A Japanese Circle

IV – V – iii – vi – ii – V – I progression in A major

A major
Chords
Triads7th Chords
Instrument
GuitarUkuleleBass
Harmony
Originalii–V–ISec. Dom.
IVD
VE
iiiC#m
viF#m
iiBm
VE
IA

8-Bar Structure

Bar 1D
Bar 2E
Bar 3C#m
Bar 4F#m
Bar 5Bm
Bar 6E
Bar 7A

Triad Diagrams — A Japanese Circle (Guitar)

A Japanese CircleIV – V – iii – vi – ii – V – I

The A Japanese Circle progression (D – E – C#m – F#m – Bm – E – A) extends the Royal Road with a complete ii–V–I cadence, using nearly every diatonic chord. With seventh voicings (DMaj7 – E7 – C#m7 – F#m7 – Bm7 – E7 – AMaj7), it creates a full, satisfying harmonic journey.

World / J-PopComplete Resolution4/4 · 8 bars

Chords (triads): D, E, C#m, F#m, Bm, A.

Chords (7th): DMaj7, E7, C#m7, F#m7, Bm7, AMaj7.

Famous songs using this progression

  • A Cruel Angel's Thesis – Yoko Takahashi (Neon Genesis Evangelion)