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[Recommended] Compilation albums of Japanese music: overview of CDs
For example, an album that brings together songs around a specific theme—like “youth” or “romance”—is called an omnibus CD.
In some cases, it’s also referred to as a compilation album.
Even if the performing artists are different, the songs share a cohesive feel, so you can keep listening to music that matches your mood—that’s the appeal.
There are also collections of hits by decade, as well as ones organized by genre, such as rock or R&B.
In this article, I’ll introduce some recommended omnibus CDs.
It’s definitely worth a look for anyone searching for event background music, too!
[Recommended] Compilation of Japanese music omnibus albums/CDs (1–10)
Song of Ai
This is a compilation album collecting love songs you’ll want to give to the most important person in your life.
Released in December 2007, it includes tracks like GReeeeN’s “Ai Uta,” which sings honestly about feelings for someone you love, and SoulJa’s “Koko ni Iru yo feat.
Thelma Aoyama,” where gentle feelings for a beloved person are expressed through laid-back rap and warm vocals.
Brimming with the warmth of love, all 15 tracks are timeless classics that continue to be cherished across generations.
Why not listen while reliving your own memories—overlaying the bittersweetness of first love or the loneliness of long distance with the feelings you had back then?
Drama and Tears: Nostalgic Memories and the Songs of Those Days
This is a compilation album featuring hit songs from TV dramas that aired mainly in the 1990s and 2000s.
It includes many tracks that left a powerful impression as drama theme or insert songs, such as LUNA SEA’s “I for You” and Remioromen’s “Konayuki.” Just hearing these songs may bring back vivid scenes from the dramas and even move some listeners to tears.
The album cover features an illustration by Fumi Saimon, a manga artist and essayist who created the original works for numerous dramas from the same era.
Climax Anime Hits
This is a compilation album that brings together anime songs that lit up the anime scene of the 1990s and 2000s.
Anime and manga, beloved worldwide as emblematic aspects of Japanese culture, have also spawned music that enjoys popularity both in Japan and abroad.
The tracklist is packed with major hits like JUDY AND MARY’s “Sobakasu” and ORANGE RANGE’s “*~Asterisk~.” Even if you’re not an anime fan, you might find your spirits lifting as you listen.
BEST SUMMER
Released in July 2009, this compilation album brings together 34 powerful J-pop hits to blow away the summer slump.
The tracklist includes Whiteberry’s “Natsu Matsuri” and Tamio Okuda’s “Easy Rider,” among others.
It’s packed with songs that make you want to dance under the summer sun and high-energy tracks that’ll have you rolling down the car windows and cruising along the midsummer coastline.
Every song will have listeners of all generations saying, “When it comes to summer, it’s gotta be this track!”
HOLIDAY tunes ~ Outing Mode
This is a 34-track compilation album that will make your day-off outings even more exciting.
It features J-POP hits released from the late 1990s to the early 2000s.
Packed with upbeat tracks that lift your spirits the moment you hear them—like Ken Hirai’s “POP STAR” and Tomoyasu Hotei’s “Bambina.” And if you’re humming along amid lush scenery, how about Noriyuki Makihara’s “Far Away ~’06 Version”?
JR SKISKI 30th Anniversary COLLECTION
“JR SKISKI” is a ski travel campaign that JR East has run every winter since 1991.
This omnibus album was produced in 2021 to commemorate the 30th anniversary, compiling past commercial theme songs.
The commercials have long been a beloved winter tradition.
Many people have probably felt their hearts skip a beat at the sight of popular young actresses smiling in ski wear.
Featuring tracks like GLAY’s “Winter, again” and back number’s “Heroine,” this lavish album brings together songs that have become staples of the winter season.
Climax J-Rock History
This is a compilation album featuring rock hit songs from the 1980s to the 1990s.
The 1980s, often called the golden age of rock, saw a surge in the Western rock scene, and Japan carried that momentum forward with various movements like the band boom and the visual kei boom.
The tracks include Pink Spider by hide with Spread Beaver, ff (Fortissimo) by HOUND DOG, and more.
Why not listen to these passionate rock classics and bask in the memories of those days—maybe even the slightly mischievous ones?