Lovely Western music

[2025] A roundup of Western songs that include Japanese

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and have been contributing to music magazines and web media for over 15 years. Although Western music is my main field, I always strive to stay curious with the motto, “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in a band, where I was a bassist responsible for songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve performed on include bass, guitar, and piano. I resumed piano lessons after turning 40 and have been continuing ever since!

If you’re a fan of Western music, there’s a good chance you’ve had the experience of suddenly hearing a familiar language—Japanese—pop up in the songs you usually listen to.

Just as Japanese artists sometimes write lyrics that mix English and Japanese, many Western artists intentionally incorporate Japanese lyrics into their songs.

In this article, we’ve put together a variety of tracks from different eras and genres that include Japanese.

We’ve tried to leave out songs that are simply Japanese-language versions of existing Western tracks, so you might discover some surprises like, “Wait, this song has Japanese lyrics too?”

[2025] Compilation of Western Songs Featuring Japanese Lyrics (21–30)

Song for the DumpedBen Folds Five

Ben Folds Five – Song for the Dumped

Song for the DumpedBen Folds Five

The piano rock trio Ben Folds Five subtly weaves Japanese into their 1997 song “Song for the Dumped,” blending the frustration and irony of a breakup.

Their distinctive sound, infused with jazz and improvisation, finds a new harmony in the sudden flashes of Japanese, creating a fresh way to express loneliness and frustration.

Many years have passed since their big breakthrough in the United States, yet the song’s defiant spirit continues to resonate undiminished.

Among artists who have incorporated Japanese, Ben Folds Five’s attempt stands out as uniquely surprising and remarkable.

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Matte KudasaiKing Crimson

King Crimson – Matte Kudasai

Matte KudasaiKing Crimson

When it comes to moments where Japanese lyrics shine in Western music, perhaps none exemplify it better than King Crimson’s heartwarming ballad “Matte Kudasai.” Released in 1981 on the album Discipline, the song’s delicate guitar tones and the poignant Japanese title phrase “wait, please” exude a unique sense of wistfulness.

The performances by renowned musicians—Adrian Belew and Robert Fripp on guitars, Tony Levin on bass, and Bill Bruford on drums—leave a quiet afterglow in the listener’s heart.

It may well be that songs like this, created in pursuit of essence rather than commercial success, hold the secret to being loved across time.

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[2025] Compilation of Western Songs That Include Japanese (31–40)

Mr. RobotoStyx

Styx – Mr. Roboto (Official Video)

Mr. RobotoStyx

The sudden appearance of Japanese sounds in Western music can feel fresh and unexpectedly delightful.

Styx’s 1983 release “Mr.

Roboto” is a prime example.

Inspired by Japan’s robot culture, songwriter Dennis DeYoung built the track around the Japanese phrase “dōmo arigato,” and it reportedly achieved high chart success at the time.

Its story—caught between technology and humanity—resonates deeply, while the Japanese sprinkled throughout the lyrics lends an exotic flavor.

It’s a one-of-a-kind classic by Styx that continues to be loved by many music fans, so if you’re looking for a recommended track, definitely give it a listen!

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In conclusion

When you put together songs under the theme of Western music that includes Japanese, you really start to see each artist’s individuality—it’s kind of interesting how you can get a feel for how each of them perceives the sound of Japanese.

Beyond the songs I introduced this time, you can find Western tracks with Japanese in some unexpected places, so if you’re interested, definitely dig deeper!