[Piano × Guitar] A roundup of perfect songs for sessions

Spring ThiefYorushika

Spring Thief – Yorushika (Cover) Osamuraisan × Kaji × Fukane Yorushika / Spring Thief

A track included on the EP “Creation,” released in January 2021.

It layers cherry blossoms with human life and the spring breeze that scatters them with the passage of time, portraying the inevitability of parting and the beauty of the changing seasons—like a piece of poetry.

In a piano-and-guitar session, the piano’s flowing melody would express the fluctuations of the heart, while the guitar’s delicate picking would evoke the spring breeze and the sparkle of light, resulting in a beautiful performance.

It’s the perfect song for two people who want to immerse themselves in a literary world and take on an emotionally moving session.

Marunouchi SadisticShiina Ringo

[Guitar × Piano] Marunouchi Sadistic / Shiina Ringo

Ringo Sheena’s “Marunouchi Sadistic” is an ideal piece for piano-and-guitar sessions.

Its hallmark is a refined, jazz-like atmosphere.

While faithfully presenting the original melody, adding ad-lib improvisation deepens the song’s character even further.

If you’re not confident with improv, simply adding grace notes or inserting rests can instantly enhance the vibe, making it enjoyable for everyone from beginners to advanced players.

Why not expand the possibilities of your next session with this classic that pairs perfectly with an urban backdrop?

dogwood (flowering dogwood)Hitoto Yo

Hanamizuki Acoustic Guitar × Piano Session

This is a deeply moving masterpiece by Yo Hitoto, imbued with prayers for a loved one.

Released in February 2004, the song’s lyrics are said to convey a strong wish for peace.

It later became the theme song for a film of the same title, capturing the hearts of many alongside its touching story.

The beautiful piano accompaniment, joined by the warm tones of the guitar, allows the universal message—wishing lasting happiness for someone dear—to resonate even more gently.

It’s a perfect piece for those who want to perform with heartfelt emotion while thinking of someone special.

SpainChick Corea

Spain (Spain) Chick Corea (Chick Corea) Hiroyuki Tsutsui (gt) × Yuka Yanagihara (pf)

This piece is striking for its dramatic structure, shifting from the graceful melody of Joaquín Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez to a passionate Latin rhythm.

Led by Chick Corea, the band Return to Forever released it on the 1972 album Light as a Feather.

In Japan, it has been used as a news program theme and in commercials, and is widely loved as an instrumental tune.

Performed on piano and guitar, it would become a thrilling session where wistfulness and passion intertwine.

Tears Flowing EndlesslyNatsukawa Rimi

“Nada Sousou” Acoustic Guitar × Piano Session

The lyrics, said to have been written for the singer’s late older brother, make this a moving work that strikes a chord with listeners.

It became widely known when Rimi Natsukawa, who has a background as an enka singer, performed it in 2001.

Her clear, pure voice melds with the gentle, nostalgic melody to evoke deep emotion.

The song was even adapted into a film in 2006.

Supported by the soft harmonies of the piano and highlighted by the guitar’s delicate arpeggios that accentuate its poignancy, it’s truly a piece made for sessions.

It’s perfect for those who want to express their feelings for someone dear through music and perform in a way that gently stays close to the heart.

Zankyo SankaAimer

[Piano & Guitar] Zankyo Sanka / Aimer - I tried playing it

This is a song by Aimer that drew widespread attention as the opening theme for the TV anime Demon Slayer: Entertainment District Arc and dominated the charts.

Its jazzy, intense sound, which reflects both the splendor and the shadows of the red-light district, leaves a powerful impression.

Don’t you think a piano-and-guitar session could express its worldview even more dramatically—turning past pain into strength and defying fate? With the piano supporting the narrative foundation through dramatic harmonies and the guitar delivering sharp, passionate melodies, it would become a breathless, thrilling performance.

It’s perfect for those who want to enjoy a fiery session where techniques clash head-on.

Merry Christmas Mr. LawrenceSakamoto Ryuichi

Goosebumps! We tried a one-take, no serious rehearsal performance of “Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence” with that legendary guitarist — a collaboration with Kotaro Oshio

A piano and guitar session is an unusual combination, but the harmony between the two instruments captivates listeners.

Among such pieces, I especially recommend Ryuichi Sakamoto’s “Merry Christmas Mr.

Lawrence.” Its graceful melody can be expressed even more richly through the collaboration of both instruments.

While honoring the song’s unique atmosphere, enjoy the interplay between guitar and piano as you take in the unparalleled talent and originality of Ryuichi Sakamoto, a composer Japan proudly shares with the world.