Masterpieces of Japanese instrumental music. Recommended instrumental tracks.

A person from the melodic hardcore boom generation who loves music, photography, and eating. I’ve been going to live houses for over 20 years. I’m at the age where summer festivals are starting to feel tough physically. I sometimes try shooting live photos and videos for MVs. I’m not great at English, so I often listen to straightforward Japanese rock that hits directly, but if someone recommends something, I’ll listen to anything—Western or Japanese—broadly and casually. I like cooking while listening to music; it’s a nice way to relieve stress.

We’re introducing recommended masterpieces and popular tracks from among Japan’s signature instrumental songs.

Even when we say “instrumental,” there are countless pieces—guitar solos, piano works, bands, jazz—spanning a truly wide range.

Many of you may be unsure where to start listening.

We’ve included plenty of selections, so you’re sure to find a favorite track!

Enjoy a dream playlist performed by superstar players who continue to be loved across generations.

[2026] Masterpieces of instrumental music. Recommended instrumental tracks.
Masterpieces of Japanese fusion—From nostalgic classics to recent recommendations—
[All Genres] Introducing Masterpieces of Guitar Instrumentals!
A special feature on classic and hit songs by bands that were active in the 1980s
Nothing but masterpieces! Hit songs from the Reiwa era that are perfect for background music
[2026] Stylish and Cool Japanese Instrumental Bands You Should Check Out [Enchanting Sounds]
Today's recommended ballads: A carefully curated selection of heartwarming, gem-like masterpieces!
Popular classical piano pieces. A collection of masterful performances by Japanese pianists.
[2026] Recommended Japanese Fusion Bands Summary
Ranking of popular fusion songs
Gets you pumped! A curated selection of popular and classic Japanese songs perfect as background music for work
[Japanese-style BGM] Beautiful tones woven from Japanese tradition
Classic Japanese metal songs. Recommended popular tracks.

Masterpieces of Japanese instrumental music. Recommended instrumental tracks (1–10)

summer twilight DE DE MOUSE DE DE MOUSE / remember night music clip from new EP「summer twilight」

DE DE MOUSE is the solo project of Daisuke Endo, who holds various titles such as composer and producer.

“summer twilight,” which shares its title with the album released in 2016, is a pop track strongly colored by DE DE MOUSE’s distinctive style.

expand_lessRaise the ranking expand_morelower Summer Hisaishi Joe Joe Hisaishi – Summer

This is a song famous as the theme for Takeshi Kitano’s film “Kikujiro.” Its refreshing melody and open, airy sound evoke a summer day, making it wonderfully pleasing to the ear.

It’s been used in various TV programs and commercials, so many people have likely heard it.

expand_lessRaise the ranking expand_morelower rydeen Yellow Magic Orchestra Yellow Magic Orchestra – “Rydeen“ (Official Music Video)

A music unit that focused on techno from its formative years—when the genre was just beginning to gain global recognition—and transmitted it as a culture from Japan.

While there were parts that felt a bit cheap at first due to technological differences, it was cutting-edge sound for its time.

As the years passed, their tracks evolved, and they are songs that continue to live on even now.

expand_lessRaise the ranking expand_morelower

Masterpieces of Japanese instrumental music. Recommended instrumental tracks (11–20)

ONE DEPAPEPE DEPAPEPE – One

DEPAPEPE is a duo acoustic guitar instrumental band.

They have released many songs whose simple tones, played on acoustic guitars, resonate deeply with listeners.

“ONE” is also an excellent piece performed with just two guitars.

expand_lessRaise the ranking expand_morelower Theme of Jonetsu Tairiku Hakasé Tarō Taro Hakase Passion Continent [OFFICIAL]

This is the main theme of the program “Jounetsu Tairiku,” which shines a spotlight on the lives of people active in various fields.

Its melody conveys the passion and feelings within each person, expressed through a Latin-like fiery beat and the soaring tone of the violin.

It’s one of Taro Hakase’s signature pieces that you hear in many places, isn’t it?

expand_lessRaise the ranking expand_morelower TAKUMI / Artisan Matsutani Taku TAKUMI / Artisan

This piece, TAKUMI/Takumi, by pianist and composer Taku Matsutani from Shizuoka Prefecture—when you see the title you might think, “Takumi?” and give it a listen… and yes, it sounds familiar, doesn’t it? That’s right: this is the song widely known across generations as music from the hugely popular TV show ‘Before-After’ (Extreme Makeover: Home Edition Japan).

The opening theme, Inscrutable Battle, is also one of Matsutani’s works.

Within the program, this track plays after the home is completed; it has a calm atmosphere and is a soothing piece.

expand_lessRaise the ranking expand_morelower ＃1090 〜Thousand Dreams〜 Matsumoto Takahiro Takahiro Matsumoto – #1090 Thousand Dreams

A track by Takahiro Matsumoto, the guitarist of B’z—the solitary rock unit that has etched its name into Japan’s rock scene.

Many of you may recognize it as the theme song for the music program Music Station.

With its catchy melody, rhythmic cutting, and high-level shredding, it showcases Matsumoto’s guitar technique to the fullest.

Despite being used on the show since 1992, it remains a timeless, landmark guitar instrumental.

expand_lessRaise the ranking expand_morelower New Articles A roundup of instrumental fusion bands active in Japan favorite_border [All Genres] Introducing Masterpieces of Guitar Instrumentals! favorite_border An instrumental track by Billy Sheehan that I really want you to listen to at least once favorite_border Piano Medley: World-Class Masterpieces and Popular Songs favorite_border [2026] Recommended Western instrumental bands: Popular overseas bands favorite_border [2026] Stylish and Cool Japanese Instrumental Bands You Should Check Out [Enchanting Sounds] favorite_border Masterpieces of Japanese instrumental music. Recommended instrumental tracks. favorite_border [2026] Masterpieces of instrumental music. Recommended instrumental tracks. favorite_border

[About the order of publication] Based on the editorial team’s research results, the final decision also takes into account the total number of your “Rank Up” and “Rank Down” button presses.

favorite_border Lovely instrumental

"RAG" is a registered trademark of LAG International Music Co., Ltd.

📎📎📎📎📎📎📎📎📎📎