Whether your working from home, managing remote learning for your children, or passing time with home improvement projects, a good soundtrack can provide inspiration.
The JASH team has come up with a playlist of recommended Japanese songs to brighten your day.
YouTube links have been provided. Nearly all are also available on popular streaming services.
Enjoy our TOP TEN +1 as you head into the weekend, and read staff comments below for reasons behind the picks.
IKUYO
“Chawanmushi no uta” (茶碗蒸しの歌)
This song is very popular in Kagoshima, Kyushu Japan. This song cheers me up, and I can feel my home town, Kagoshima, where ever I live.
The lyrics, which are written in Kagoshima dialect, tell the story of a customer who ordered "Chawanmushi” (茶碗蒸し/ savory steamed egg custard ) at a tea shop. The meaning of Chawan (茶碗) is tea bowl, and the meaning of Mushi (蒸し) is steamed. However, the shop owner mistook the word Mushi (蒸し/steamed) to mean as "Mushi (虫/insect )” on a Chawan (茶碗) bowl.
The song makes fun of Japanese language homonyms that have the same sounds but different meanings.
“INTO THE LIGHT” — MISIA & “Real?” — MIYAVI
These are songs that I listen to while driving to work.. The fast-paced rhythm of “Reall?” give me the energy approach the day with the spirit of “aggressively working hard.” MIYAVI has became a family favorite after we went to his live performance in Houston last summer.
LAUREN
“Hana wa saku ”(花は咲く)
NHK produced the song “Hana wa Saku” (Flowers Will Bloom) to build public support for the 3.11 disaster recovery efforts.
I picked this song because I like the message that even when we have sadness and remember that which was lost, we have much to be thankful for and people to love. Our love and happiness will always return, just like the flowers will bloom.
KEIKO
“Makenaide” (負けないで) — ZARD
The title of this song— “Do not give up”—says it all. The tempo is upbeat and encourages me to move forward when I have difficulties.
This song is used as the theme song for marathons in Japan.
“Koyoino tsukino youni” (今宵の月のように) — THE ELEPHANT KASHIMASHI
The lyrics are positive, and the melody is unique.
MEGUMI
“AKA TONBO” (赤とんぼ) — folk song
I had a chance to listen to a Japanese opera singer sing AKA TONBO at the famous Au Lapin Agile in Paris many years ago. It was the moment that I knew this folk song was more than just a children’s song. It is a beautiful representation of Japan and the Japanese spirit.
MIDORI
“Sobakasu” — JUDY AND MARY (ジュディ アンド マリ)
This is song about heartbreak; however, the last part of the lyrics reveal, “I do not why but I cannot remember his face anymore.” This conveys a positive attitude of moving forward. The melody is also catchy and enjoyable.
“Ureshi Tanoshii Daisuki” (うれしい！たのしい！大好き！) — DREAMS COME TRUE
The title means “Happy, Joyful, Love.” I enjoy the melody of the song and how it showcases artist Miwa Yoshida’s talent.
PATSY
“Jyounetsu A Go-Go” (情熱 A Go-Go) — Ulfuls (ウルフルズ)
Very few Japanese bands are as lively as the Ulfuls. Their unique, ever-changing style balances humor and talent. Listening to the Ulfuls is highly addictive and always brings a smile on my face. “Jyounetsu A Go-Go” is an upbeat reminder to put a little bit of heart in everything you do! The Ulfuls version “Ashita ga Aru” is also provides good pick-me-up.
And those music videos! 笑
“Ato hitotsu” (あとひとつ) — Funky Monkey Babys (ファンキー・モンキー・ベイビーズ)
The hip-hop duo + dj are known for meaning-filled lyrics that tug at the heart strings. In “Ato hitotsu,” which can be interpreted as “one more try,” we are reminded to continue to reach for the sky and not give up. As the album title states, you can “feel the happiness.”
As a plus, ファンモン (Fan-mon) music videos, which are filled with Japanese celebrities, are like watching short films!