If you love music from Japan, then be sure to follow MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON on Spotify. We post music playlists with a different theme each week, so if you can't get enough of Japanese music, then we'd love to have you on board!   MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON Spotify: Follow Us  

This Week's Theme: 'Top Anime Theme Songs of Winter 2021'

We have compiled a list of songs from the Winter 2021 anime list which includes series that have just started as well as series set to begin in January 2021. You'll see some big series names on here, and perhaps some you weren't aware of!  

YOASOBI - "Kaibutsu"

The opening theme for season two of BEASTARS.  

Shinsei Kamattechan - "Boku no Sensō” ('My War')

This is the opening theme song for the final season of Attack on Titan. This is the second theme song to be performed by Shinsei Kamattechan since the season two. A chaotic number which perfectly foreshadows the excitement welling up in the final season.  

TREASURE - “BEAUTIFUL"

The ending theme song for the episodes of Black Clover which started airing on January 5, 2021. The opening theme song is performed by Snow Man.  

Kiro Akiyama - “Identity"

The opening theme song for season two of The Promised Neverland which started airing on January 7, 2021.  

BAND-MAID - “Different"

BAND-MAID’s new song Different is the opening theme song for Log Horizon: Destruction of the Round Table. The ending theme is Blue Horizon by Miyu Oshiro.  

LiSA - “dawn"

dawn by LiSA is the opening theme song for the anime Back Arrow which celebrates its debut on air this month. Check out the trailer above.  

Ikimonogakari - “BAKU"

The opening theme song for the episodes of BORUTO- NARUTO NEXT GENERATIONS which are airing this month. Ikimonogakari previously performed two theme songs for the Naruto Shippuuden series. Their song BAKU has been specifically written for the BORUTO series.  

Akihito Okano - "Hikari Are"

The opening theme for the highly-anticipated fourth season of The Seven Deadly Sins. The ending theme is time by SawanoHiroyuki[nZk]:ReoNa.  

Fujifabric - "Rakuen"

The opening theme for Dr. Stone: Stone Wars which is the second season of Dr. Stone. The ending theme is Koe? by Hatena.  

TRUE - "Storyteller"

The opening theme for the upcoming second season of That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime.  

Yuiko Ohara - "Tabibito no Uta"

The opening theme for the upcoming anime series Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation. Yuiko Ohara will also perform the ending song.  

Riko Azuna - "keep weaving your spider way"

The opening theme for the upcoming anime series So I'm a Spider, So What? The ending theme is Gambare! Kumoko-san by Aoi Yuki.   Did you enjoy this week's theme? We post a variety of different genres each week, including J-pop lists, so give us a follow and join us so we can all share our love of music from Japan.

MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON is now on Spotify, and every week, we plan to post a new playlist with a different theme, focusing on music from Japan. If you love J-music, or are new to J-music, be sure to give us a follow.  

Japanese New Year’s Playlist

I think we can all agree 2020 has been a ride. Here’s a special selection of tracks to sign off the year and welcome 2021.  

[Alexandros] - “12/26 Ikou no Nenmatsu”

This song sings about that feeling after Christmas in the run up to the New Year as you realise there’s only a little bit of time left before the year ends.  

NMB48 - “December 31st”

The title of this song translates to December 31st, or New Year’s Eve. It’s a feelsy and sentimental track for looking back over the past year and getting ready for the next.  

Remioromen - “Oomisoka no Uta”

A famous Japanese New Year’s track with a beautiful melody that really hits you hard, even if you don’t understand the Japanese lyrics.  

Yumi Matsutoya - “A HAPPY NEW YEAR”

This song has a sad-sounding melody but the lyrics are filled with positivity, the kind of feeling you want to start the New Year with.  

ELLEGARDEN - "New Year’s Day"

This song overflows with the heart-rending feeling of New Year's Eve. It’ll soon become a yearly tradition for you to listen to this song at the end of each year.  

Chatmonchy - "Sekai ga Owaru Yoru ni"

The title of this song translates to "On The Night The World Ends" and that is exactly how the end of the year may feel to some as they leave their old selves behind and delve deep into the world of soul-searching.  

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu - “Furisodeshon"

At the start of each year, Japan holds coming-of-age ceremonies for young people who have just turned 20. This song, which is about coming-of-age, was released when Kyary Pamyu Pamyu turned 20.  

back number - "Happy End”

This is a great track for celebrating the end of the year. It has a melancholic melody and lyrics, but it has that yearning for things to turn out right, which is relevant to the madness that has been 2020. Here’s to a better 2021.  

Masaharu Fukuyama - “Kokoro color ~ a song for the wonderful year ~”

If you’re wanting to look towards the New Year with positivity then this really happy and uplifting track is one to check out.  

Gospellers - "A HAPPY NEW YEAR"

This is a cover of Yumi Matsutoya’s A HAPPY NEW YEAR which was introduced earlier in the playlist. Their comforting voices will melt away the cold of winter and warm your heart.   What did you think of our New Year’s playlist? We’ll be bringing you another playlist soon but for now, have a wonderful New Year!

MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON is now on Spotify, and every week, we plan to post a new playlist with a different theme, focusing on music from Japan. If you love J-music, or are new to J-music, be sure to give us a follow.  

J-Pop Christmas Vibes For 2020

Christmas is right around the corner, which means all of the same old Christmas songs will be played non-stop everywhere! Change things up a bit with our festive curation of J-pop tracks that are a celebration of the holiday season and wintertime.  

LiSA×Uru - “Saikai” (produced by Ayase)

This song was written by YOASOBI’s composer Ayase. The song was also recorded on THE FIRST TAKE ー a YouTube channel which records famous artists performing songs in the first take without being edited.  

amazarashi - “Christmas"

The piano melody reflects the cold of winter and creates an image of falling snow. Make sure to check out the official video which uses 3DCG animation.  

back number - "Christmas Song"

If you're looking for Christmas vibes, this Christmas song will get you in the festive spirit straight away. You'll be swaying to the swing beat in no time.  

Noriyuki Makihara - "Fuyu Ga Hajimaru Yo"

The jolly beat and catchy hook will have you singing along in no time.  

Sandaime J Soul Brothers from EXILE TRIBE - "Fuyu Monogatari"

An emotional winter song perfect for those times you want to reflect on the year that has gone by so fast.  

GReeeeN - "Yuki No Ne"

Another winter song which creates the magical image of snowfall. When you hear the powerful and passionate chorus, you won't be able to stop yourself from wanting to sing along.  

BUMP OF CHICKEN - "Merry Christmas"

A relaxing song with nostalgic Christmas vibes. The beautiful guitar accompaniment will fill you with warmth.  

Hikaru Utada - “Can’t Wait ‘Til Christmas”

A Christmas love song written by Hikaru Utada whose voice is beautiful on every single song of hers.  

Sayaka Kanda, Natsuki Inaba, Sumire Morohoshi - “Do You Want to Build a Snowman? - Japanese Version”

This one needs no introduction. The Japanese version of the classic song from Disney’s ‘Frozen.’  

KICK THE CAN CREW - "Kurisumasu. Ibu Rap" (Christmas Eve Rap)

If you're looking for a relaxing rap with Christmas vibes, this is your song.  

HYADAIN - “Kurisumasu? Nani Sore? Oishii no?”

The music and lyrics of this song are incredibly fun and hilarious, you’re sure to crack up when the real song drops after the soothing introduction.

Momoiro Clover Z - “Santa-san”

A faced-paced J-pop fest dedicated to the man himself, Santa Claus.  

GIRLFRIEND - “Christmas Magic”

This Christmas song is written by the all-female J-pop/rock band GIRLFRIEND and is a feel-good one to say the least.   What did you think of this week’s picks? We wish you a Merry Christmas and hope you stick around for next week’s playlist!

MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON is now on Spotify, and every week, we plan to post a new playlist with a different theme, focusing on music from Japan. If you love J-music, or are new to J-music, be sure to give us a follow.  

Japanese Sad Vibes Playlist

Let’s face it, 2020 has been a tough year. We’ve all had our ups and downs, and sometimes when you’re feeling sad, you want a song that captures that feeling to vibe to. Here’s a selection of feelsy tracks for when you’re feeling sad.  

Aimer - “Anatani Deawanakereba Kasetsutouka”

Aimer has a lot of sad-sounding songs, and this is a really feelsy one. You can hear it in her voice. Its title roughly translates to ‘If I’m Unable to See You - Summer, Winter, and Autumn Flowers.”  

Nujabes - “Dawn on the Side”

From the third and final album ‘Spiritual State’ by Nujabes, there’s something about this instrumental song that is hauntingly beautiful, sad, and nostalgic all at the same time.  

Hikaru Utada - “Don’t Think Twice”

This song is the official English version of Utada’s song ‘Chikai,’ both of which are main theme songs for the video game Kingdom Hearts III. It has really sad lyrics which are sung beautifully as always by Utada.  

Rude-α - “LIFE”

This song became a hit as the ending theme for the anime series ‘Dr. Stone.’ Another great track to vibe to that can make you feel a whirlpool of different emotions: happy, sad, and nostalgic all at the same time.  

Nujabes - "Rainyway Back Home"

A peaceful song with nostalgic vibes. Listening to it will send you on a journey back to your childhood home. If you want to stay focussed while studying or working, this song is sure to calm you down.  

C&K - "Y"

The letter "Y" symbolises two lovers going their separate ways. A heartbreaking song that reflects on the good times and shows hopes for meeting again to walk the same path together.  

Sohta feat. Eve - "Ikanaide"

Originally by Sohta, this song has been covered by a range of artists. The song title translates to "don't go" and talks about the heart-wrenching feeling of walking your lover to the train station and watching them leave, trying to be brave. The song can be interpreted in a number of ways, including the passing of a loved one.  

Galileo Galilei - "Arigatō, Gomen ne"

The song literally translates to "Thank you, I'm Sorry". A relaxing song with comforting vibes perfect for self-reflection.  

alan - "Ikiru"

A beautiful piece sung by alan. Her gentle, soothing voice harmonises perfectly with the elegant instrumental accompaniment.  

Shota Tezuka - "Aitai Yo"

A passionate song about aching to meet someone. The beautiful piano accompaniment makes the song even more emotional.  

MINMI - “Shiki no Uta”

This song became a hit as the ending theme for the anime series ‘Samurai Champloo.’ Despite the track not being played commercially overseas, it has become loved the world over, even amongst those who aren’t anime fans.  

XAAXAA - “yukidokei”

This song is about the feelings and memories that you’re left with after a break-up. The vocals and music are both beautiful and powerful.  

D=OUT  - "Senko Hanabi"

A song by the visual-kei rock band D=OUT. The vocals and music are nothing short of beautiful.  

Eir Aoi - "Close Friend"

Eir Aoi's powerful and emotional voice is just what you need when you want to sing along passionately.  

Shoko Nakagawa - "RAY OF LIGHT"

Well-known as the fifth ending theme song for the Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood anime series, this is another passionate song to sing your heart out to.   What did you think of this week’s picks? If you enjoyed them, make sure to stick around as we’ll be posting a new playlist every week.

MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON is now on Spotify, and every week, we plan to post a new playlist with a different theme, focusing on music from Japan. If you love J-music, or are new to J-music, be sure to give us a follow.  

Japanese Songs For Concentration & Focus

If you’re the type to concentrate better with music on in the background, whether you’re studying or working, then we’ve got a playlist for you. Even better if you’re a fan of music from Japan!  

RADWIMPS - "Nandemonaiya - movie ver."

This song was written for the box office hit movie Your Name. The relaxing piano melodies and soothing vocals is just what you need to concentrate.  

Kan Sano - "On My Way Home"

A soothing piano song with no vocals. This calming track will keep you relaxed so you can get on with your work.  

Suchmos - "MINT"

A more upbeat song to give you energy. The funky bassline sets the pace for the freestyle guitar melodies.  

chelmico - "Zurui ne"

chelmico's chill café vibes are just what you need to concentrate. The rhythmic vocals will help you to stay focussed on the task at hand.  

LUCK TAPES feat. kojikoji - "BLUE feat. kojikoji"

Another chill song to switch on when you're feeling your concentration levels drop. The gentle vocal harmonies and light drumbeat set the tone for a day of stress-free work.  

pinoko feat. KEN TIN MIN - "Sunday"

The catchy hooks, rhythm and freestyle piano melodies will instantly put you in a good mood, motivating you to work hard.  

Rainych - "Say So - Japanese Version" 

Indonesian YouTuber Rainych took the world by storm by releasing a Japanese cover of the Doja Cat's song Say So. Her dreamy kawaii voice will lift your spirit instantly.  

Nujabes - “Rainyway Back Home”

A chilled, laid-back tune that fills you with an overwhelming sense of nostalgia, like returning to the home you used to live at. Pretty much every track by Nujabes is great to have on in the background while working.  

Masayoshi Soken - “Crimson Sunset”

A classic track from the Final Fantasy XIV: Stormblood soundtrack, and a very Japanese-y one at that. Its quiet melody is perfect for concentration.  

Boku no Lyric no Boyomi - “Asayoke to Nettaigyo”

The gentle vocals and gorgeous music will put you in the zone to get done what needs to get done.  

Asako Toki - “mellow yellow”

Like the song title suggests, this is a mellow, soft-sounding song so is an easy listen when you’re concentrating.  

Mizuki Ohira - “Ikareta Baby”

The funky, smooth, and feel-good sound is sure to fill you with motivation and in turn increase your concentration.  

ASOBOiSM - “UCHOTEN (feat. TACK)”

Another smooth-sounding track with eargasmic bars you can just tune out to.  

kiki vivi lily - “80denier”

This song has a groovy sound and distinct rhythm that makes it another great listen for work.   So, what did you think? Stay tuned as we’ll be bringing you a new playlist of Japanese songs every week!

MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON is now on Spotify, and every week, we plan to post a new playlist with a different theme, focusing on music from Japan. If you love J-music, or are new to J-music, be sure to give us a follow.  

Japanese Songs For Halloween and Autumn

Autumn has arrived, and Halloween is on the horizon. It’s the season for crunchy leaves, pumpkin spice lattes, and spooks. Get in the mood with this seasonal selection of Japanese songs for Halloween and autumn.  

Kyary Pamyu Pamyu - Crazy Party Night -Pumpkins Strike Back-

This song breathes life into halloween year after year and is essential to your Halloween playlist. Read More: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/363665  

AKB48 - "Halloween Night"

Let AKB48's energetic and exciting voices ignite your Halloween party mood.  

Denki Groove - "Mononoke Dance"

A groovy dance track which will have you bouncing to the rhythm in no time.

Sandaime J SOUL BROTHERS from EXILE TRIBE - “Rat-tat-tat”

This was used as the commercial song for a Halloween event held at Universal Studios Japan.  

THE ORAL CIGARETTES - “Halloween no Yoin"

A great halloween rock tune to celebrate halloween. The lead guitar melodies will fill you with energy.  

Golden Bomber - "Dance My Generation"

Even if you can't have a halloween party this year, there's no reason you can't celebrate at home. This nostalgic tune will energise your home party.  

HALLOWEEN JUNKY ORCHESTRA - "HALLOWEEN PARTY"

HALLOWEEN JUNKY ORCHESTRA was a temporary rock band formed by HYDE from L'Arc～en～Ciel and other artists. The song’s official music video includes a dance you just have to see.  

ARASHI - “Monster"

This song by ARASHI was the main theme song for the drama The Monster Kid. The baroque-style sound sets the perfect mood for Halloween.  

Eri Kitamura - “arcadia † paroniria”

The symphonic metal sound of this track makes you think of a spooky church. Fitting for Halloween!  

9mm Parabellum Bullet - “Vampiregirl”

A song that packs together everything about 9mm Parabellum Bullet with their dark, aggressive sound. This is one to sing along to at Halloween.  

Sakurako Ohara - “Orange no Happy Halloween”

Forget Happy Valentine’s Day, it’s Happy Halloween with this track which sings of a love sprouting thanks to Halloween. A jaunty guitar melody line together with Ohara’s beautiful vocals make this a very different kind of Halloween track.  

MAN WITH A MISSION - “Feel and Think”

Featured on the band’s second mini album Trick or Treat e.p., this is a fast-paced Halloween rock song.  

Kaela Kimura - “Obake Nante Nai Sa”

A Halloweeny song covered by Kaela Kimura.   Did you enjoy our picks this week? Stay tuned for next week’s playlist!