Whenever we feel anxious or stressed out we choose a way of redemption, that will woo all our stress away. Most of the time we prefer songs as our only option to disconnect from the real world and focus just on ourselves. The perfect beat, tempo, and free-flowing rhythm can stimulate the brain, clearing all the fog.
For instance, the minimalist and flowing nature of Japanese songs might hold the key to that. Japanese songs have the essence of softness, harmony, and all the features like using platonic scales, slow tempos, and gentle dynamics that allow the listener to relax. In this article, we will help you find 21 calming Japanese songs that will reduce your stress, boost your focus, and help you concentrate. First, we will discuss WHY Japanese songs are what you need.
Contents
- 1 How Japanese Music Enhances Focus and Relaxation
- 2 Top Japanese Music Genre For Relaxation
- 3 Best Japanese Songs to Relax Your Mind & Boost Focus
- 3.1 1. Always with me (Itsumo Nando Demo) – Youmi Kimura:
- 3.2 2. Sayonara no Natsu – Aoi Teshima:
- 3.3 3. M – Princess Princess:
- 3.4 4. Mirai E – Kiroro:
- 3.5 5. Tegami – Angela Aki:
- 3.6 6. I Love You – Yutaka Ozaki
- 3.7 7. Inochi Ni Kirawarete Iru – kobasolo and Aizawa
- 3.8 8. Kokoronashi – Gumi version
- 3.9 9. Nandemonaiya – Mone Kamishiraishi(Mitsuha)
- 3.10 10. Yuika – Sukidakara
- 3.11 11. The Promise of the World – Howl’s Moving Castle
- 3.12 12. Merry Go Round of Life – Howl’s Moving Castle
- 3.13 13. Lemon – Violet . Evergarden
- 3.14 14. Hotarubi no Mori e AMV – Yume to Hazakura
- 3.15 15. Path of the Wind (Chorus) – My Neighbor Totoro
- 3.16 16. If I’ve been enveloped in Tenderness – Kiki’s Delivery service
- 3.17 17. Morii no Chiisana Restaurant – Aoi Teshima
- 3.18 18. The Flame of Love – Rokudenashi :
- 3.19 19. Shinunoga – Fujii Kaze :
- 3.20 20. Hana – Fujii Kaze :
- 3.21 21. Night dancer – Imase :
- 4 Final Words
How Japanese Music Enhances Focus and Relaxation
Today’s Japanese music is a result of hundreds of years worth of practicing traditional music. Its deep-rooted history is shaped by cultural exchange with Korea, China, and local traditions. Around the 7th century, China introduced a type of music, known as “Gagaku((雅楽)” to Japan. It was used as official court music at the Imperial Palace. “Gagaku((雅楽)”, is made such that it’s soft and melodious by using traditional instruments like Shō (a mouth organ), Ryuteki (a flute), and Biwa (a lute).
Another ancient form of music “Shōmyō (声明)”, known for its mesmerizing and meditative trait, was brought to Japan from India and China. It was often used in temples to heal spiritual concentration and clear the mind.
The slow and flowing melodies of Japanese music are studied to lower the cortisol level, which is the hormone responsible for stress. Japanese music activates many brain regions such as the auditory cortex, cerebellum, and motor systems, and increases the gray matter volume in certain brain areas. All these help to develop your brain, boost concentration, and improve memory and mood. It also improves your sleep quality and reduces anxiety and blood pressure. The key is to choose the right song for that.
Top Japanese Music Genre For Relaxation
Lo-Fi Beats:
Japanese Low fidelity(Lo-fi) music has a very slow tempo, basically 60-80 Bpm similar to a normal heart rate. So, it helps to calm the anxious heart down to a normal rate which helps boost focus and concentration. Also, it enhances cognitive performance and problem-solving skills. That’s why the gentle and soothing effect of Japanese Lo-fi beats is usually considered great for studying.
Anime Soundtracks:
Whether a calming piano and orchestral piece composed by Studio Ghibli’s Joe Hishahi or starting from a slow tempo to a high beat in Demon Slayers open MV, anime soundtracks have a different genre of their own. Each piece from a different anime can affect your mind differently. It can either relax your mind or uplift your energy to a whole different level, depending on what kind of music you choose to listen to.
Traditional Japanese Music:
The kind of instruments used in traditional Japanese music are very close to nature. They used to use Shakuhachi (尺八) – bamboo flute, Shō (笙) – Japanese mouth organ, Taiko (太鼓) – the zen drum, Koto (琴)- 13 stringed zithers (make water like sounds), etc. The zen vibes produced by these kinds of instruments help to meditate and improve sleep quality.
Soft J-pop and Ballads:
Slow and flowing compositions and melancholic melodies of soft J-pop and Ballads shaped the modern Japanese music industry. Soft J-pop and ballads have deep emotional storytelling genres and slow harmonic progression which makes these more attractive to the listeners.
Best Japanese Songs to Relax Your Mind & Boost Focus
1. Always with me (Itsumo Nando Demo) – Youmi Kimura:
“Always with me”, a soft and delicate song simply accompanied by a guitar and a piano, signifies the flow of a river. The natural flow of this song creates a longing in the heart for the nostalgia that we left behind. It calms the mind to the point that life seems easier and also it increases our concentration.
This song is from “Spirited Away”, composed and sung by Youmi Kimura and written by Wakako Kaku. The lyrics of the song represents Chihiro’s self-recognition and Personal transformation. The song suggests that even if life goes just as a river with both good and bad side by side, we should never let the bad stories cover our dreams of growing.
2. Sayonara no Natsu – Aoi Teshima:
“Sayonara no Natsu” or “summer of goodbye” describes the fleeting moment of youth. It’s a mixture of J-pop and ballad and the song is from the anime soundtrack. This timeless ballad is a mind-blowing mixture of piano and guitar presented with the ethereal and heavenly voice of Aoi Teshima. The gentle blend of wistful melody brings a sense of serenity making this song ideal for relaxation.
3. M – Princess Princess:
Lead singer Kaori Okui really brought the heartfelt lyrics of this song together. “M” is one of the most successful songs of the rock band named “Princess Princess”. The lyrics are about heartbreak in love. The gentle drumming and stroke of the electric guitar really will raise your spirit and the free-flowing melody of piano gives life to the song.
4. Mirai E – Kiroro:
“Mirai e” or “To The Future” is a passionate song that’s about a letter of gratitude from a child to her mother. This timeless ballad is a combination of soft drums, gentle strokes of acoustic guitar, and piano. It is also a mixture of folk, pop, and ballad.
Singer Chiharu Tamashiro’s expressive and gentle vocals attract and keep all the listeners throughout the entire song. This song will comfort your mind and will give you a tour of an emotional roller coaster.
5. Tegami – Angela Aki:
This song has resonated with all ages of people since its release as the song is about self-love, compassion, and determination. It is a blend of J-pop and piano ballad. “Tegami” (“Letter: 15 year old me”) starts with a pleasant piano tune then gradually up the beat using cello and violin. This song gives a boost and encouragement to go on with our life.
6. I Love You – Yutaka Ozaki
The minimalism and simplicity of this song will improve your focus while studying. The genres of this song are pop rock and folk-rock. This song reflects on love and portrays the longing for love. The lullaby-like melody will remove all the anxiousness from the heart and clear the brain fog.
7. Inochi Ni Kirawarete Iru – kobasolo and Aizawa
Even though the lyrics of this song are a bit gloomy and provocative, the music surely won’t let you down. This song is a blend of J-pop and ballad. The cheerful music will stimulate your brain, increasing your concentration and productivity.
8. Kokoronashi – Gumi version
The delicate and subtle instrumental melodies are a plus point for this song. The pain and agony in singer Gumi’s voice let us feel the same kind of pain of loving someone who will never wholeheartedly love you back. The gradually intensifying song puts us through an emotional roller coaster.
9. Nandemonaiya – Mone Kamishiraishi(Mitsuha)
The subtle voice of the singer really will awaken your mind and is perfect for studying and improving concentration. The blend of the musical instruments brought the whole song perfectly together. This song was originally made by Radwimps as an OST for “Your Name” movie.
10. Yuika – Sukidakara
This simple melodious song is an excellent work of a simple guitar, drums, and piano. This song starts with a slow approach and then gradually increases the beats which help stimulate the brain and become more calm.
11. The Promise of the World – Howl’s Moving Castle
Another song for you to study attentively without any kind of distractions. The main reason is because this song has a lack of lyrics and a very soft tempo. This song consists of a beautifully done piano piece and the amazing traditional voice of Kimura Yumi. The repetitive pattern in the piano piece is really ideal for increasing focus.
12. Merry Go Round of Life – Howl’s Moving Castle
A calming and melodious piano piece that we all deserve to listen to bless our ears. The blend of violin and cello made the whole performance even more magical. This kind of steady flow, rhythm, and pacing in this song and perfect instrumental composition is ideal for studying because this boosts deep concentration. It also sends alpha brainwaves to the brain which stimulates the brain and increases memory.
13. Lemon – Violet . Evergarden
Lemon can be described as a genre of orchestral pop which also aligns with pop ballads and J-pop. This is a song from an anime named “Violet Evergarden”, adapted from a novel series written by Kana Akatsuki. The rhythmic beat of lemon will uplift your mood and help you do your work more productively with a focused mind.
14. Hotarubi no Mori e AMV – Yume to Hazakura
Adapted from a Shojo Manga, this movie has captured many of our hearts. As the manga is based around a shrine in the Kumamoto Prefecture we can listen to a shrine-like traditional music in this song. The Use of instruments like piano, violin, cello, acoustic guitar, and light drums is what made this song remarkable.
15. Path of the Wind (Chorus) – My Neighbor Totoro
The magical chorus with the sweet melody of piano, no one could have asked for more. Listening to this chorus will make you feel like you are in another world. And it also will reduce your stress and calm your mind.
Here are some more songs that I think you will love to listen to,
16. If I’ve been enveloped in Tenderness – Kiki’s Delivery service
17. Morii no Chiisana Restaurant – Aoi Teshima
18. The Flame of Love – Rokudenashi :
19. Shinunoga – Fujii Kaze :
20. Hana – Fujii Kaze :
21. Night dancer – Imase :
Final Words
The benefits of music in boosting focus and improving memory are proven scientifically. But it depends specifically on what type of music you are listening to. These specific mellow kinds of tunes will reactivate some areas of your brain and stimulate them. And also if you are having sleeping issues, you can listen to music to cure that too. Music has a plethora of benefits, especially Japanese songs, for their calming nature.
Try listening to these peaceful Japanese songs and comment below: Which song helped you relax the most?