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Experience the charm of a cappella! Wonderful a cappella groups from Japan

A cappella, made up of nothing but voices, lets you feel the unique color of each group—their diverse harmonies are truly captivating.

In this article, we’ll introduce some wonderful groups active in Japan’s a cappella scene.

From artists at the forefront of the J-POP world to groups that have shone on the TV show often called the “Koshien of singing,” Hamonep, as well as those uploading a cappella videos on YouTube—there are so many out there.

With the rise of social media making these artists feel more accessible than ever, let’s savor the joy of a cappella together with these amazing performers!

[Experience the Charm of A Cappella!] Wonderful Japanese A Cappella Groups (1–10)

Edison (Wednesday Campanella)PLUS Unison.

Edison / Wednesday Campanella (Acappella cover)
Edison (Wednesday Campanella)PLUS Unison.

PLUS Unison creates comfort with machine-like precision in rhythm and pitch.

They’re an a cappella group belonging to muchoo, a creator agency operated by Avex.

Centered around a cappella producer Ryota and arranger Mabiro, they’ve released numerous cover songs.

Their skill in arranging the latest tracks into a cappella with overwhelming polish is stunning.

Among their works, the cover video of Official HIGE DANDism’s “Apoptosis” has been viewed about 1.8 million times in the year since its release.

You won’t want to take your eyes off PLUS Unison, a group poised to lead the future of the a cappella scene.

Here TonightHamojiN

Hamoji is a luxurious four-man a cappella group, each member an active musician in Japan’s jazz scene.

The moment you hear their voices, you’ll recognize it’s a gathering of true virtuosos.

Among the many musical genres, jazz is particularly profound—and they create sounds that only artists deeply versed in that world can achieve.

Hamoji’s activities extend beyond Japan to overseas, starting with Hong Kong.

Be sure to experience their authentic vocals at least once.

road; way; path; street; route; Tao (in philosophy)chikin gari kku suteeki

Chicken Garlic Steak, the first a cappella group formed in Japan.

Their harmonies are, just like their name suggests, exquisite.

In 2020, Chicken Garlic Steak celebrated the 30th anniversary of their formation.

It’s thanks to their founding that today’s a cappella scene exists.

Chicken Garlic Steak is also a multitalented group in which every member writes lyrics and composes music.

They were the ones who established the style of releasing not only covers but original songs as well.

[Experience the Charm of A Cappella!] Wonderful Japanese A Cappella Groups (11–20)

frapechiruNagie Lane

Nagie Lane – Furapechiru (Official Video)
frapechiruNagie Lane

Nagie Lane is creating a new sound that overturns the very idea of an a cappella group.

Formed in 2018, this six-member a cappella ensemble performs a colorful sound on par with bands, calling themselves a “neo city-pop band without instruments.” Their challenge of performing dance music a cappella has brought a fresh breeze to the a cappella scene.

On September 22, 2021, they marked their major debut with the release of the album “Interview.”

You go sha-la-laPermanent Fish

Permanent Fish ~You Go Sha-la-la~ PV (JAPAN)
You go sha-la-laPermanent Fish

Permanent Fish, formed in Kobe, is sure to soothe you with the gentle vocals of their lead singer.

Their performances have been recognized overseas, and they made their major debut in South Korea in 2008.

A year after their debut, in November 2009, they won the 17th Korea Culture and Entertainment Awards’ Foreign Entertainer Award, proving their strong credentials.

They mainly released original songs centered on relaxed ballads.

Although they disbanded in 2019 to much regret, their voices will surely continue to shine forever through their works.

You Raise Me UpAURA

Aura, a group of four women, sings classical masterpieces with crystal-clear, angelic voices.

They are an a cappella group specializing in classical music, composed of elite musicians who all studied vocal performance during their university years.

Renowned for their pure, radiant sound, they are active not only in releases and live performances but also across a wide range of media, including commercials and film soundtracks.

If you love choral music, opera, or classical music, this is an a cappella group you won’t want to miss.

Rainbow HarmonyTRY-TONE

Rainbow Harmony (TRY-TONE/Tritone)
Rainbow HarmonyTRY-TONE

TRY-TONE is a traditional a cappella group.

Their authentic choral work, which incorporates elements of doo-wop and jazz, is sure to satisfy even the most discerning music fans.

They have released numerous works, and among them, the 2000 album “A Cappella Magic Box” is a highly polished piece.

Its reputation crossed the ocean, and in 2001 it won Best Jazz Album at the Best Recording Awards hosted by an American a cappella organization.