[BGM] Japanese songs for campfires and BBQs: A playlist of J-pop to enjoy while camping

Voice of the SeaUrashima Taro (Kenta Kiritani)

"The Voice of the Sea" Full ver. / Urashima Taro (Kenta Kiritani) [Official]

A song sung by Ura-chan, played by actor Kenta Kiritani, who appears in au’s hugely popular Santaro commercial series.

His earnest vocals carried by the sanshin accompaniment are moving, and it’s a very popular song for karaoke as well! While camping often brings to mind mountains and rivers, it might be perfect for a seaside barbecue, too! It’s highly recommended when you want to step away from the hustle and bustle and spend a relaxing time gazing at the ocean—sure to become a soothing, healing song.

Magic hourSTUTS, BIM, RYO-Z

STUTS, BIM, RYO-Z – Magic Hour (Official Music Video)

Magic Hour is an original song created around the theme of UCC BLACK sugar-free coffee.

Produced by trackmaker STUTS, it’s a collaboration with rappers BIM and RYO-Z.

The lyrics depict them drinking a “Black Ball” and goofing around by the seaside.

It’s the kind of track you’ll want to listen to while chatting with friends in an open, breezy place.

Let this song give you that laid-back vibe and the special feeling of being in a day that’s a little out of the ordinary.

You, the Sheep, and the BlueRADWIMPS

RADWIMPS – You, Sheep and Blue [Official Music Video]

A rock band that became so famous after the film Your Name that there’s hardly anyone who doesn’t know them—RADWIMPS—and this is a song they released in 2011.

It carries a sense of nostalgia, while its brisk, exhilarating sound is perfect for the outdoors.

In an instant, it brings back memories of our youthful, blue-tinged days.

The sky is just likeMONKEY MAJIK

MONKEY MAJIK – The Sky Is Just Like【Official Music Video】

MONKEY MAJIK is a hybrid band with members from Japan and Canada.

They can handle a wide range of styles, from electric sounds to acoustic tracks, and this song leans acoustic with a soft, gentle vibe.

It has a chill atmosphere that makes you want to sway slowly as you listen, and the flowing rap section feels incredibly good.

In this article we introduce songs that fit various situations—like as background music while sitting by a campfire or eating—but this is a track we especially want you to hear on a sunny afternoon.

Flower of the heartOAU

OAU “Kokoro no Hana” New Acoustic Camp 10th Anniversary Theme Song

OAU is an acoustic band centered around members of the rock band BRAHMAN.

This song became the 10th anniversary theme for New Acoustic Camp, a camp-in festival held annually in Gunma Prefecture.

While BRAHMAN is known for an appealing style that blends hardcore punk with folk and world music, OAU’s acoustic performances bring those folk elements to the forefront even more vividly.

It’s truly a must-hear warm sound, perfect for listening in nature—whether camping or enjoying the outdoors.

Campfire PrayerEnglish folk song

Scout Song “Campfire Prayer” | with lyrics

On a camp night, is there any tune that resonates more deeply as a song softly hummed before the flickering flames? Its original form is an old English love song, which in Japan was transformed by Chuji Ozaki into lyrics like a hymn, imbued with gratitude and prayers to nature.

Its pure and solemn melody is a major allure of the piece, with the power to unite the hearts of participants.

Though not widely available as an official recording, it is cherished as an indispensable piece in Boy Scout songbooks, and a survey by the Ibaraki Council of the Scout Association of Japan deemed it “worth preserving forever.” Since around July 2014, various performance videos have also been shared.

Raise your voices together with your companions around the campfire, and it will become an unforgettable and moving memory.

LOOPSIRUP

SIRUP – LOOP (Official Music Video)

This track is perfect for stylish campers! It’s a song by SIRUP, the solo project of singer-songwriter KYOtaro.

If you’re into Black music like hip-hop or R&B, this is an artist you definitely should check out.

The laid-back beat and smooth, flowing delivery feel great, making it a perfect pick when you want to relax and take it slow.

There are plenty of other recommended songs too, so if you like this one, be sure to explore more!