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 lose yourself in the sound and vocals (21–30)
OSAKA Rainy Bluesreika
Reika, who debuted in 2006 and is known for many moody songs.
Her “OSAKA Rainy Blues” is a must-check, too.
As the title suggests, this track is set in Osaka and sings of a woman’s sorrow after being deceived by a man.
A major feature is that the lyrics are entirely in Osaka dialect, giving it a slightly different vibe from her other songs.
By the way, the coupling track “Tokyo Bolero” depicts a love story set in Tokyo.
It’s also recommended to compare the two.
majority bluesChatmonchy
This is a blues song by Chatmonchy that portrays a life devoted to music.
I want to be like everyone else, but I also want to show more of my own individuality… that’s something we all experience, isn’t it? It candidly chronicles the struggles from the time they were chasing the dream of becoming musicians in Tokushima, drawn from real experiences that resonate with raw emotion.
I felt how setting straightforward feelings to the blues can deliver them so directly.
As time goes by, it’d be nice if we can slowly come to accept our past selves, too.
A classic of Japanese blues. Japanese blues to get lost in the sound and vocals (31–40)
Street Corner of BetrayalKai Band
“Uragiri no Machikado” (Street Corner of Betrayal) is the second single, released in 1975.
It became Kai Band’s first song to enter the Oricon Top 10 and gradually gained popularity.
The old-fashioned melody and bittersweet mood are really appealing.
While the rhythm pulses steadily, the relaxed sound still carries heat, evoking a sense of nostalgia.
It’s a deeply flavorful and memorable track that calmly sings about the moment when someone important leaves their hometown.
Your BluesYabuki Ken
“Anata no Blues” is Ken Yabuki’s debut single, released in 1968.
It also won the Newcomer Award at the Japan Record Awards.
It strongly carries the flavor of kayōkyoku, and the repeated use of the word “anata” (you) is very striking.
Ken Yabuki was known as the “Misty Voice,” and his powerful vocals are truly captivating.
I imagine some people belt it out at karaoke, too.
The song is cherished and has been covered by many popular singers, including Keiko Fuji, Shinichi Mori, Yoshimi Tendo, Aki Yashiro, and Kiyoshi Hikawa.
tokyo bluesSaitō Kazuyoshi
“tokyo blues” is an early masterpiece by Kazuyoshi Saito that’s perfect for acoustic solo performance.
It’s included on his debut album, “Under the Blue Sky…,” which leans especially heavily into the blues among his works.
That fresh yet husky voice is irresistible, isn’t it? The light, brisk tempo of the acoustic guitar feels great and makes it seem easy to sing.
While it’s a song that portrays the so-called “male wishful thinking,” it also showcases Saito’s signature stance of “things will work out—just go with the flow,” which is wonderful.
Even if you can’t play guitar, it’s fun to sing at karaoke.
Bad CitySHOGUN
Even people who aren’t familiar with the blues have likely heard it: the widely known classic “Bad City.” This track was created by the music group SHŌGUN as the opening theme for the TV drama Detective Story.
Its fully English lyrics, native-sounding pronunciation, and rock-tinged sound will get listeners’ energy up.
The chorus, which repeats the title phrase, is also memorable.
First, simply enjoy the sound, and then try delving into the lyrics.
Two People’s BluesYoshi Ikuzo
A song by singer-songwriter Ikuzo Yoshi from Aomori Prefecture, known for signature hits like “Yukiguni” and “Orah Tōkyō Sa Iguda.” It was included as the B-side to his 67th single, “Minatomachi Banka,” released in 2021, and is a number that expresses feelings for a close friend who has passed away.
While many may associate Yoshi primarily with enka, the rugged melodies spun from his powerful vocals carry a bluesy pathos wrapped in the atmosphere of enka.
It’s a masterpiece of blues that could only be born from a Japanese sensibility—be sure to check it out!
