[Special Feature on the Yo-na-nuki Scale] Hit Songs and Classics That Evoke Nostalgia and a Sense of Wa (Japanese Aesthetics)
Songs that use the “yo-na-nuki” pentatonic scale, which evokes a distinctly Japanese mood and sense of harmony.
There are so many classic tunes like that all around us!
From massive hits everyone knows to timeless masterpieces passed down through generations.
The yo-na-nuki scale is a five-note scale that omits the 4th and 7th degrees.
It was advocated by Shūji Izawa, an educator from the Meiji era, and spread as a stepping stone to familiarize people with Western music.
It’s widely used in everything from children’s songs and enka to modern J-pop.
Many people probably find themselves soothed by that somewhat nostalgic, old-timey feeling it brings.
Here, we’ll carefully select and introduce famous songs that use the yo-na-nuki scale, including some newer tracks!
Let’s dive into the world of the yo-na-nuki scale!
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[Feature on the Yonanuki Scale] Hit Songs and Classics Using the Nostalgic, Japanese-evoking Yonanuki Scale (1–10)
motion sickness from proximitywanuka
A song by Wanuka, a current university student singer-songwriter who suddenly appeared on SNS like TikTok and YouTube and quickly gained popularity.
With its addictive shuffle beat and pentatonic “yo” scale, the song has a unique melody and atmosphere that makes you want to sway as you listen.
The sensual lyrics and the melody using the traditional Japanese yo scale conjure vivid scenes and pull you into its world.
It also has a pleasantly folk-like resonance—a tune that lingers in the ears of Japanese listeners.
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.
[Special Feature on Yonanuki Scale] Hit and Classic Songs (11–20) That Evoke Nostalgia and a Sense of Japanese Aesthetics
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.
laser beamPerfume
“Laser Beam” by the three-member dance-vocal group Perfume.
From the title and overall vibe, this song might not immediately feel traditional or nostalgic.
However, it also uses the yo-na-nuki scale as a subtle ingredient.
Composed by Yasutaka Nakata, it features his signature use of the yo-na-nuki scale.
While poppy and danceable, the melody is soothing and settles gently in the heart—a masterpiece that makes superb use of the yo-na-nuki scale.
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!
Cotton HandkerchiefŌta Hiromi
Hiromi Ohta’s signature 1975 release “Momen no Handkerchief” was created by the ultimate duo: music by Kyohei Tsutsumi and lyrics by Takashi Matsumoto.
From the very first line it’s wonderfully refreshing—one of the purest and most genuinely great songs in Japanese pop.
Its breezy melody uses the yo-nanuki (pentatonic) scale, delivering a catchy, familiar tune you can sing along to after just one listen.
It’s the kind of song that makes you want to sing with it every time you hear it.