Japanese Songs That Blew Up Internationally

Hi everyone,

Thank you for coming back! Today, I would like to introduce some Japanese songs which blew up internationally. All these songs came from various different places. Which song do you know of?

This time, we will peep into Anime songs, J-Pop hits, and also Enka(Melancholic Japanese songs which originated in the mid-WWII era, mainly known for its singing style that is inspired by traditional Japanese theatre plays).

Gurenge – LiSA

This song is an opening theme of the first season of the famous anime series Kimetsu no Yaiba / Demon Slayer that is performed by Japanese singer/songwriter, LiSA. Unlike most Anime songs which blew up in the past decade, this track appears to have relatively simple structures.

The time duration of Anime openings/endings are usually limited to 89 seconds, so there are some limitations to the song’s composition as well. Even so, Gurenge kicks off from the B verse, which allows me to notice LiSA’s subtle attention to detail.

Yoru Ni Kakeru – YOASOBI

YOASOBI has rapidly risen to fame in today’s industry with teenage fans after their appearance on social media. After the release of the English version of the song, YOASOBI’s music also gathered traction from listeners from overseas.

Their breakout hit “Yoru Ni Kakeru” embarks onto a new genre where human’s organic singing and electric elements bleads with each other, which is probably due to their writing process where they would record demos with VOCALOIDs.

They are currently signed to Sony Music Entertainment. Surprisingly, many youths nowadays chase after the vocalist Ikura’s charisma and sign up for the label’s audition,

(This is off topic, but Japanese clients hate it when you send a demo using VOCALOID generated vocals lol)

Guren No Yumiya – Linked Horizon

Guren No Yumiya is the opening theme song of Attack On Titans. As a vocal coach teaching non-Japanese students, it never fails to amaze me to see how many of my students love the series.

Actually, the first time I heard the song, my first thought was “This one won’t sell.” lol
Its unique Orchestral approach may appeal more to Western listeners than it does to Japanese people.

The Beginning – ONE OK ROCK

The Beginning is hands down a cool track. Their slick composition shows that the members grew up with music, and have kept pursuing their art as musicians.

It may also derive from vocalist Taka’s parents’ influence, both of whom are huge pop stars. There might be something for Japanese music producers to learn from OOR’s case, as more and more K-POP stars are raised with national budgets.

Fashion Monster – Kyary Pamyu Pamyu

I think that many people are inspired by Kyary’s music and character.
From a creator’s perspective, her producer Yasutaka Nakata is a real genius without a doubt.

His skills of importing the sound of Western music may be the top in the industry now.
I am excited to see what the future holds for his career.

Christmas Eve – Tatsuro Yamashita

Tatsuro Yamashita is one of the huge Japanese artists who transcends all generations.

I must confess that I used to believe that his top song “Christmas Eve” was a cover of a Western song. What are your thoughts about the track?

Amagi Goe – Sayuri Ishikawa

There was a time in history when public speeches were restricted by the Japanese government.

The origin of Enka dates back to that time when people started to sing instead of doing speeches.
Amagi Goe is a soulful track. It is probably the Japanese equivalent to country music.

Flavor Of Life – Hikaru Utada

Hikaru Utada has a world record of song download numbers without the help of any tie-up content,
After hailing at the top of the charts at age 15, Utada has long been inspiring thousands of Japanese artists.

Her starpower never seems to fade even after all these years since her debut.

PPAP – Piko-Taro

Piko-Taro is widely known for his hit song “PPAP”, which Justin Bieber made famous on Twitter.

The track became a huge trend in Japan at that time.
Its bizarre rhythm and Piko-Taro’s unique character caught the eyes of the industry in a second.

He might be a role model of this era where it requires diversity to stay relevant, as he has collabed with a wide variety of talents.

Zen Zen Zen Se – RADWIMPS

Zen Zen Zen Se is the theme song of Shinkai Makoto’s film “Kimi No Nawa / Your Name”. You may know this song as the fim was also premiered in North America.

The movie soundtrack has a solid production throughout the story, as RADWIMPS directed all of the songs used in the movie.

Contrary to their old works, Zen Zen Zen Se is a very catchy song.

I argue that Kimi No Nawa is proof that RADWIMPS has pursued their craftsmanship, not only as artists, but as music producers too.