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 (21–30)
STAYING IN THE GROOVEAli
ALI is a multinational band from Shibuya, Tokyo, made up of members with roots spanning nearly every direction—Japan, Asia, Europe, Africa, and more.
With the concept of “Music is the best,” their sound—steeped in respect for Black music—features such a comfortable groove that your body can’t help but sway.
In 2019, their song “Wild Side,” written for the anime BEASTARS, became a hit and drew wide attention.
The vocalist LEO’s moist, soulful voice is funky and seriously cool! Their stylish yet masculine vibe makes them a great recommendation for fans of SIRUP and R&B-style music.
It’s fine because it’s cool.Za Takosan
The Tako-san are a four-piece funk band led by vocalist Ando, thriving in the Osaka underground, from live houses to kushikatsu joints.
His universally beloved personality and songs that empower every listener have energized many people.
They’re a cool funk band whose musicality you should experience—be sure to catch them live.
Recommended Japanese funk bands. Funky Japanese artists (31–40)
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!
So Fat?Nabowa
Nabowa is a four-piece instrumental band.
When you think of the godfather of funk, it’s James Brown, but his backing band The JB’s also released their own CDs and were popular—so instrumental bands have long had a strong following in the funk scene.
“So Fat?” is a funk-leaning track in particular, with a crisp, driving 16-beat groove.
Musically, Nabowa draws on and expresses a wide range of influences—from dub and jazz to contemporary music—with funk as one of the tools in their kit.
You see a lot of bands like this, especially with the rise of festival culture.
TONight!THE TON-UP MOTORS
We’re THE TON-UP MOTORS, a band from Sapporo, Hokkaido.
Our appeal lies in a musical style that feels like a fusion of funk and hard-edged rock ’n’ roll.
The song in the video is from the track “Whatever happens happens,” released in 2016.
By the way, our vocalist, Shudai Uesugi, is also active as a TV personality on programs within Hokkaido.
Apollo Choco Theater (3) at 25th Jozenji Street Jazz Festival 2015Apollo Choco Theater
Just like in this footage—afros, sunglasses, and an ultra-funky look—this track by the band Apollo Choco Theater is packed with hometown pride.
It’s a unique and accessible song that blends a genuine James Brown–style funk sound with references to the local area, weaving in the word “Koriyama” from their home in Fukushima.
Theme of Honda Construction CompanyShibusa Shirazu
This is live footage of Shibusashirazu, a funk band born from Japan’s underground that keeps creating freely and joyfully, unbound by anything.
Their passionate beats possess a primal beauty expressed through the entire body, and the real allure of their performances is that you should hear them with your ears, feel them with your body, and receive them with your heart before trying to understand them in words.
They are a band that embodies the idea that what moves people is not logic, but the heart.