The Piano Suite, composed in 1934, is Ifukube's only work for solo piano. It is a nationalistic work inspired by traditional Japanese events, consisting of four movements: 'Bon Odori', 'Tanabata', 'Nagashi-Rei', and 'Nebuta'. At the time, the 19-year-old Ifukube was studying composition autodidactically while majoring in forestry at Hokkaido University. The piece was written for the Spanish pianist George Copeland but was not premiered due to the civil war. It was eventually premiered in 1938 when it was selected for the Venice International Festival of Contemporary Music, bringing Ifukube international recognition. It was later arranged by the composer himself for orchestra and traditional Japanese instruments.

Bon Odori (approx. 3 min 40 sec)

Set to a rhythm imitating Japanese drums (wadaiko), the Bon Odori music, featuring two themes, unfolds vividly.

Tanabata (approx. 3 min 30 sec)

A theme reminiscent of a children's song, evoking the night of Tanabata, is beautifully embellished and repeated numerous times.

Nagashi-Rei (approx. 3 min 50 sec)

Following a brilliant introduction, a theme resembling the song of a "nagashi" (itinerant musician) is sung with a melancholic tone, interspersed with a rhythmic middle section.

Nebuta (approx. 5 min)

Based on the Aomori Nebuta Festival, three themes are powerfully constructed over an ostinato figure in the introduction that permeates the entire piece.