10 Famous and Easy Songs for Learning Japanese

Learning Japanese through singing songs can be an enjoyable way for beginner or advanced learners.

The rhymes and verses can enhance Japanese vocabulary, sentences, and pronunciation, making them sound authentic and pleasing. Singing helps us retain information better, so why not try some popular Japanese songs?

For more fun ways to learn, check out the YouTube channel below!

See also: The 12 Greatest Podcasts to Help You Learning Japanese

1. 海の声 (Umi no Koe, “Voice of the Sea”)

• Artist: Kenta Kiritani
• Album: Umino Koe
• Released: 2015
• Genre: J-Pop

The song “Umi no Koe”, which means “Voice of the Sea”, is very popular in Japan and was even ranked number 1 by Recochoku, one of the most popular streaming and music service content providers for mobile apps in Japan, in 2015. Also, it gained the honour of being the finest karaoke melody of the year in 2016.

Kenta Kiritani, who plays the character Urashima Taro in the commercial series Santarou produced by au, one of Japan’s second largest mobile operators and marketed by KDDI, sings the song. Kenta Kiritani is a well-known actor and singer from Osaka who has won many awards for his roles in movies.

To practice Japanese and immerse yourself in the country’s culture, you can choose to listen to Umi no Koe. This song has profound lyrics that express a feeling of longing.

Knowing this song well is essential when you sing at karaoke with your companions and associates in Japan. This song is a must-know for all Japanese people. A song you really must hear!

2. 世界に一つだけの花 (Sekai ni Hitotsu dake no Hana)

• Artist: Japanese boy band SMAP
• Album: SMAP 015 / Drink! Smap!
• Released: 5 March 2003
• Genre: J-Pop

The second song we are going to recommend is titled “世界に一つだけの花 (Sekai ni Hitotsu Dake no Hana)” meaning The One and Only Flower in the World. For those of you who are fans of the boy band SMAP, you are obviously familiar with this song.

The song, which was also played by my Japanese teacher at JASSO-Tokyo 2016, I always remember the lyrics in my heart until now. This song created by Noriyuki Makihara has sold more than 2.57 million copies and even became the third best-selling single in Japan in Oricon history.

I don’t know how many language schools, shopping centers and various places in Japan have played this song. However, it is certain that everyone knows and loves this song and hence it has become the most popular song in karaoke as well.

The simple yet powerful lyrics convey a deep message especially to “be brave and confident to be yourself” and there is no need to compare ourselves with others because we are beautiful just the way we are. It’s simple yet gives a very deep message of unity in every listener’s heart. This song is a must-listen!

3. Rain by Sekai no Owari

• Artist: Japanese boy band SMAP
• Album: Mary and The Witch’s Flower
• Released: July 5, 2017
• Genre: J-Pop

If you like Studio Ghibli films by director Hiromasa Yonebayashi, you may know the song “Rain” by Sekai no Owari, one of the most famous and talented musical groups in Japan.

This song is the theme for the “Mary and The Witch’s Flower” movie, which was adapted from Mary Stewart’s book “The Little Broomstick (1971)”.

The song is pleasant, gentle and lovely to listen to. Besides the easy-to-remember words, you can also learn some useful Japanese vocabulary pronunciations. This song should definitely be on your list of favourites!

4. Sparkle by Radwimps

• Artist: Radwimps
• Album: Kimi no Na wa (Your Name)
• Released: 2016
• Genre: Alternative/Indie, Japanese Rock, Japanese Indie, Rock, J-Pop

Everyone knows of the Japanese rock band Radwimps, who have released many popular music videos and consistently topped the charts in Japan. It’s recommended that you listen to their highly acclaimed song “Sparkle, “which was featured in the hit Japanese movie Kimi no Na wa.

The emotional lyrics of this song will surely leave a lasting impression, especially for those learning Japanese. The music is delightful to listen to and you can also pick up Japanese vocabulary and pronunciation seamlessly. Don’t miss this song – it’s a necessity!

5. Nandemonaiya by Radwimps

• Artist: Radwimps
• Album: Kimi no Na wa (Your Name)
• Released: 2016
• Genre: Alternative/Indie, Japanese Rock, Japanese Indie, Rock, J-Pop

The following song is called Nandemonaiya (Nevermind), performed by the most popular band of all time, the Radwimps. It’s an essential listen and should be on your list of songs to learn Japanese.

The melody “Nandemonaiya”, along with “Sparkle”, also served as the background music in the 2016 Japanese box office smash-hit animation film named Your Name. Radwimps won the hearts of many by creating a complete soundtrack that still tops various charts despite its release over 6 years ago.

Listen to this song, read the lyrics and use it to improve your Japanese language proficiency. Don’t miss out!

6. Zenzenzense by Radwimps

• Artist: Radwimps
• Album: Kimi no Na wa (Your Name)
• Released: 2016
• Genre: Alternative/Indie, Children’s Music, Japanese Rock, Japanese Indie, Anime, Korean Rock/Alt, Rock, J-Pop

The third track by Radwimps, named Zenzenzese (which means Past Past Life), should definitely be added to your playlist. It was featured on the soundtrack of the movie Kimi no Na wa and even reached the top position on the Billboard Japan Hot 100. While it may be a bit fast, the lyrics are interesting to listen to and explore.

The way each word is pronounced in the song is delightful, simple, and easy on the ears. It can not only entertain you but also encourage you to learn pronunciation. Be sure to add this song to your playlist today!

7. キセキ (Kiseki) by GReeeeN

• Artist: GReeeeN
• Album: Ā, Domo. Ohisashiburi Desu
• Released: May 28, 2008
• Genre: Pop rock

If you’d like to hear a song with lyrics that have a deep meaning that can touch people’s hearts directly, give a listen to “キセキ (Kiseki)” by GReeeeN.

My Japanese teacher introduced me to this song a long time ago, and I still love and frequently listen to it.

The light, soothing, and pleasant melody is also a strong draw for anyone who listens to “キセキ (Kiseki).” Moreover, the lyrics of this music are so rich that you can use it to learn Japanese and enhance your vocabulary. It’s unquestionably worth listening to!

8. ひまわりの約束 (Himawari no Yakusoku) by Motohiro Hata

• Artist: Motohiro Hata
• Album: evergreen
• Released: 2014
• Genres: R&B/Soul, J-Pop

Fans of Doraemon cartoons will surely know this song. The song is called “Himawari No Yakusoku” and was written by Motohiro Hata. It’s a must-listen! “Himawari No Yakusoku” is the soundtrack for the 2014 Doraemon animated movie, Stand By Me Doraemon, which made headlines globally.

The lyrics showcase the tale of true companionship between Doraemon and Nobita who support each other through thick and thin.

The cheerful and moving words are ideal for you to practice and enhance your Japanese pronunciation and vocabulary. Remember to give it a listen!

9. Summertime by Cinnamons & Evening Cinema

• Artists: Cinnamons, Evening Cinema
• Album: CONFESSION
• Released: 2018
• Genres: Alternative/Indie, Japanese Indie, J-Pop

For the last few days, TikTok has been full of a lovely and pleasant tune called Summertime. If you like indie-style music, you should give this song a listen! Maybe you are already a fan of it, as it is a delightful and enjoyable song.

The singer’s adorable voice makes it even more pleasant to hear. The music video, in addition to the song representing summer very well, is also very lively and charming. The music video, in addition to the song representing summer very well, is also very lively and charming. I reckon you’ll really enjoy this tune while studying Japanese.

The weariness will vanish upon hearing it. For certain, add it to your playlist!

10. Hotaru by Fujita Maiko

• Artist: Maiko Fujita
• Album: もう一度 (Mou Ichi Do, One More Time)
• Released: 2011
• Genres: R&B/Soul, J-Pop

Everyone knows Fujita Maiko. People adore her songs because she writes every single one.

Each song has a deep narrative and a sincere plot. “Hotaru (firefly)” is among her top-charting songs worldwide, and it tells a grand story about unrequited love. “Hotaru (firefly)” is among her top-charting songs worldwide, and it tells a grand story about unrequited love.

If you enjoy love songs, listening to this one would be an excellent decision. Not only will you be amused, but you can also acquire fresh words and improve your Japanese speech to sound more authentic and proficient.

Conclusion

Music assists in comprehension of vocabulary, grammar, structure, and natural pronunciation similar to native speakers. Additionally, listening to songs in Japanese can enhance memory and recall.

Utilize the Top 10 Songs for Learning Japanese presented above as they offer a strong resource for improving vocabulary and pronunciation.

We hope this article will provide you with fresh insight and aid you in selecting the ideal song to use when studying Japanese. See you in the next article!