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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Recommended Japanese funk bands. Funky Japanese artists (21–30)
HORNKroi
Kroi is a five-piece band formed in 2018.
Since all the members are fans of Black music, they adopted “Kuroi” (meaning “black”) as their band name.
Their sound is a mixture of R&B, funk, hip-hop, and more, and they’re always striving to create something new.
Highly recommended for fans of neo-soul and hip-hop! In June 2021, they made their major-label debut with Pony Canyon and released their first album—making them a band to watch.
Cherry on the beakEGO-WRAPPIN’
Strictly speaking, they’re not a band, but since they perform in a band format, let me introduce them.
This is the musical unit EGO-WRAPPIN’, known for vocalist Yoshie Nakano’s soulful singing.
Their sound incorporates a variety of genres—funk, jazz, blues, and more—and has earned high acclaim both in Japan and abroad.
Notable songs include Kuchibashi ni Cherry (featured in the video) and Shikisai no Blues.
FUELPetorōruzu
Petrols is the band led by Ryosuke Nagaoka, the guitarist for big-name acts like Ringo Sheena and Gen Hoshino.
It’s a group where you can completely immerse yourself in his guitar playing and delightfully eccentric arrangements.
While he’s famous as a guitarist, his sultry vocals are also a major draw.
The band’s performance is top-tier, and his guitar solos are so sexy even guys can’t help but fall for them.
Baka SurvivorUrufuruzu
Hailing from Osaka, this powerful, high-energy track from the laugh-and-cry funk band Ulfuls packs a punch.
Vocalist Tortoise Matsumoto’s Kansai dialect creates the perfect chemical reaction with the funk rhythm.
While their tear-jerking ballads are wonderful too, it’s these straight-down-the-middle, uplifting funk numbers that are the absolute best—Ulfuls are a soul-funk band that Osaka, and Japan, can be proud of.
quick sandŌsaka=Monorēru
Osaka Monaurail is now a venerable presence among Japanese funk bands.
Captivated by James Brown—often cited as the origin of funk—their sound feels like a bold decision to bring that essence straight to Japan.
Eschewing any unnecessary embellishment, they throw themselves into the music with unpretentious, gritty dedication—a stance that has earned them support from funk fans not only in Japan but overseas as well.
IWBYLBREIMEN
BREIMEN, formed by Shota Takagi, is a five-member funk band expected to be the next big breakthrough.
In 2018, following a change of drummer, they changed their name from “Bureimen” to “BREIMEN.” The rhythms woven from their meticulous ensemble are incredibly groovy and danceable.
At the same time, their songs are very pop, striking a perfect balance between funkiness and catchiness.
They’re highly recommended for fans of artists like Shikao Suga—definitely give them a listen!
ScandalORIGINAL LOVE
Since their major debut in 1991, they have been a highly popular artist in J-pop influenced by rock, soul, blues, and funk.
Overall, you can strongly feel the influence of 1970s Black music, and their most famous song, “Kiss,” is a masterpiece that could be called a classic of soulful J-pop.
On the other hand, “Scandal” features a throbbing bassline that gets your hips moving before you know it—truly danceable funk music.
It’s amazing that they can do all of this in Japanese, too!
