LOUNGE /
MUSIC
January 23, 2017
Series | Nao Asakura's MUSIC PLAYLIST Vol. 2: 5 Healing Piano Pieces to Listen to During the Cozy Season
Series | Nao Asakura's MUSIC PLAYLIST Vol. 2
5 Healing Piano Pieces That Resonate with the Japanese Soul
As the weather grows colder, our time spent indoors—on holidays or in the evenings—likely increases. When you turn off the TV and put on music at home, you'll notice how dramatically the atmosphere of the space changes. Wouldn't it be nice to listen to music that helps you relax and gently warms your chilled body? This time, we've selected songs with soothing piano melodies that everyone can find comfort in. Please enjoy the pure soundscapes of artists active across multiple genres, not just classical!
Text by ASAKURA Nao
From Solo Piano to Electronica and Jazzy Hip Hop
Henning schmiedt - Hochzeitslied
German pianist Henning Schmiedt has released numerous works through the esteemed Japanese music label flau, and his concerts consistently draw large crowds of fans, regardless of age or gender. His piano playing possesses a gentle, comforting quality; some listeners have even been moved to tears during his live performances. "Hochzeitslied," featured on his nostalgic album "Walzer," was composed for a specific couple. It's a warm masterpiece that captures the bittersweet blend of celebratory joy and the gentle sadness of bidding farewell to a friend. Henning Schmiedt's compassionate album makes for a thoughtful gift for someone special.
Akira Kosemura - Light Dance "Tiny Musical"
Akira Kosemura is a versatile Japanese musician who composes music for commercials, films, and the art world. His original albums released on his own label, "schole," have received high acclaim both domestically and internationally. In particular, his solo work "Tiny Musical," created when he was just 22, is an electronica-infused piece centered on piano. Its beautiful sound, which seamlessly blends into daily life, captivated many and achieved remarkable success. "Light Dance," a track from this album, is a signature piece. As Kosemura himself commented, "This song has led to many encounters and valuable experiences, making it like an important partner in my life." Hearing it performed live is a truly moving, goosebump-inducing experience.
☆Takagi Masakatsu - girl
Masakatsu Takagi, a musician and filmmaker active both in Japan and internationally, is known for his piano compositions, including scores for Mamoru Hosoda's films "Wolf Children" and "The Boy and the Beast," as well as numerous other film and commercial soundtracks. His signature piece, "girl," appears in various versions—on the album "COIEDA," in live concert performances, and on platforms like YouTube. Upon first hearing it, one might feel an inexplicable sense of nostalgia. The accompanying visuals for "girl," created through Takagi's own processed footage, are equally captivating. The melancholic, nostalgic melody, coupled with the title "girl," evokes deep contemplation and a poignant sense of longing with each listen.
sakai asuka - Linne
Asuka Sakai is a Japanese female musician active in composing music for games, anime, and commercials. She gained attention with her album featuring international vocalists, released on IRMA records, a dance music label known for Italo house. "Linne," from her melancholic second album "Mt.," weaves together diverse guest vocals and Sakai's piano. The interplay between her piano and the vocalist's voice, along with the chiming bells that fill the sonic spaces, creates a piece perfect for a clear winter landscape. Its transparency and warmth offer a healing embrace, akin to maternal tenderness.
re:plus - Blue Sky
re:plus is one of the young trackmakers who helped establish the "Jazzy Hip Hop" genre within Japan's indie scene. While he often collaborates with international rappers for his hip hop tracks, "Blue Sky" features Japanese female vocalist Cokiyu and leans into an electronic sound. Built on a hip hop foundation, the track is layered with piano melodies and Cokiyu's whispery vocals, creating a sense of airy suspension. As re:plus himself stated, "Back then, I had far fewer preconceived notions about production theories and boundaries within genres than I do now, and I pursued sounds I liked intuitively." This track embodies that uninhibited, fresh, and beautiful approach, unburdened by genre or convention.
Nao Asakura
Born in Shinagawa Ward, Tokyo. After graduating from university, she worked in advertising sales for the fashion magazine "marie claire," at a record company, and as an editor for a women's lifestyle magazine before becoming a freelancer after childbirth. She is involved in editing, writing, and PR, focusing on culture, food, and travel, and handles PR for electronic music. During her student years, she traveled to 28 countries and hitchhiked across Japan.




