Here are some of the best and most popular Japanese instrumental songs that represent Japan.
There is a wide variety of instrumental music, including solo guitar, piano, band, and jazz.
There are probably many people who don’t know what to listen to.
If you’re not sure what to listen to, we’re sure you’ll find something you like!
Nakata, Yasutaka – Liar Game
“Liar Game” is a song by Yasutaka Nakata, who is known for producing Kyary Pamyu Pamyu and Perfume, and who is also known as a genius.
As the title suggests, this is the song known as “Liar Game,” which was popular in TV dramas and movies.
Kitaro – Silkroad
Mr. Kitaro is the first Japanese synthesizer player to win a Grammy Award.
He is the first Japanese synthesizer player to win a Grammy Award.
The ethnic and harmonious sound of this song will immerse you in an oriental mood.
Sugiyama, Kouichi – Dragon Quest
The theme song of Dragon Quest, a very popular game software in Japan. Outside of Japan, the song is sold under the title “Dragon Warrior”.
This song was played at the beginning of the entrance music for the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics 2020.
The magnificent music, which foreshadows a grand adventure, is sure to draw in even those who do not know classical music.
Matsumoto, Takahiro – #1090 -Thousand Dreams-
This is a song by Takahiro Matsumoto, the guitarist of B’z, a rock unit that has made its mark on the Japanese rock scene.
The song has been used as the theme song for the Japanese TV program “Music Station” for about 20 years and is still used today.
With its catchy melody, rhythmic cutting, and high-level fast playing, you can enjoy Takahiro Matsumoto’s guitar technique to the fullest.
This is a milestone guitar instrumental number that has yet to fade away.
Hisaishi, Joe – Summer
This song is famous as the theme song for the movie “The Summer of Kikujiro” directed by Takeshi Kitano.
The song has a refreshing melody that reminds you of a summer day, and the open-hearted sound is very pleasant to the ear.
The song has been used in various TV programs and commercials.
Joe Hisaishi is known for his work on the music for Studio Ghibli’s movies (such as “Princess Mononoke”), which are also known overseas.
T-SQUARE – TRUTH
This is a song by the instrumental band T-SQUARE, which calls itself a pop instrumental band and is known as one of the leading jazz fusion bands in Japan because of its high-level performance skills.
The arrangement with the trademark saxophone and wind synthesizer in the foreground, and the tense and speedy tune are sure to get anyone excited.
Hakase, Taro – Jounetsu Tairiku
This is the main theme of the TV program “Jounetsu Tairiku”, which focuses on the lives of people active in various industries.
*Jonetsu = Passion, Tairiku = Continent
The melody, which conveys the passion and feelings of the person, is expressed with a hot Latin beat and an extended violin tone.
It is one of Taro Hakase’s most famous songs.
Yellow Magic Orchestra – RYDEEN
This is a music unit that focused on techno from the time of its inception, when the world was opening its eyes to it, and introduced it as a culture from Japan.
This song, released in 1979, may sound cheap now, but it was the most advanced sound of its time.
Sakamoto, Ryuichi – Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence
Ryuichi Sakamoto, who became famous for his work with YMO(Yellow Magic Orchestra), has since produced original and innovative works as a solo artist.
This song, which was used as the theme song for the movie “Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence” directed by Nagisa Oshima, has an impressive single note and a somehow sad melody that sounds like the snow falling on Christmas.
As a side note, Takeshi Kitano, who I mentioned earlier, appears in this movie.
Hotei, Tomoyasu – Black Ships
Torayasu Hotei is the great guitarist of BOOWY, which exploded in popularity in Japan in the 80’s.
He performed at the closing ceremony of the Tokyo Paralympics. He also played at the closing ceremony of the Atlanta Olympics.
He provided the song “Battle Without Honor or Humanity” for Quentin Tarantino’s movie “Kill Bill”, which is also famous as the theme song for the movie.
In this live video, he plays the main phrase of “Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence”, which I mentioned earlier.
Sawano, Hiroyuki – UNICORN
This is an orchestral piece written for the anime Mobile Suit Gundam UC.
The composer, Hiroyuki Sawano, mainly composes game and anime music, but this song is dramatic due to the weight of the orchestra and chorus.
Uehara, Hiromi – Voice
Hiromi Uehara is a jazz pianist who performs outside Japan under the name “Hiromi”.
She graduated from Berklee College of Music with a B.A. in Jazz Composition and won the 53rd Grammy Award for “Best Contemporary Jazz Album”.
She is one of the most energetic and active Japanese jazz players in the world.
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