![[2026] A roundup of chill Japanese music artists and bands, featuring many up-and-coming acts!](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/GKxYq9-fhW0/maxresdefault.webp)
“Chill” tracks that are perfect for relaxing or as companions on a drive can range from sophisticated, urban grooves to mellow songs centered around acoustic guitar.
There are surely many people out there looking for chill, emo sounds.
In this article, we’ve carefully selected and introduced notable Japanese artists and bands who regularly release chill tracks.
We feature a wide range of younger acts across genres—from R&B- and soul-based bands to hip-hop and pop—so if you’re looking for new discoveries, be sure to check it out!
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[2026] A roundup of chill Japanese artists and bands, featuring many up-and-coming acts (1–10)
Tokyo (feat. Mamikko Suzuki, Skaai)yonawo
Yonawo is a band that crafts an urban, chill sound perfect for unwinding at night.
Formed in Fukuoka, they captivate listeners with a neo-soul style that smoothly blends R&B, soul, and jazz.
After making their major debut in 2019, they showcased their musical range with one of their signature tracks, “tokyo feat.
Mamiko Suzuki, Skaai,” featuring guest artists.
Their refined groove—born from a collaborative, all-member songwriting process—and the gentle vocals of Araya draw in many listeners.
They’re a must-listen for anyone who wants to sink into a pleasant, floating vibe, whether during a relaxing moment or as a soundtrack for a drive.
snow jamRin Oto
When it comes to mellow rap and the chill music scene, you can’t overlook Rin-ne, a rapper from Fukuoka.
While rooted in hip-hop, his charm lies in a smooth flow that rides easygoing rhythms.
The winter track he released in February 2020 became a massive hit, topping Spotify’s Japan Viral Chart and propelling him to explosive popularity.
He also dropped the album “swipe sheep” that same year.
A proven talent who had racked up wins in MC battles, he was selected for SPACE SHOWER RETSUDEN NEW FORCE in 2020.
His gentle vocals and laid-back songs are guaranteed to warm your heart—perfect for anyone looking for comforting music to relax to.
Jam (feat. iri)Suzuki Mamiko
If you’re looking for comfortable music that feels like snapshots of everyday life, you should definitely listen to Mamiko Suzuki.
She’s known as a member of the rap duo chelmico, but in her solo work she steps beyond hip-hop, delivering a mellow sound infused with R&B and soul.
She began her solo career in 2017 with the EP “Deep green,” released her first full-length album “ms” in 2021, and in 2023 she expanded her reach by creating a commercial song for Otsuka Pharmaceutical’s “Pocari Sweat.” While she doesn’t have notable awards to her name, her live shows sell out instantly.
Her lyrics, full of everyday sensibilities, and her natural voice blend with an urban groove to create a uniquely chill atmosphere.
She’s the perfect artist for a relaxing weekend.
CAREFREElo-key design
Lo-key design is an R&B/soul unit consisting of singer salto and a trackmaker.
They formed after the trackmaker was moved by salto’s voice during their college years.
Their debut EP DESIGN, released in October 2019, shot straight to No.
1 on iTunes’ Japan R&B/Soul album chart.
Centered on R&B and neo-soul, their mellow grooves are pleasantly smooth, with hints of hip-hop and city pop that define their sound.
Their track PERFECT BLUE was selected for a J-WAVE program, and their monthly listeners on Spotify tripled within a few months, steadily growing their fanbase.
If you’re looking for sophisticated, chilled-out music, you’ll definitely get hooked.
FlowerYo-See
You can sense Yo-Sea’s seaside upbringing in his sound.
He’s a singer-songwriter rooted in R&B and hip-hop, known for a mellow style where singing and rapping flow smoothly back and forth.
Since his 2018 debut, he’s been winning fans with chill tracks like the groove-rich “Moonlight” and his August 2023 album Sea of Love.
His talent is widely recognized—multiple media outlets have spotlighted him as an artist poised to break through.
Another memorable story: during a three-month stay in San Diego in college, he decided to pursue music as his life’s work.
His polished, urban sound is the perfect companion to enrich a relaxing day off.
TAO (The Way)Dakki
The rapper Tsubaki, hailing from Naha City in Okinawa.
His lyrics, which candidly reflect his personal experiences without embellishment, have captured the hearts of many listeners.
His collaborative album with Sweet William, “Jasmine,” is a signature work that brought his name to the wider scene.
His appeal lies above all in the sound woven from melodious beats and a distinctive flow.
Even when tackling serious themes, his music carries a soothing, chill vibe.
He proved his prowess by taking first place in the “Ryūha BEST RAPPER AWARDS 2017,” a project by “Ryūha-R SINCE 2001.” He’s the perfect artist when you’re in the mood for urban, sophisticated grooves paired with emotional rap.
Someday Dayskojikoji
Singer-songwriter kojikoji, who rose to prominence after a cover video posted on social media drew attention.
Rooted in hip-hop and R&B, their lo-fi, chill sound—warmed by acoustic guitar—feels effortlessly pleasant.
In January 2020, they released the EP “127,” and their collaboration with Sora-ne, “Hug (feat.
kojikoji),” has surpassed 100 million streams, underscoring their strong presence as a featured artist.
It’s also memorable that their cover of Rhymester’s BASI reached the artist himself, helping broaden kojikoji’s support base.
Their mellow vocals, blending languor and weightless drift, feel like a gentle companion to everyday life.
A highly recommended artist for those who want to spend time with a calm, urban groove.