[Special Feature on the Yo-na-nuki Scale] Hit Songs and Classics That Evoke Nostalgia and a Sense of Wa (Japanese Aesthetics)
The “yo-na-nuki” scale evokes quintessential Japanese sentiment and harmony.
The yo-na-nuki scale is a five-note scale that omits the fourth and seventh degrees, and it spread during the Meiji era as a stepping stone to familiarize people with Western music.
Despite its long history, this scale actually appears in music close to us—from massive hits everyone knows to the latest J-pop! In this article, we’ll introduce famous songs that use the yo-na-nuki scale effectively.
That song that feels somehow nostalgic, the one that draws you into its wistful atmosphere… The secret might just lie in the scale!
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[Feature on the Yonanuki Scale] Hit Songs and Classics Using the Nostalgic, Japanese-evoking Yonanuki Scale (1–10)
fireworks (launched into the sky)DAOKO × Yonezu Kenshi
A song released under the dual billing of female singer DAOKO and singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu.
Chosen as the theme song for the film “Fireworks, Should We See It from the Side or the Bottom?”, it’s a number whose lyrics evoke both the liberating feel of summer and a touch of melancholy, while the chorus’s Japanese-flavored melody—built on the yo scale—conjures vivid imagery.
The contrast between the A and B sections, set to piano and acoustic guitar using a standard scale, and the chorus that soars with a yo-scale melody leaves a strong impression on listeners.
It’s a track that reaffirms the high compatibility between traditional Japanese melodic sensibilities and contemporary music.
Come, spring.Matsutōya Yumi
This is the 26th single by singer-songwriter Yumi Matsutoya, known not only for her own musical activities but also for providing songs to numerous artists.
The track has been featured in multiple commercials and has been widely covered by other musicians.
Although it was originally conceived with an ethnic flavor, it ultimately took its current form under the arrangement of Masataka Matsutoya.
While the idea of an ethnically tinged version is intriguing, the finished song pairs vividly descriptive lyrics with a Japanese feel created by the yonanuki (pentatonic) scale, making it a piece that beautifully colors Japan’s spring.
Its poignant melody, perfect for the season of meetings and partings, resonates deeply with the heart.
SenbonzakuraHowaitoFureimu feat. Hatsune Miku
Starting with Hatsune Miku’s VOCALOID version, “Senbonzakura” has been covered and performed by many musicians.
In particular, Sachiko Kobayashi’s performance at the 2015 Kōhaku Uta Gassen likely left a strong impression.
Beyond that, the song has also been used in collaborations with traditional Japanese performing arts such as kabuki and rakugo, showcasing its success across boundaries.
A major factor, it seems, is that despite being an intense, up-tempo VOCALOID track, it employs the yonanuki (pentatonic) scale, aligning closely with Japanese musical culture.
[Special Feature on Yonanuki Scale] Hit and Classic Songs (11–20) That Evoke Nostalgia and a Sense of Japanese Aesthetics
paprikaYonezu Kenshi
A song by singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu, a self-cover of the track he provided to the children’s music unit Foorin.
Compared to Foorin’s version—which sparked a social phenomenon with dance videos posted on social media by people of all ages—the self-cover brings a calmer atmosphere to the forefront, making the pentatonic melody used in the chorus stand out even more.
The strong support from many listeners may be because the traditional Japanese melodic sensibility, etched into the DNA of the Japanese people, resonated in their hearts.
It’s a number essential to today’s music scene, fusing nostalgia with modern freshness.
Make you happyNiziU
A song included on the pre-debut digital mini-album of NiziU, the nine-member girl group formed through the Japan–Korea joint global audition project “Nizi Project.” The “jump-rope dance” showcased in the song became a hot topic, and dance videos by many listeners—including celebrities—spread across social media platforms like TikTok, turning the track into a social phenomenon.
At first listen it gives off a K-pop vibe, but its melody actually uses the yonanuki (pentatonic) scale, which creates a subtly nostalgic atmosphere.
By fusing refined K-pop with Japan’s distinctive yonanuki scale, it’s a number that perfectly suits a Japan–Korea joint project.
Island SongTHE BOOM
THE BOOM’s song “Shima Uta” is characterized by a distinctive melodic line that symbolizes Okinawan music.
In fact, this piece is composed using the “niro-nuki scale,” which is similar to the yonanuki scale.
In the standard do-re-mi-fa-so-la-ti-do, “yona” omits the 4th and 7th degrees (“fa” and “ti”), whereas “niro” omits the 2nd and 6th degrees (“re” and “la”).
This creates a traditional Okinawan scale and expresses a uniquely Okinawan flavor.
Although it’s a very uncommon scale, if you like Okinawan music, focusing on this aspect while listening can be a fun point of interest!
Words are triangular, hearts are square.kururi
The song “Kotoba wa Sankaku Kokoro wa Shikaku” by the rock band Quruli is memorable for its gentle, somehow comforting melody.
It’s a classic track from their 2007 album and is highly regarded by Quruli fans.
This song also uses the yonanuki scale.
Quruli often employ unusual scales and tunings in their music, and this track is another fine example of Shigeru Kishida’s craftsmanship.
It’s a living, breathing piece that conveys the sense of place and emotional nuance that Quruli evoke so well.