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 of Japanese blues. Japanese blues to get lost in the sound and vocals (11–20)
perfectAzuma Mitsuyoshi & The Swinging Boppers
Azuma Mitsuyoshi & The Swinging Boppers is a group led by Mitsuyoshi Azuma, known as a highly skilled blues singer.
They’re renowned for an authentic sound that rivals blues from overseas and are held in very high regard within the blues community.
Among their songs, the one I especially recommend is Batchigoo.
It’s a track packed with everything great about jump blues, the genre they excel at most.
Gray CityMatsuda Yūsaku
When it comes to classic Japanese blues, many people probably think of “The Gray City.” It’s a track created by Yusaku Matsuda, a legendary Japanese actor and singer, and it appears on the album HARDEST DAY.
The album features songs in various styles, but in terms of ruggedness and masculinity, this one really stands out.
The piece delivers a weighty portrayal of a man who has lost hope, and once you listen, you’ll be drawn into its dapper, noirish world.
Don’t be discouraged, baby.B.B.QUEENS
B.B.QUEENS, the music group that performed the opening theme for the hugely popular anime Chibi Maruko-chan, is best known for its pop tracks.
That said, because the lineup includes Fuyunonsuke Kondo, one of Japan’s premier blues singers, the group also has some distinctly bluesy songs.
Among them, the one I especially recommend is Shogenaide yo BABY.
It’s also well known as the theme song for the popular show Hajimete no Otsukai (My First Errand).
This track blends a cute charm with the cool, gritty edge of the blues.
Be sure to give it a listen.
Since coming to SapporoSukaidoggu Burūsu Bando
A subdued, deeply flavorful blossom of the blues blooming on northern soil.
Formed in Sapporo, the Skydog Blues Band delivers a gem that channels the soul of Chicago blues through the Japanese language.
Released in 1978 on Bellwood Records, this track from the album “Kita 27 Nishi 4: Since Coming to Sapporo” features emotionally rich lyrics woven far from the bustle of big-city life, resonating straight to the heart.
Kazuyuki Ito’s vocals, tinged with nostalgia, and Akira Kaneyasu’s guitar combine to create a weighty sound that makes you feel as if you’re walking the streets of Sapporo.
A heart-piercing Japanese blues—perfect for a slow, quiet night.
Love in the GutterT-junctions
T Junctions are a blues duo with a captivating sound that absorbs a variety of genres, including blues and folk.
This song was written specifically for the film “Gesu no Ai” (“Lowlife Love”), and its relaxed rhythm and atmospheric performance create a distinctly bluesy space.
It’s rock ’n’ roll and seriously cool! The powerful lyrics vividly depict the ups and downs of love.
Taeko Ito’s low, husky vocals are outstanding, making this perfect for when you want to calm your mind or just listen to music at a laid-back pace.
