17 Best Japanese Songs on Spotify: Japanese Hits on Spotify

Embark on a sonic adventure through Japan’s rich musical tapestry with Spotify. From the enchanting traditional tunes to the futuristic beats of J-pop, Japan’s music scene is a treasure trove of diversity.

We’ve curated 17 must-listen Japanese songs available on Spotify that will transport you to the heart of the Land of the Rising Sun through melody and rhythm.

Here are the best Japanese songs on Spotify that you can check out:

List Of Best Japanese Songs on Spotify

Best japanese Songs on Spotify in a list format:

1. “Lemon” by Kenshi Yonezu

From the album “BOOTLEG”, Kenshi Yonezu’s “Lemon” is an emotional ballad that showcases his expressive vocal range. This song, with its haunting lyrics and catchy melody, became a hit across Japan and has maintained its popularity for years.

2. “Pretender” by Official HIGE DANDism

This poignant track from “Traveler” displays Official HIGE DANDism’s trademark blend of pop, rock, and jazz. “Pretender” has an incredibly infectious tune, coupled with deep, thought-provoking lyrics that resonate with listeners.

3. “Koi” by Gen Hoshino

A pop anthem that took Japan by storm, “Koi” is from Gen Hoshino’s album “YELLOW DANCER”. The song is known for its upbeat rhythm and joyful tone. Its catchy dance routine in the music video also became viral!

4. “Gurenge” by LiSA

This power-packed track is from the album “LADYBUG”. Known as the theme song of the popular anime series, “Demon Slayer”, “Gurenge” by LiSA showcases her powerful vocals against a backdrop of rock instrumentation.

5. “Blue Bird” by Ikimono Gakari

From the album “My Song Your Song”, “Blue Bird” became popular as one of the opening themes for the anime “Naruto Shippuden”. It’s a beautifully crafted song that brings out Ikimono Gakari’s signature pop-rock sound.

6. “TT -Japanese ver.” by Twice

A standout track from the album “#TWICE”, “TT -Japanese ver.” is an earworm that beautifully combines K-pop and J-pop sensibilities. Twice’s strong vocals and engaging rhythm make this a must-listen.

7. “Uchiage Hanabi” by Daoko and Kenshi Yonezu

This beautifully crafted duet from the album “THANK YOU BLUE” is a perfect blend of Daoko’s unique vocal color and Yonezu’s melodic artistry. It’s a bittersweet ballad that accompanies the anime film of the same name.

8. “Heavy Rotation” by AKB48

From the album “Koko ni Ita Koto”, “Heavy Rotation” is a staple J-pop track. The song is filled with fun, catchy melodies that showcase the vibrant energy AKB48 brings to the stage.

9. “Hikarunara” by Goose house

A beautiful track from the album “Milk”, “Hikarunara” is known for its uplifting melody and touching lyrics. It’s also famous as the theme song for the anime series “Your Lie in April”.

10. “Paprika” by Foorin

This is a feel-good song from the album “Paprika”. Produced by Kenshi Yonezu, this track became a nationwide sensation in Japan. Its cheerful melody and inspiring lyrics are enough to put anyone in a good mood.

11. “Nandemonaiya” by RADWIMPS

This beautiful ballad from the album “Your Name.” perfectly captures the poignant story of the hit anime movie. RADWIMPS’ emotive lyrics and melodic instrumentals make this song an unforgettable listen.

12. “Ambivalent” by Keyakizaka46

From the album “Hashiridasu Shunkan”, “Ambivalent” stands out with its high-energy performance and distinct J-pop style. Keyakizaka46’s strong vocals and synchronized dance make this a captivating track.

13. “Flamingo” by Kenshi Yonezu

Another gem from “BOOTLEG”, “Flamingo” is a creative blend of unique beats and striking lyrics. This song shows Yonezu’s ability to experiment with different music styles.

14. “Silhouette” by KANA-BOON

Featured in the album “TIME”, “Silhouette” is a high-energy rock song that serves as one of the opening themes for “Naruto Shippuden”. KANA-BOON’s dynamic rhythm and infectious hooks make this track a fan-favorite.

15. “Inferno” by Mrs. GREEN APPLE

From the album “Attitude”, this song is a perfect combination of rock and pop. Known as the opening theme for the anime “Fire Force”, “Inferno” shows the band’s excellent musicianship and dynamic performance.

16. “Sakura Nagashi” by Hikaru Utada

This emotional ballad from the album “Fantôme” is a testament to Utada’s vocal prowess and songwriting skills. It served as the theme song for “Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo”, adding depth and emotion to the film.

17. “Marigold” by Aimyon

Aimyon’s distinctive voice shines in “Marigold”, a track from her album “Shunkanteki Sixth Sense”. This song has a soothing melody that’s beautifully combined with her heartfelt lyrics, making it a hit in Japan.

Fun Facts: Best Japanese Tracks on Spotify

“Lemon” by Kenshi Yonezu

Kenshi Yonezu’s “Lemon” is one of the biggest hits in the history of Japanese pop music. Did you know it was the first Japanese song ever to achieve 500 million streams on Spotify? Also, it’s the theme song for the TV drama series “Unnatural.”

“Pretender” by Official HIGE DANDism

Official HIGE DANDism is known for their fusion of pop, rock, and jazz. An interesting fact is that the band’s peculiar name is a pun on “beard” and “dandyism”, with each member sporting a different style of facial hair.

“Koi” by Gen Hoshino

“Koi” is not just popular musically; it’s also known for its dance, dubbed the “Koi Dance”. This became a viral trend in Japan with celebrities, athletes, and even news broadcasters performing it on various platforms.

“Gurenge” by LiSA

LiSA’s powerful rock track “Gurenge” is the opening theme for the immensely popular anime “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba”. The song achieved massive success, hitting number one on Japan’s Billboard Hot 100.

“Uchiage Hanabi” by Daoko and Kenshi Yonezu

“Uchiage Hanabi” is not just a song, it’s the title track for the anime film “Fireworks, Should We See It from the Side or The Bottom?”. The song adds an emotional depth to the movie and has become a signature piece for both Daoko and Kenshi Yonezu.

“Nandemonaiya” by RADWIMPS

“Nandemonaiya” was composed for the critically acclaimed anime film “Your Name.”. The band RADWIMPS worked closely with the film’s director, Makoto Shinkai, to create a soundtrack that flawlessly matched the film’s storyline.

“Sakura Nagashi” by Hikaru Utada

“Sakura Nagashi” holds a special place in the “Evangelion” series. Hikaru Utada came out of her hiatus to write and perform this song for “Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo”. Her deep connection to the series extends to her late mother, who was a huge fan of the original “Neon Genesis Evangelion”.

That’s it for our musical journey through Japan. So plug in, press play, and let these top Japanese tracks transport you to the vibrant heart of the Land of the Rising Sun. Happy listening!

Thanks for reading.

TBone