[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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- A catchy tune that sounds familiar
- A nostalgic song—a timeless classic that somehow feels familiar and touches the heart.
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[Special Feature on Yo-na-nuki Scales] Hit and classic songs (21–30) that evoke nostalgia and a Japanese vibe using the Yo-na-nuki scale
smileikimonogakari
Ikimono-gakari’s songs also use the yo-na-nuki scale, don’t they? Their catalog ranges from deeply moving ballads to fun, high-energy party tunes, but “Egao,” released in July 2013, is a gentle pop song that somehow puts you at ease.
This kind of tenderness is a hallmark of the yo-na-nuki scale.
Since it was also the theme song for the Pokémon movie, it’s a track the whole family can enjoy.
Dancer in the NightSakanakushon
You can feel the Japanese flavor from the title of Sakanaction’s song “Yoru no Odoriko,” which riffs on “The Izu Dancer.” The opening section carries a nostalgic atmosphere, like an old Japanese children’s song.
At the same time, the track also has a cutting-edge, stylish vibe—no doubt thanks to the beat and the resonance of the synthesizers.
A dance tune built on the yonanuki scale—truly a dancer of the night.
The title and the musical character are perfectly aligned; it’s an unquestionably superb dance track.
Bacchi DancerDOES
Listeners of the rock band DOES have likely felt that vaguely “Japanese” flavor in their music.
This comes from their use of the yo scale (yonanuki) and the Okinawan-style niro-nuki scale.
What’s remarkable is how often they employ these scales across many songs—and turn them into hits.
The yo scale’s catchy, familiar feel combined with their powerful, straightforward performance style—these two elements together form DOES’s identity.
Be sure to check out their other tracks too!
Apply false eyelasheskyarī pamyu pamyu
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s signature song Tsukematsukeru is also a track that uses the yo-nanuki (pentatonic) scale often heard in Yasutaka Nakata’s productions.
True to its status as one of her representative songs, it’s a fun number with a catchy melody that even young children can enjoy singing.
Although it was released in 2012, many people can probably still sing it vividly today.
It may serve as a model for future J-pop songs that make use of the yo-nanuki scale.
Sweetest DevotionAdele
“Sweetest Devotion,” a 2015 release by British singer Adele.
With its beautiful melody, it’s an empowering song that delivers a heartfelt message of love.
The strength of the chorus melody is remarkable, making it a great track to listen to when you’re feeling a bit down and need a push forward.
This song also uses the yo scale (pentatonic without fa and ti), so if you listen with that in mind, it may feel somewhat nostalgic—even though it comes from a foreign land.
Song of the Yoito-makeMiwA Akihiro
Akihiro Miwa’s song “Yoitomake no Uta.” Though it was released in 1966, it was performed at the 2015 Kōhaku Uta Gassen, moving many listeners with Miwa’s intense, soul-stirring acting and vocals.
It’s a masterpiece that draws you in whenever you hear it, and it also employs the yonanuki scale.
While the song’s world is very sad and piercing to the heart, there is a certain strength to it, and it seems that the yonanuki scale may be what makes it feel not only despair but also hope.
Ballerina in Red ShoesMatsuda Seiko
Akai Kutsu no Ballerina (The Ballerina in Red Shoes) is a 1983 release by Seiko Matsuda.
Compared to her other classic hits, it may be a bit less well-known.
Even so, its emotional depth and warm melody easily hold their own, creating a gentle, uplifting feeling.
The lyrics, written from the perspective of an ordinary girl, are particularly appealing.
Though it’s a classic from the Showa era, it’s a song I’d love for girls today to hear.
And above all, because it uses the yonanuki scale (a pentatonic scale without the fourth and seventh), it offers a nostalgic, comforting listening experience!
In conclusion
So far, we’ve introduced songs that use the yo-na-nuki (pentatonic) scale.
They definitely evoke a Japanese-style mood and carry a certain nostalgia that really tugs at the heart.
There are also songs in other parts of Asia and in Western music that use it, which makes me realize just how wide the world of music is.
It also has a comforting atmosphere, so be sure to check it out when you want to relax.