[Classic] New Year’s BGM: Music for Japan’s New Year and Spring Festival
When New Year’s comes around, you often hear New Year-ish music around town and on TV, don’t you?
Hearing songs that feature traditional Japanese instruments like the koto, flute, and shamisen really brings out the New Year atmosphere.
In this article, I’ll introduce pieces you often hear as New Year’s background music, as well as songs whose vibe is perfect for the season.
Many of these pieces carry auspicious wishes, so try looking into the meanings embedded in the music.
Some entries also mention the composers; if you look up their other works, you might discover even more pieces that are perfect for the New Year.
I hope you enjoy a wonderful New Year along with the songs introduced here.
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[Classic] New Year’s BGM: Japanese Music for the New Year/Spring Festival (21–30)
Five Sections of Fulling BlocksKōzaki Kengyō
A beautiful melody woven by the koto’s delicate tones evokes the refreshing atmosphere of the New Year in this work by Kosaiki Kengyo.
Titled “Godan Kinuta,” it is a celebrated masterpiece of koto music, composed of five sections and considered a towering achievement of the repertoire.
With lyrics inspired by the sound of beating cloth (kinuta), it portrays autumnal scenes and the allure of courtesans—perfectly suited to the festive mood of the New Year.
Regarded as one of the finest koto pieces of the 19th century, it demands advanced technique and features a complex structure, yet its beauty captivates listeners and never lets go.
An ideal piece for a quiet New Year’s morning or the walk home from Hatsumode (the first shrine visit of the year).
Highly recommended for anyone interested in traditional music, this gem is imbued with the essence of Japanese culture.
Mount FujiLyrics by Iwaya Sazanami
This song is known as a Ministry of Education shoka (school song) that praises the grandeur of Mount Fuji.
The lyrics were written by Kocho Iwaya, recognized as a pioneer of modern children’s literature in Japan.
The words poetically depict Fuji’s summit piercing through the clouds and looking down over the surrounding mountains, leaving a strong impression.
Since its inclusion in the 1910 anthology “Shoka for the Elementary School Reader,” it has been widely cherished as teaching material in elementary music classes.
In 2007, it was also selected for the “100 Best Japanese Songs,” securing an important place in Japan’s musical culture.
It might be nice to hum this tune while gazing at Mount Fuji during the New Year.
Happy New Year WoO 165Ludwig van Beethoven
A short canon by Mr.
Beethoven, notable for its heartwarming melody celebrating the New Year.
Though it lasts only about 30 seconds, its structure—in which four voices successively chase one another while singing the words “Happy New Year”—beautifully conveys the joy and hope of the season.
Completed in 1815, this piece is said to have been presented by Beethoven as a New Year’s greeting to a friend.
It is included on albums such as Cantus Novus Wien’s “Canons and Musical Jokes,” offering a glimpse of a lesser-known side of Beethoven.
Recommended as background music when welcoming the New Year or sending greetings to someone special.
A piece that lets you feel Beethoven’s profoundly human charm.
Ise Ondo
Born in Ise Province during the Edo period and later spread throughout the country, this song is known as a folk tune.
The famous phrase “Ise supports Tsu, and Tsu supports Ise” cleverly expresses the region’s mutual interdependence.
Sung to the lively rhythm of the shamisen, its lyrics vividly reflect the customs and culture of pilgrimages to Ise, evoking the traditional New Year atmosphere of Japan.
Revived in 1932 (Showa 7) into its current form, the song is also cherished as a New Year’s celebratory piece.
It’s a perfect choice for anyone who wants to experience Japanese traditional culture as they welcome the New Year.
Takasago
Takazago, a representative work of Noh, Japan’s most important traditional performing art.
The poem asks why the pine of Takasago and the pine of Sumiyoshi, though far apart, are called the “paired pines,” and an elderly couple answers by likening them to the bond between husband and wife.
In Japan today, it is well known as a standard piece for weddings.
Cantata No. 190 “Sing to the Lord a New Song”J.S.Bach
A Bach church cantata celebrating the New Year.
Its brilliant scoring and festive tone splendidly express the joy of the season.
The buoyant rhythm of the opening chorus and the cries of “Alleluia” create a radiant atmosphere.
It is said to have been composed for January 1, 1724—the first New Year Bach welcomed in Leipzig.
Although part of the score has unfortunately been lost, modern musicians have reconstructed it, and it is still performed today.
It’s perfect for New Year’s concerts or as background music for the holiday.
With lyrics full of praise and gratitude to God, it inspires hope and resolve for the year ahead.
Yachiyo Shishi
A renowned piece of traditional jiuta and koto music cherished as a New Year’s seasonal hallmark.
Its elegant melody and auspicious lyrics express the joy of the New Year.
The sounds of Japanese instruments, centered on the shamisen and koto, evoke the beauty of Japanese tradition.
It has long been familiar, having been incorporated into kabuki’s backstage music and nagauta.
There are also performances in various arrangements—such as the large orchestral version by Michio Miyagi—showcasing its many charms.
It’s perfect not only as background music for the New Year, but also for celebratory occasions like New Year’s parties or Coming-of-Age Day ceremonies.
It could also be a great opportunity to experience traditional Japanese music.