Recommended Japanese funk bands. Funky Japanese artists.
When you hear the word “funk,” what kind of music comes to mind?
It’s hard to explain in just a word, isn’t it?
Originally a form of African American Black music, it traces back to the 1960s, with the music pioneered by James Brown, renowned as the “Godfather of Funk,” serving as the blueprint.
Its hallmarks include repeated rhythmic patterns and the subtle groove of 16-beat feel.
Funk made its way to Japan in the late ’70s.
Musicians who were shocked and inspired by the sound began to incorporate it, and over time it was absorbed into pop music as well.
When you hear the word “funky,” you might think of something unconventional, or of someone who sticks to their individuality—that’s cool! Perhaps it also conveys that way of life and attitude.
Enjoy the deep, multifaceted world of Japanese funk, where many elements intertwine!
- Recommended Japanese soul bands. Popular bands in Japan.
- Zainichi Funk Popular Song Ranking [2026]
- A masterpiece of Japanese black music. A noteworthy work embodying the soul of black music.
- Funky Vibes: The Past and Present of Funk Music
- A band group that colors Japan’s R&B scene
- [Japanese R&B] Notable Classics & New Tracks, Representative Songs of Japanese R&B
- Recommended Western funk bands. Popular overseas bands.
- FUNKY MONKEY BABYS (Fanmon) greatest and popular songs
- A compilation of cool Japanese rock band songs. Recommended tracks for cover bands.
- [J-Pop] Japanese dance music that makes you want to start dancing
- [Japanese Hip-Hop] Classic Tracks of Japanese Rap
- Recommended Japanese punk bands: the punks who represent Japan.
- Legends of soul music: its history and allure revisited through classic songs
Recommended Japanese funk bands. Funky Japanese artists (’71–’80)
Galaxy Express 999 Melomelo Punch Round 11Merome
Yamagata is a band based around Yonezawa that hosts an annual local outdoor festival called “Meromero Punch.” Influenced by groups like Kome Kome Club, they often perform songs with a pop-funk flavor.
In this video, they cover Kome Kome Club’s classic “Galaxy Express 999,” collaborating with traditional local dances—Hanagasa Odori and Suzume Odori—to add flair to Yamagata’s nighttime outdoor festival.
Hi-me-jisemento mikisāzu
Cement Mixers is the band that won the title of the 7th “Ika-ten King” on Miyake Yuji’s Ikasu Band Tengoku.
They made their major debut in 1990 with the album Warau Karada, but disbanded soon afterward.
Their signature song Himeji, performed on Ika-ten, features very funky guitar chopping.
After the band broke up, the leader, Tsuneyuki Suzuki, continued his music career as “Tsunekichi Suzuki,” participating in the music unit Tsurerreko Shachu, so check it out if you’re interested!
Call It Only For Me feat. Mariko GotoOmokage Rakkī Hōru
This is a track by Omokage Lucky Hole, a large funk band from Osaka that boldly features Masashi Tashiro in its music video.
I honestly don’t know how to put their world into words anymore, but one viewing is guaranteed to leave a powerful impression.
With authentic funk sound and those lyrics, they’re a one-of-a-kind funk band with many famous fans and no real rivals.
In conclusion
We’ve introduced many classic tracks from Japanese funk bands up to this point.
If you’re a fan, you may have rediscovered a nostalgic favorite! From timeless hits by long-standing veterans who are still going strong, to newer songs that skillfully weave funk elements into pop, each artist has their own unique appeal.
Please feel free to dive into the world of funk and enjoy it at your leisure.