stage.
This piece was composed as the main theme for the film Merry Christmas, Mr.
Lawrence.
Its song-like development is striking, carrying an oriental atmosphere and resulting in a sound that is both poignant and edgy.
Precisely because it has no lyrics, the beauty of the melody stands out all the more.
It’s a symphonic number you’ll want to listen to during solitary, lonely moments.