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!
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- Zainichi Funk Popular Song Ranking [2026]
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- Funky Vibes: The Past and Present of Funk Music
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- Recommended Western funk bands. Popular overseas bands.
- FUNKY MONKEY BABYS (Fanmon) greatest and popular songs
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- [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)
NEKO(Remix) feat.Ryohu/MUDOKAMOTO’S
OKAMOTO’S is a rock band captivating fans with a sound that explodes with ’90s-born sensibilities.
The four members, who formed the band as middle school classmates, freely blend a wide range of styles—rooted in rock but spanning funk, garage, and more.
They made their major debut in 2010, and it’s well known that in March of the same year they performed at SXSW in the U.S., becoming the youngest Japanese male act to do so.
Their song chosen as the opening theme for a popular anime became a catalyst that rapidly spread their groovy appeal.
Their curiosity knows no bounds, as seen in narrative-driven works like the album “OPERA.” If you’re after a muscular band sound and grooves that make you want to dance, you should experience them at least once!
Please, Time MachineSadisutikku Mika Bando
It’s the legendary band formed by Kazuhiko Kato—central figure of The Folk Crusaders—together with virtuoso musicians like Masayoshi Takanaka and Yukihiro Takahashi.
Their sound, embracing everything from glam rock to funk and fusion, could truly be called cutting-edge.
They debuted with Cycling Boogie in May 1973, and their highly acclaimed album Kurofune ranked 9th in the “100 Greatest Japanese Rock Albums.” They’re also known for Boys & Girls from their reunion featuring Karen Kirishima on vocals, and for their collaboration with Kaela Kimura on a song used in a Kirin Lager Beer commercial.
Highly recommended for anyone who wants to experience the authentic sound that laid the foundation of Japanese rock.
TarirariraAWAYOKUBA
AWAYOKUBA is a four-piece funk band from Osaka and a highly skilled group that won the Grand Prix at FM802’s “MUSIC CHALLENGE 2009” in 2010.
Their sound, which makes you want to start dancing, is performed in an orthodox funk style, yet it also carries the heat and power of punks.
In 2011, they released their first album, “AWAYOKUBA,” and went on to perform at Fuji Rock and RUSH BALL.
Unfortunately, the band disbanded in 2012 after their keyboardist Ando left, but if you want to feel some fiery funk, they’re a band you should definitely check out!
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.
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!
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.