A classic of Japanese blues. Japanese blues that lets you get drunk on the sound and vocals.
What songs come to mind when you think of the blues?
Originally, it was music born from African peoples who had immigrated to America, beginning with songs that expressed the sorrow and laments of the poor.
Compared to jazz, which is centered on instruments, I think the blues has a special appeal in that you can enjoy it mainly with guitar and vocals.
Japanese blues is very rich in flavor and is perfect for listening to at a relaxed pace!
That groove that makes you drunk on the sound and the singers’ emotive expressiveness—blues moves the heart in every era.
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A classic Japanese blues song. Japanese blues to lose yourself in the sound and vocals (1–10)
Walkin’ BluesZa Gōruden Kappusu
A deeply flavorful track that inherits the blues tradition while adding a distinctly Japanese interpretation.
Released in 1968, this song is known as a signature work by The Golden Cups.
The lyrics, which sing of lost love and loneliness, carry a poignant melancholy that seeps into the depths of the heart.
With powerful guitar riffs and richly emotive vocals blending in exquisite harmony, this piece stands as a true landmark of Japanese blues rock.
Despite its relaxed tempo, it brims with a stirring charm that moves the listener.
It’s perfect for a late-night drive or for sipping a drink on a quiet evening.
Highly recommended not only for blues fans but also for anyone interested in the history of Japanese music.
It’s a sad color, isn’t it?Ueda Masaki
Masaki Ueda, a vocalist from Kyoto with roots in soul and blues, sings with a low, husky tone that clearly exceeds what you’d expect from a Japanese singer.
His classic “Kanashii Iroyane,” released in 1982, tells in its lyrics the feelings of a woman who, though in love, must part from her partner for some reason.
Rather than straight, hard-driving blues, the song is crafted in a way that can be heard as both blues and soul.
Yokohama Honky-Tonk BluesEdi Han
Eddie Han, known as an actor and vocalist.
When it comes to his blues classics, isn’t “Yokohama Honky Tonk Blues” the one that comes to mind? It’s a track included on the album Blue Jade.
The song portrays a somewhat lonely scene in Yokohama and a man who wanders through it after losing someone dear.
Notably, it sticks to objective description and doesn’t delve too deeply into the man’s inner state—that restraint is a cool touch.
By the way, the “Original Joe’s” mentioned in the lyrics is a real establishment.
My Dear MarieKubota Makoto to Yūyake Gakudan
A song by Makoto Kubota and Sunset Gang that breathed new life into Japan’s blues scene.
While inheriting the spirit of American blues, it weaves in elements of reggae and Okinawan folk for a distinctive sound.
The lyrics, which capture a bittersweet longing for love, and the nostalgic atmosphere resonate deeply.
Featured on the album “Sunset Gang,” released in October 1973, this track became a key work in defining the band’s musical identity.
It was also performed at the 1977 “Rolling Coconut Revue Japan,” where it reportedly drew a major response.
It’s a perfect song for soothing your heart alone in the quiet of night.
Recommended not only for blues fans but also for anyone interested in the roots of Japanese music.
Blues of the Artificial Satellitea flood of circle
While rooted in classic rock music like blues and rock ’n’ roll, the four-piece rock band a flood of circle has been winning support with a fresh sound that also incorporates the latest musical elements.
This track, included on their 10th album “2020,” feels great with its acoustic guitar strumming and crunchy riff.
The arrangement shows influences from Black music, and the gentle melodies spun from a wistful vocal delivery will likely resonate even with listeners who don’t usually listen to blues.
It’s a number I’d recommend not only to blues fans, but also as an entry point into the genre.
