The Emperor’s Birthday celebration in Japan is a cherished national holiday that honors the nation’s heritage, culture, and unity. Whether you’re planning a celebration or simply want to immerse yourself in Japanese musical culture, these 20 songs perfectly capture the spirit of this special occasion. From timeless traditional melodies to contemporary J-Pop hits, this carefully curated selection offers something for every music lover looking to honor this important day in Japanese culture.
Kimigayo
The Japanese national anthem stands as the most essential song for any national celebration, including the Emperor’s Birthday. With lyrics dating back to the Heian period between 794 and 1185, Kimigayo holds the distinction of having the oldest lyrics of any national anthem in the world. The current melody was selected in 1880, replacing an earlier composition, and the anthem officially became recognized through the Act on National Flag and Anthem in 1999. This solemn piece wishes for enduring prosperity and peace, making it the perfect opening for any Emperor’s Birthday celebration.
Sakura Sakura
This traditional folk song celebrating cherry blossoms represents the beauty and transient nature of life in Japanese culture. The gentle melody, typically played on the koto, has become synonymous with Japanese identity both domestically and internationally. Sakura Sakura depicts the arrival of spring and the blooming cherry blossoms that blanket the countryside, creating imagery that resonates deeply with Japanese cultural values. The song’s peaceful atmosphere and connection to natural beauty make it an ideal choice for celebrating national pride and cultural heritage.
Haru no Umi
Composed by the legendary Michio Miyagi in 1929, this masterpiece for koto and shakuhachi has become synonymous with New Year celebrations and special occasions in Japan. The composition beautifully incorporates sounds meant to convey tranquil waves, boat paddling, and bird songs from the Seto Inland Sea. Originally overlooked upon release, it gained international recognition after French violinist Renée Chemet arranged the shakuhachi part for violin. Today, this peaceful instrumental piece is frequently heard on television and radio during important Japanese celebrations, making it perfect for the Emperor’s Birthday.
Rokudan no Shirabe
As one of the oldest and most recognized koto pieces, Rokudan no Shirabe consists of six variations on a theme and showcases the elegance of traditional Japanese instrumentation. Long attributed to Yatsuhashi Kengyō from the Edo period, this composition was revolutionary for being written as a solo koto piece rather than vocal accompaniment. The work remains a staple in koto instruction and represents the refined artistic traditions that flourished under imperial patronage. Its sophisticated structure and beautiful melodies perfectly complement the dignity of the Emperor’s Birthday celebration.
ROSE by HANA
This April 2025 major debut single established HANA as one of the breakout acts of the year with its cinematic production and powerful presence. Produced by CHANMINA under BMSG, the track features piano-led beats that showcase the personalities of the No No Girls winners through thorny rap verses and aggressive choreography. The song’s bold confidence and modern energy represent the vibrant future of Japanese music. Including contemporary hits like this alongside traditional pieces demonstrates how Japanese culture honors both heritage and innovation, making it fitting for a celebration that bridges past and present.
Gekijō by YOASOBI
Built around the theatrical concept that “life is a stage,” this punchy track features driving guitars, dance-pop bounce, and vocalist Ikura’s signature rapid-fire delivery. The lyrics urge listeners to strengthen their resolve, keep moving forward, and continue dancing until the curtain falls. YOASOBI’s ability to blend storytelling with infectious melodies has made them one of Japan’s most popular acts. The song’s message of perseverance and determination aligns beautifully with the values celebrated during the Emperor’s Birthday, when reflecting on national progress and unity.
Kaiju by sakanaction
Released as sakanaction’s first single in three years, this smooth, danceable, piano-led mid-tempo track showcases the band’s signature style while exploring new territory. The thick ambience and colder guitar tones create an uneasy seriousness, while frontman Ichiro Yamaguchi pushes into near-falsetto ranges. Written for the anime “Orb: On the Movements of the Earth,” the song treats becoming a “monster” as metaphor for carrying knowledge and belief even when it isolates you. This contemplative piece adds depth to any Emperor’s Birthday playlist with its sophisticated production and meaningful lyrics.
IRIS OUT by Kenshi Yonezu
Kenshi Yonezu stands at the center of J-Pop’s current orbit, and this record-setting release demonstrates exactly why. The track showcases Yonezu’s extraordinary ability to craft emotionally resonant melodies that connect with listeners across generations. His consistent innovation while maintaining accessibility has made him one of Japan’s most beloved contemporary artists. Including Yonezu’s work in an Emperor’s Birthday celebration acknowledges how modern artists continue Japan’s rich musical legacy. The song’s popularity and quality make it essential for any contemporary Japanese music collection.
Susuki ni Tsuki by Sheena Ringo
This summer 2025 single channels an entire stage show into one track with its big-band, ragtime, and cabaret influences filtered through a modern pop lens. Written for NHK’s drama “Hitori de Shinitai,” the composition features snapping drums, swaggering horns, piano flourishes, and sly guitar lines. Sheena Ringo’s smoky vocals and Aya Sato’s captivating goth-styled choreography create something undeniably cool. The theatrical grandeur and artistic sophistication of this track make it a stunning addition to any celebration that values Japanese musical artistry and creativity.
Hacha Mecha Wacha Life! by FRUITS ZIPPER
As the first new theme song for the beloved anime “Crayon Shin-chan” in five years, this super-concentrated sugar rush taps into the hyper-bright DNA of 2010s Akiba-pop. The track features whip-pan hooks, gang chants, and bubblegum synths that create impossible-to-deny fun. FRUITS ZIPPER’s Harajuku-grade sheen and clean unison vocals pull back from denpa’s “too much” approach while maintaining infectious energy. This joyful celebration song brings a sense of lighthearted fun to the Emperor’s Birthday, reminding us that national pride can be expressed through pure enjoyment and happiness.
Matsuri by Yuma Teranishi feat. Pinko Izumi
Released in August 2025, this wildly upbeat celebratory number fuses traditional Japanese elements with EDM under the theme of “connecting the world through laughter.” The cross-generational collaboration between singer-songwriter Yuma Teranishi and actor Pinko Izumi creates festival-like exhilaration. Teranishi’s high-tone vocals intersect with Izumi’s punchy, declamatory singing to deliver pure celebratory energy. When you need music that captures the festive spirit of the Emperor’s Birthday celebration, this track delivers exactly what’s needed with its infectious enthusiasm and cultural pride.
Eureka by Gen Hoshino
Gen Hoshino’s contemplative masterpiece represents the sound of finding your own sense of time in a fast-paced world. The track partially plots Hoshino’s journey writing music on a DAW, a practice he began during COVID lockdown. While much contemporary Japanese music races forward with excitement, “Eureka” offers something different—a moment of reflection and careful consideration. This balance between progress and contemplation mirrors the Emperor’s Birthday itself, a day for both celebrating national achievements and reflecting on enduring values. Hoshino’s artistry makes this an essential modern classic.
Wonderful VHS by Yuka Nagase
This new-wave rock piece evokes the epochal work of Yakushimaru Etsuko while showcasing Nagase’s transformation from digital avatar to live-band frontwoman. The song’s nonsensical hooks and V-H-S choreography invite participation, revealing the creative process bare as the collaboration unfolds in real time. Nagase’s resistance to being pigeonholed while still honoring past influences demonstrates how Japanese artists continually reinvent themselves. The track’s playful energy and creative spirit make it perfect for celebrations that honor both tradition and innovation in Japanese culture.
Sakura by Ikimonogakari
This beloved J-Pop ballad about cherry blossoms has become one of the most popular graduation and springtime songs in modern Japan. Ikimonogakari’s ability to craft deeply emotional melodies while maintaining broad appeal has made them household names. The song’s gentle progression and heartfelt lyrics about memories, partings, and new beginnings resonate with listeners across all ages. Its connection to cherry blossom season and its themes of reflection and gratitude make it particularly appropriate for the Emperor’s Birthday, a time for national reflection and appreciation.
Sakurazaka by Masaharu Fukuyama
This pure love song describes unchanging affection for someone remembered at Sakurazaka, a location imbued with personal and emotional significance. Fukuyama’s smooth vocals deliver the poignant lyrics about how spring arrives and dreams remain dreams with touching sincerity. The slow-tempo ballad showcases Fukuyama’s status as one of Japan’s most respected singer-songwriters. Including this emotional depth in an Emperor’s Birthday celebration adds a human element to the national holiday, reminding us that love of country grows from personal connections and memories.
Sakura Drops by Hikaru Utada
This slow-tempo masterpiece from one of Japan’s most iconic artists addresses heartbreak by overlapping the end of love with falling cherry blossoms. Utada’s ability to use natural imagery to express complex emotions has made this song a classic. The lyrics promise “this is the last heartbreak” while cherry blossoms drift down, creating powerful imagery about endings and new beginnings. Utada’s influence on Japanese pop music cannot be overstated, and this track represents the emotional depth and artistry that has defined her legendary career.
Marigold by Aimyon
While not specifically about cherry blossoms, Aimyon’s breakout hit “Marigold” has become one of the defining songs of recent years with its warm melody and relatable lyrics. Aimyon’s distinctive voice and honest songwriting style have made her one of the most beloved contemporary Japanese artists. The song’s themes of simple joys and everyday happiness resonate deeply with listeners. Including modern classics like this in Emperor’s Birthday celebrations demonstrates how contemporary artists continue creating music that captures the Japanese spirit and connects people across generations.
First Love by Hikaru Utada
No list of important Japanese songs would be complete without Utada’s generation-defining ballad “First Love.” Released in 1999, this emotional masterpiece helped establish Utada as one of Japan’s most important musical voices. The song’s simple yet profound exploration of love and memory has made it timeless. Its enduring popularity across decades demonstrates how truly great music transcends its era. For the Emperor’s Birthday, a celebration spanning generations, including such a universally beloved song creates common ground for all attendees regardless of age.
Lemon by Kenshi Yonezu
This massive hit became one of the best-selling digital singles in Japanese history, showcasing Yonezu’s ability to create music that moves the entire nation. The emotional ballad’s themes of loss, memory, and healing struck a deep chord with listeners. Yonezu’s artistic vision and consistent quality have made him the most important J-Pop artist of the current era. Including “Lemon” in Emperor’s Birthday celebrations acknowledges both its cultural significance and Yonezu’s role in shaping contemporary Japanese music into something that honors tradition while pushing forward.
Etenraku (Gagaku)
Among New Year’s classics and ceremonial music, this Gagaku piece stands out with its unique sound heard at shrines and temples. While most celebratory koto music dates to the 17th century or later, Gagaku’s origins extend back 1,400 years, with current performance forms solidifying around the late 8th to 9th centuries. The ancient court music represents the deepest roots of Japanese musical tradition and its direct connection to imperial culture. For the Emperor’s Birthday, including this centuries-old piece creates a profound link to Japan’s imperial history and the enduring nature of cultural traditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the official song for Emperor’s Birthday?
The Japanese national anthem “Kimigayo” serves as the official song for all national celebrations, including the Emperor’s Birthday. This ancient anthem, with lyrics from a Heian-period waka poem, represents Japan’s longest-standing musical tradition and is performed at all official ceremonies honoring the Emperor and the nation.
What type of music is played during Emperor’s Birthday celebrations?
Emperor’s Birthday celebrations typically feature a mix of traditional and contemporary Japanese music, including the national anthem, classical koto pieces, Gagaku court music, and popular J-Pop songs that celebrate Japanese culture. The combination honors both historical traditions and modern cultural expressions, creating a comprehensive celebration of Japanese musical heritage.
Are there specific traditional instruments used for Emperor’s Birthday music?
Traditional instruments like the koto, shakuhachi, and instruments used in Gagaku court music are commonly featured during Emperor’s Birthday celebrations. These instruments carry deep cultural significance and connect modern celebrations to Japan’s imperial musical heritage. Contemporary celebrations may also incorporate modern instruments while maintaining respect for traditional forms.
Can modern J-Pop songs be appropriate for Emperor’s Birthday?
Absolutely—modern J-Pop songs that celebrate Japanese culture, unity, and national pride are perfectly appropriate for Emperor’s Birthday celebrations. Artists like Kenshi Yonezu, YOASOBI, and Aimyon create music that honors Japanese identity while appealing to contemporary audiences. The key is selecting songs that reflect positive values and cultural appreciation.
Where can I find these Emperor’s Birthday songs?
All the songs mentioned in this list are available on major streaming platforms like YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Music. Many traditional pieces like “Kimigayo,” “Sakura Sakura,” and “Haru no Umi” have numerous versions available, while contemporary tracks can be found through official artist channels. Searching by song title and artist name will help you locate specific versions.