royal road progression; koakuma chord progression
A chord progression (IV–V–iii–vi) commonly used in contemporary Japanese pop music, often associated with an emotional or bittersweet sound.
The royal road progression is often used in J-pop.
The chorus of this song is built on the royal road progression.
Synonymous; 'koakuma chord progression' is an alternative name for the same IV–V–iii–vi progression, emphasizing its slightly mischievous or bittersweet feel.
Compound of 王道 (royal road, standard path) and 進行 (progression). The term likely arose in Japanese music theory circles to describe a chord progression that feels classic or 'royal' in J-pop.