[Instrumental] Great Japanese songs without lyrics—perfect as background music for work

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.
Editor-in-Chief, RAG MUSICHane Keisuke
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. After working in a music studio and handling wedding sound, joined the RAG MUSIC editorial team in 2016. Experienced with a variety of instruments: marching band in elementary school, clarinet in junior high school wind ensemble, and drums in a band from high school onward. Drawing on my own musical activities and the experience gained through my work, I produce daily articles, including various song introductions, features on music festivals around the country, and live reports. In music, I enjoy not only rock from Japan and abroad but, lately, a wide range of J-pop as well.

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.

[Instrumental] Great Japanese songs without lyrics, perfect as work BGM (31–40)

Music that requires neither ideology nor empathy—only sound as a ‘trigger’ that induces auditory hallucinations.te’

te’ / Music as a “cause” that needs neither ideology nor empathy, merely inducing auditory hallucinations. [Official Music Video]

Music that requires neither ideology nor empathy—only sound as a 'trigger' that induces auditory hallucinations.te'

Watch “Music that requires neither ideology nor empathy—only sound as a ‘trigger’ that induces auditory hallucinations.te’” on YouTube

On days when you’re on a long drive or need to focus on studying, you crave instrumental tracks you can listen to without thinking.

te’, a post-rock band, released “Music That Needs Neither Thought Nor Empathy, Serving Only as a Trigger to Induce Auditory Hallucinations” in 2014—a rock number that blows away drowsiness and fatigue.

It’s crafted to sound like you’re listening to a technical studio session.

The ambient atmosphere created by reverb and delay is also striking.

If you’re looking for background music for work, why not add it to your playlist?

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Tufted puffinHakasé Tarō

Taro Hakase - Etupirka (OFFICIAL)

Tufted puffinHakasé Tarō

If you want to feel soothed by a grand, expansive piece, I recommend Etupirka.

This track was released in 2014 by violinist Taro Hakase and was used as the ending theme for the documentary program Jonetsu Tairiku.

Its classical tones evoke images of abundant nature and a beautiful heart.

Precisely because it has no lyrics, you can fully savor the pleasant melodic lines.

Try listening to it when you want to relax quietly, such as before going to sleep.

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In conclusion

We introduced a wide range of lyric-free instrumental tracks, focusing solely on Japanese music. The selection spanned various genres—from rock-style pieces to jazz and hip-hop. Each track had its own distinct vibe. Choose the perfect song to match the situation in which you want to listen to music without lyrics.