Masterpiece Japanese Blues Albums: Must-Listen Recommendations
Japanese blues with enduring popularity.
It may not be widely known to the general public, but among Japanese music genres, it’s actually one of the highest in overall quality—and there are powerhouse singers with global recognition.
This time, we’ve picked out some classic albums from the world of Japanese blues.
Japanese blues that hardcore music fans especially love…
If you haven’t been interested in Japanese blues until now, you might be surprised by how high the level is!
Of course, we’ve also included some lesser-known masterpieces, so it’s a must-see for hardcore blues aficionados as well!
Masterpieces of Japanese Blues: Must-Listen Recommended Albums (1–10)
Let’s enjoy it until the end.Azuma Mitsuyoshi & The Swinging Boppers
Mitsuyoshi Azuma & The Swinging Boppers are the pioneers who rooted the soul of jump blues in Japan.
Their commitment to making music while holding down day jobs is truly moving.
“Seven & Bi-decade” is a landmark album marking the band’s 27th year.
Jump, jive, blues, calypso—its variety is like a musical buffet.
They focus on an organic sound and deliberately avoid any modern digital editing, which is another key point.
Packed with live favorites and new tracks, it’s a must-listen for blues fans.
Blues After HoursUesuto Rōdo Burūsu Bando
The West Road Blues Band, which revolutionized Japan’s blues scene.
Released in 1975, Blues Power is their landmark debut album.
It features a distinctive sound that fuses electric blues and blues rock with elements of traditional Japanese music.
This album is packed with the appeal of a powerhouse band that even opened for B.B.
King.
It’s recommended not only for blues fans but also for anyone who wants to explore the depth of Japanese music.
The more you listen, the more it resonates—a timeless classic.
to be surrounded on all sides; isolated with no allies (literally: ‘songs of Chu on all four sides’)Yūkadan
Yukadan, formed in Osaka in 1970.
They’re a blues band known for the striking husky voice of Atsuki Kimura, often called the “angelic raspy voice.” Their 1978 release Shimensoka is an experimental album that incorporates elements of rock and soul.
Tracks like the title song Shimensoka and Yoake no Lullaby showcase the band’s unique character, and their diverse, deeply rooted musicality left an important mark on Japanese music history.
After the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, they also held benefit concerts for recovery efforts, and their social engagement has been well regarded.
Highly recommended not only for fans of blues and rock, but also for anyone interested in the Japanese music scene.
Since coming to SapporoSukaidoggu Burūsu Bando
The Skydog Blues Band is a Japanese blues band formed in Sapporo in 1975.
Known as torchbearers of traditional Chicago blues, they have a unique style of singing the blues with Japanese lyrics.
Kita 27 Nishi 4: Since I Came to Sapporo is their second and final studio album, released on February 2, 1978.
Comprising 11 original tracks, it features a relaxed sound rooted in the blues while incorporating elements of folk rock.
The band members handled all lyrics, composition, and arrangement, leaving a significant mark on Japan’s blues-rock scene.
It’s highly recommended for anyone who wants to feel the spirit of Chicago blues while enjoying Japanese lyrics.
Bobby Sox BluesSeno Ryūichirō
Ryuichiro Senoo is a leading figure in Japan’s blues harmonica scene, renowned for his skill to the point of being nicknamed “Weeping Harp Senoo.” Messin’ Around is his debut album, released in 1976.
It’s a record packed with the appeal of the blues harp, characterized by a structure that also incorporates elements of rock and pop.
Talented musicians like Kantaro Uchida and Fusanosuke Kondo take part, adding to its musical breadth.
Still highly regarded today as a work that had a major impact on Japan’s blues scene, it’s a recommended listen not only for blues fans but also for anyone interested in the roots of Japanese popular music.
Honmoku BluesZa Gōruden Kappusu
The Golden Cups, a legendary Group Sounds band that shines in the history of Japanese rock.
Their third album, Blues Message, released in March 1969, stands as a landmark of Japanese blues.
Embracing the then-rare style of blues rock, it features a number of tracks heavily influenced by American blues.
Drawing on bandleader Dave Hirao’s experiences in the United States, this work had a major impact on the Japanese music scene.
Highly recommended not only for blues fans but also for anyone interested in the dawn of Japanese rock.
Blue Spirit BluesAsakawa Maki
Maki Asakawa is known as a leading songstress of Japan’s blues scene.
Her signature work, Blue Spirit Blues, is her eighth album, released in 1972.
Centered on the blues, it captivates with a unique sound world that weaves in elements of rock, folk, and soul.
Asakawa’s soulful vocals and lyrics that incisively capture society and the human interior hit straight to the heart.
It’s a must-listen not only for blues fans but for anyone seeking deep musicianship.
The more you listen, the more you’ll find yourself drawn into Maki Asakawa’s allure.