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)
LOVE～Winter song～Fukuhara Miho
Her gospel singing voice is highly praised overseas as well.
Miho Fukuyama’s songs have the power to soothe the hearts of listeners.
Her talent is celebrated both in Japan and abroad, and hasn’t she secured her position as a Japanese soul artist?
Beyond the rainbowtendou kiyotaka
Kiyotaka Tendo, who was active in the United States from 2010 to 2015 and has credits such as a guest appearance at the Apollo Theater and singing the U.S.
national anthem, presents “Niji no Mukou e,” a superb gospel ballad he calls his greatest masterpiece.
In March 2020, a new orchestral version was released for streaming.
The song celebrates the preciousness of loving others, and Kiyotaka’s warm voice gently seeps into the heart.
It seems his musical outlook changed after moving to the U.S., and as a messenger of song he delivers music with the kind of warmth found in this piece, with all his heart.
It will quietly stay by your side even in difficult times.
Stand By YouOfisharu Higedan Dism
This is their second EP from before they really hit it big, and isn’t it an incredibly wonderful track? The four-part chorus work feels so good and brims with dynamism! This acoustic version, recorded in a single take in a church, has a strong gospel feel, and I think it lets you experience Higedan’s appeal more directly.
The piano tone feels like it’s practically dancing in step, and listening to it really makes you want to start walking.
The recurring chorus phrase is powerful too, isn’t it? Definitely try listening to this song with your favorite earphones or headphones that bring out acoustic sounds.
It’ll make you so happy!
VOXersGosuperāzu
This is a passionate track by The Gospellers, pioneers who have been leading the J-POP scene as a vocal group.
They created their own style, “Kenka A Cappella.” The pentagon-shaped ring overlaps with the five members’ microphones, combining VOX (meaning vocals) with “boxer,” making it a fight song dedicated to everyone who’s fighting.
It employs a variety of techniques like human beatboxing and clapping, and it feels like it showcases a new form of gospel.
The five-part harmony is truly cool—it’s a knockout!
HappinessAI
AI’s “Happiness,” released in 2011, is also well known as a Coca-Cola commercial song.
This happy tune is perfect for parties.
It makes you want to express your honest feelings and messages, and it really moves your heart! With AI’s powerful vocals and the rich choruses, the live gospel sound truly resonates.
It likely brings to mind churches and Christmas for many people.
You’ll naturally start clapping and feel like shouting along! With an exceptionally joyful vibe that brings smiles, it’s a masterpiece I’d recommend to anyone.
THE GLORY DAYSMISIA
Whether in gospel or soul, MISIA is a global artist whose heartfelt songs and vocals resonate worldwide.
Her nurturing, motherly warmth in her voice seems perfectly suited to gospel, doesn’t it? I look forward to seeing her shine even more broadly.
African MoonKamebuchi Yuka
Yuka Kamebuchi, the great gospel singer and vocal coach who sadly passed away in 2017.
Her vocals and artistic prowess were truly praised as the best of the best among professionals, and she was so highly respected that many artists looked up to her.