Japanese music offers a wide range of styles, from energetic and catchy tunes to songs that quietly soothe the soul and accompany moments of peace. These calming tracks, often referred to as “Chill Music,” add a new layer of charm to Japanese music by helping us unwind amidst the busyness of everyday life.
In this article, I’ll introduce a selection of Japanese songs that evoke a sense of calm and healing under the theme of “Chill Music Japan.” These picks are based on my personal taste, so they might lean a bit toward my own preferences—but isn’t that the subjective enjoyment that is the true beauty of music? I hope you’ll explore and enjoy them from your unique perspective as well.
At the end of the article, you’ll find a Spotify playlist featuring the songs introduced here. Feel free to listen and let it accompany your favorite moments.
Haruomi Hosono: “Bara to Yajuu – New ver.”
“Bara to Yajuu” (Rose and Beast) was originally featured on Haruomi Hosono’s first album, “HOSONO HOUSE”, released in 1973. Decades later, in March 2019, the song was re-recorded and reimagined for the album “HOCHONO HOUSE”, offering a fresh, modern interpretation. This album serves as a complete re-recording of the original “HOSONO HOUSE” with a contemporary twist.
Interviews about the making of HOCHONO HOUSE also provide fascinating insights. One surprising anecdote reveals that Hosono drew inspiration during production from artists such as Morning Musume, Ed Sheeran, and Taylor Swift. It’s both unexpected and impressive to see him engaging with contemporary music, reflecting his ever-curious and exploratory approach to sound.
Above all, I truly love his singing voice. Compared to the original version, his vocal delivery and tone have changed significantly, but this evolution reflects the profound depth of expression he has cultivated over nearly 50 years. Each note feels as though it carries the weight of time, and with every listen, it resonates deeply within my heart.
Izumi Makura: “Inochi feat. Lovely Summer-chan”
※The title “Inochi” means “life” in English.
I absolutely love Izumi Makura’s rap style. While powerful and piercing words have their own allure, her soft and rounded Japanese rap in this song reveals a new dimension of her artistry. It’s as if she delicately captures fleeting moments of everyday life—small conversations with someone, words glimpsed along the roadside—and these fragments of daily existence gently dissolve into her lyrics. The result is a tranquil, comforting atmosphere that feels like a warm embrace.
At first glance, the lyrics may seem inspired by ordinary scenes, but at their core lies a strong theme of “living.” This song conveys a message of embracing all the days you’ve lived through and walking boldly into the future. It’s a testament to resilience and self-acceptance, wrapped in gentle melodies.
Lovely Summer-chan’s vocals add even more charm to this track. Her soft, light voice complements Izumi Makura’s rap perfectly, creating a soothing harmony that elevates the song’s warmth and depth. Together, they craft a piece that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable.
HOTEL DONUTS: “Convenience Boy” / TOSHIKI HAYASHI (%C) × maco marets × Satomoka × Daisuke Yamada
Centered around Satomoka’s sweet and tender rap vocals, “Convenience Boy” is an impressive track where male and female raps alternate in a calming, conversational style. This understated delivery becomes one of the song’s most captivating features, creating a uniquely pleasant listening experience.
The song forms a pair with “Insomnia Girl,” both featured on the same EP. While neither track portrays a particularly happy relationship, they explore the fragile mental state of navigating between reassurance and anxiety, telling oneself, “Maybe this is okay.” This emotional complexity resonates deeply with listeners, inviting both empathy and introspection.
Within this narrative, one can’t help but ponder questions like, “Isn’t there something unspeakable in every relationship?” or “If we could express everything we feel, would love still exist?” Yet, beyond these reflective musings, Satomoka and the ensemble’s soothing voices and melodies wrap the listener in a warm, comforting embrace, transcending the uncertainties of love.
Shintaro Sakamoto: “Tsubame no Kisetsu ni”
“Tsubame no Kisetsu ni” translates to “By Swallow Season.” Released in December 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, this song captures the mix of uncertainty and anticipation many people felt at the time, wondering, “What kind of future awaits us?” However, its melody carries no sense of darkness—instead, it’s light, refreshing, and comforting. Personally, I’m one of those who find solace in listening to this song regularly.
For context, swallows are migratory birds that travel from Southeast Asia to Japan in spring and return to warmer southern countries in autumn. Their seasonal journeys symbolize renewal and the cycle of life, adding a layer of depth to the song’s imagery.
Interestingly, I first encountered this track after the pandemic had passed. As a result, I didn’t perceive it solely as a reflection of that time but rather as an expression of the anticipation that comes with the seasonal change—waiting for spring, when swallows return to Japan after winter. This sentiment feels universal, transcending time and circumstances, resonating with anyone who has experienced a quiet yearning for what’s to come.
In that sense, the song isn’t confined to a specific era or situation. It feels more like a celebration of everyday life and the subtle mix of emotions that accompany the changing seasons—the small but profound expectations and the faint, lingering sense of unease. It beautifully captures these fleeting yet deeply human moments.
Hitsuji Bungaku: “Shirakawa Yofune”
This song was inspired by the Japanese film “Shirakawa Yofune” (Asleep), directed by Shingo Wakagi in 2015. The film is based on a novel by Banana Yoshimoto, originally published in 1989. With sleep as its central theme, the movie features a sound design so quiet and immersive that you might feel like dozing off alongside the protagonist while watching it in a dark theater. Instead of a traditional soundtrack, the film relies on ambient sounds—clothes rustling, a washing machine spinning, or the distant hum of a train. Subtle visuals like soft light filtering through lace curtains, the dim glow of a bedside lamp, or the peculiar feeling of waking up on a lazy afternoon captures a dreamy, melancholic atmosphere. This essence seems to be woven into the song’s mood.
The lyrics evoke the lethargy of a youthful day off—thinking of someone special, unable to resist the pull of sleep, yet still feeling the pangs of hunger. The understated acoustic guitar accompaniment feels perfectly attuned to this languid vibe, adding depth to the song’s nostalgic tone.
If you’re curious to learn more about the inspiration behind the track, an interview on THE FIRST TIMES delves into its background—definitely worth checking out!
Ozora Kimishima & Moeka Shiozuka: “Circus Night”
Here’s another connection to Hitsuji Bungaku. “Circus Night” was originally released by Tabito Nanao in 2012, and later, Ozora Kimishima covered it, featuring Moeka Shiozuka from Hitsuji Bungaku as the vocalist. The two also performed together on “THE FIRST TAKE“, a popular Japanese YouTube channel known for its one-take live performances, suggesting a close relationship. Their connection dates back to their teenage years, when Kimishima attended a Hitsuji Bungaku performance during high school, sparking a long-standing friendship.
Listening to this track feels like being drawn into a circus tent, with an enchanting and extraordinary atmosphere unfolding around you. The song creates a vivid sense of an otherworldly space, allowing the unique emotions within the music to come to life before your eyes.
The lyrics, comparing love to a tightrope act at a circus, evoke a sense of wandering in the liminal space between dreams and reality. In fact, they even hint at a desire to keep wandering indefinitely. This song’s distinctive magic lingers in the listener’s heart, no matter how many times it’s heard.
SEKAI NO OWARI: “Kagerou” (Heat Haze)
This song has two distinct versions. One is a cover performed by the band’s frontman, Fukase, and the other is the original version, written, composed, and sung by Saori, the band’s pianist. Both versions are captivating in their own right, but here, I’ll focus on the original.
The song first appeared on the album “Scent of Memory”, released in March 2022, with Saori providing the vocals. Later, in June 2022, Fukase’s cover version was included as the third track on the single “Habit”. Each rendition carries its unique charm, showcasing different interpretations of the same piece.
Fukase’s comments about the song in an interview with “Rockin’ On Japan” magazine left a lasting impression on me. Although the interview was over two years ago and my memory may be hazy, I recall him expressing how much he loved the song and how he’d always wanted to cover it with his own vocals. He mentioned that, as a seasoned vocalist, he approached the recording with the intent to surpass the original, though he admitted feeling the difficulty of capturing the song’s unique, delicate essence. His words conveyed profound respect for the original version and its fleeting, irreplaceable charm.
Indeed, Saori’s original version possesses a rare fragility, with a restrained yet deeply resonant vocal delivery that captivates listeners. The fact that she sings the words she herself created lends an authenticity and naturalness to the performance, making it all the more compelling.
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