Discover the Best Japanese Songs for Relaxing Evenings
When you think of Japanese songs, upbeat and energetic tracks might come to mind. However, Japan also offers a rich collection of chill Japanese songs perfect for relaxing evenings. As a fan of calming and soothing music, I’ve curated a playlist featuring some of the best Japanese songs to unwind with.
In this article, I’ll introduce my top recommendations for Japanese songs that bring peace to your evenings. Don’t forget to explore the Spotify playlist at the end for an immersive experience!
Hiroshi Fujiwara – Time Machine
The more you learn about Hiroshi Fujiwara, the harder it becomes to define his title. Is he a designer? A musician? His multifaceted talents and the effortlessly cool sound of his music make him a true pioneer of a boundaryless lifestyle. He’s an icon who embodies the idea of living outside traditional labels and frameworks.
When Fujiwara collaborated with Bulgari to create a product line, he left a memorable comment:
“Fashion should be more distorted. Just wear what you want to wear. Uniqlo is the ultimate lifestyle brand, but it’s not a fashion brand.”
These words offer a glimpse into his philosophy, his values, and what he finds truly cool.
If you want to delve deeper into his unique sensibilities, his track Time Machine is a great place to start. It feels like a window into the world of Hiroshi Fujiwara—a piece that lets you experience a slice of his personality and artistry.
By the way, as I’m writing this, everything I’m wearing except my Kaepa tracksuit is from Uniqlo. Being a fan of Uniqlo and a fan of Hiroshi Fujiwara? Totally compatible.
Chilli Beans. – I like you
The song “I like you” is the closing track of Chilli Beans.’ 2023 album Welcome to My Castle. True to its title, the album was crafted to draw listeners into a unique world the band built. It feels as if they’re saying, “We’ve built a castle here. Please, enjoy yourself to the fullest inside.”
The album’s opening track makes a striking impression with the sound of a heavy castle door opening and closing. It’s almost as if it’s sending the message, “Get ready to immerse yourself in this world—there’s no leaving midway.” And to end this conceptual journey, they chose “I like you” as the final song.
This track is characterized by a dreamy, soft sound that feels like floating within a dream, paired with lyrics that evoke the sensation of waking up from one. According to the band members, “I like you” carries the sentiment that while the castle may disappear at the end of the song, it’s always a place listeners can return to. It’s the perfect choice to close out the album.
Personally, I first discovered this song as the ending theme for the drama “Toki o Kakeru na, Koibito-tachi” (Don’t Leap Through Time, Lovers). Starring Riho Yoshioka and Eita Nagayama, this sci-fi comedy stands out with its unique charm. The inclusion of “I like you” as the ending song brought a sense of calm and closure to the story, leaving me with a peaceful, satisfied feeling.
Sakura Fujiwara – Itsuka Mita Eiga Mitai ni (Like a Movie I Once Saw)
This track, starting with Sakura Fujiwara’s gentle humming, perfectly captures a chill and soothing vibe. From the very first note, it envelops you in a comforting atmosphere, evoking a sense of calm and ease that makes your shoulders relax. Every listen leaves you with a serene, refreshed feeling.
The song is part of the album AIRPORT, which was created by collaborating with track makers who produced the music first, followed by Fujiwara adding her lyrics. Notably, the track was produced by VaVa, a music producer known for his work in hip-hop. The scratch effects and the overall hip-hop influence give the album a distinctive sound. Yet, Fujiwara’s laid-back and mellow vocals soften the edges, offering a unique charm that feels both loose and relaxing.
The lyrics center around a simple yet poignant theme: “Life doesn’t work out like in the movies, does it?” It reflects the messy, unresolved feelings we often wrestle with—how emotions can hold us back, making it hard to cut ties cleanly or move forward decisively. Even so, the song exudes a refreshing sense of acceptance, as if to say, “Well, that’s life—it is what it is.” This balance of realism and optimism gives the track an understated but uplifting quality.
Kai Kubota – Haru ni Binetsu (Spring Fever)
Kai Kubota has made a name for himself with impressive performances in rap battles, solidifying his undeniable talent. His lyrics skillfully weave together rhymes that are as pleasing to the ear as they are effortless. Without flaunting his technique, Kubota seems to enjoy playing with words in a natural, unpretentious way. His focus on vivid imagery draws listeners seamlessly into the world of his songs.
In this particular track, the story unfolds around a protagonist who experiences a feverish love under the warm spring sunlight. The smile of a loved one, reminiscent of a gentle spring day, carries the protagonist to a world slightly removed from reality—almost like being on another planet. The lyrics beautifully convey the strange and unfamiliar emotions that feel akin to catching a cold, a metaphor for the unfamiliar sensations of love.
While the imagery may feel dreamlike, reminiscent of a romantic movie scene, it also resonates with the genuine, fleeting feelings many have experienced. It’s a song that makes you long for the arrival of spring—a track that’s as tender and refreshing as the season itself.
Salyu × haruka nakamura – Hoshi no Kuzu α (Stardust α)
Hoshi no Kuzu has two versions: α (Alpha) and Ω (Omega). The Alpha version symbolizes “beginning” as the first letter of the Greek alphabet and features a pop-inspired, approachable arrangement that beautifully conveys the emotions woven through Salyu’s vocals. In contrast, the Omega version represents “ending” and highlights haruka nakamura’s musical worldview with a quieter, more profound composition. For this article, we’ll focus on the Alpha version, which balances accessibility with hidden depth.
This song serves as the ending theme for the anime TRIGUN STAMPEDE. While the short version used in the anime is stunning, it feels too brief to fully convey the song’s richness. Unusually long for contemporary music at over five minutes, the full track immerses listeners in its deep and expansive world.
As someone who occasionally finds overly positive lyrics a bit heavy, this song holds a special place for me. Its gentle and tender words light a subtle glow in the heart, reminding me of quiet positivity. Salyu’s vocal expression, capturing the song’s nuanced emotions so masterfully, leaves me utterly in awe. Hoshi no Kuzu α is a rare gem that resonates both emotionally and musically.
Ichiyanagi – Kitto (Surely)
I first encountered this song during an NHK radio program called Ato wa Neru Dake no Jikan (The Time Before Sleeping), where one of the hosts, Naoki Matayoshi, selected and played it. Matayoshi is a multifaceted talent—not only a comedian but also a recipient of the Akutagawa Prize, Japan’s most prestigious literary award for new authors. His impeccable taste in music has added variety to my playlist, and I’m deeply grateful for his influence.
One of the most striking aspects of this song is the voice. It feels both intimate, as if someone is speaking softly by your side, and distant, as if echoing from the border between dreams and reality—a uniquely captivating quality. In an interview, Ichiyanagi mentioned that he intentionally keeps music at a “perfect distance” from daily life, neither too close nor too far. He views music as a form of refuge or a secure base—a concept that resonates deeply with me.
There are moments when we find ourselves weighed down by the pressures of reality or dissatisfaction with the world. In such times, we might wonder, “What’s the point of art or entertainment?” Yet, I believe art and entertainment have a quiet power to remind us, “The world you see is not all there is.” Listening to Ichiyanagi’s music reaffirms this truth, offering both solace and perspective.
Hakushi Hasegawa – Sea Change
This song is a stunningly delicate piece, composed solely of piano melodies, vocals, and the audible sound of breaths being drawn. Hakushi Hasegawa is often associated with high-energy tracks featuring ultra-fast BPM, intricate rhythms, and an overwhelming density of sounds. However, Sea Change showcases his ability to create serene and intimate music, highlighting the remarkable breadth of his artistry. It’s hard not to feel a growing sense of anticipation for what he will create next.
On Spotify, his most-streamed track is Doku (Poison), which starkly contrasts with the tranquility of Sea Change. Listening to these two songs side by side, you’d hardly believe they come from the same artist. This striking contrast underscores the multifaceted nature of his music. If you ever find yourself tired of a quiet day at home, perhaps it’s time to inject some Doku into your playlist and head out for an adventure.
Wrap Up: Enjoy These Japanese Songs on Spotify
Thank you for exploring these handpicked “chill Japanese songs” with me! Each track offers a unique way to unwind, whether it’s a quiet moment at home or a peaceful evening stroll. To make it easy for you to enjoy them all, I’ve created a Spotify playlist featuring every song mentioned in this article.
Feel free to add it to your own collection and discover the calming charm of Japanese music. Let these tracks bring a sense of relaxation and inspiration to your day. Happy listening!
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