Japanese gospel: recommended Japanese songs with a gospel-like style
This is a feature on Japanese gospel-style songs known for their clear, soaring vocals and grand sense of scale.
Gospel translates to “good news” in Japanese and has roots in African music, developing into a form of Christian sacred music.
Overall, there’s a strong R&B vibe.
These songs often sing of hopes and light, and listening to them gives you courage and strength.
It also seems to connect with the Japanese concept of “kotodama” (the spiritual power of words), making it a wonderful kind of music that naturally brightens you just by singing it.
Here, we’ve selected many tracks in Japanese music that embody that gospel feel, so please find the gospel song that suits you.
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Japanese gospel. Recommended gospel-like Japanese songs (1–10)
PROUD OF YOUDREAMS COME TRUE
This is a song from 2006 included on the album THE LOVE ROCKS.
It might not be a full-fledged gospel song, but the title and the chorus phrase—which convey the meaning of “Amazing! Well done!”—give it a gospel-like feel.
Masato Nakamura’s bass and the steady, grounded rhythm are so pleasant that they make you feel like you can keep moving forward, step by step.
Just as it was chosen as a support song for the World Baseball Classic (WBC), it’s also a wonderful anthem of encouragement.
It’s truly uplifting.
Soul Full of MusicSuzuki Emiko
This is one of the double A-side major debut singles by Emiko Suzuki, who garnered attention for her overwhelming vocal ability on Kanjani Eight’s “The Mozart: Music King No.1 Decisive Battle.” This song lets you fully enjoy her powerful, soulful voice! Its strong message—“You can become who you want to be” and “I’m going to do what I want to do”—will fill you with determination as you listen.
Starting to write lyrics and compose at the age of seven, and having a father who taught gospel chorus, she grew up in an ideal environment; the charm of this “strongest gospel girl” overflows throughout!
I look up as I walksakaiyuu
This is “Ue o Muite Arukou,” a quintessential song of the Showa era that also became famous overseas.
The gospel arrangement turns it into a deeply moving piece.
Sakai Yu’s gentle vocals seem to add even more depth to the song, making it a very soothing track.
Japanese Gospel: Recommended Gospel-like Japanese Songs (11–20)
Play A Love SongUtada Hikaru
A song released in 2018.
It’s a beautiful track that blends a pop sensibility with a touch of early R&B.
In the latter half, the layered backing vocals give it a gospel-like feel.
Some of the phrases in the first half are striking, and I think it’s a song that once again lets you savor the depth of Hikaru Utada’s lyrics.
Even the title seems open to multiple interpretations.
It conveys a sense of a new beginning and liberation when a long winter ends—fleeting yet powerful.
By Your SideFIVE NEW OLD
This is the title track included on their major-label debut, the BY YOUR SIDE EP.
The way the sound gradually swells from the intro is striking.
While the band has often leaned toward loud rock and pop-punk in the past, this release gives off a sense of Black music and a soulful vibe.
As bassist YOSHIAKI has said, it embodies their wish to make music that stays close to people’s hearts, like something by your side.
It features gospel elements, yet it’s very pop and pleasantly soothing—makes you want to sway along.
And the interweaving of sounds in the latter half is absolutely irresistible!
ALL HANDS TOGETHERNakajima Mika
A gospel song that cuts into the J-pop scene with bouncy piano and fun claps.
It was released in 2006.
Personally, I remember being shocked at the time—since I associated the artist mostly with ballads—and feeling so excited that we could hear a song like this too! Mika Nakashima’s clear, expansive vocals are delightful and uplifting.
It’s a brightness that blows away all negative energy! A warm track that calls out to music lovers: “Let’s rise together!”
A Gift of SongGosuperattsu
A collaborative unit of The Gospellers and Rats & Star.
As expected, the soulful vibe created by these two groups blending together is simply irresistible.
Whether it’s danceable tracks or ballads, they’re top-tier—enjoy the full power of their vocal prowess.