A band group that colors Japan’s R&B scene
Japan’s R&B scene is now attracting global attention with its diverse musicality.
From Official HIGE DANDism’s Black music-inspired sound and WONK’s mellow soundscapes to Suchmos’s distinctive style reminiscent of Jamiroquai,
and even Nulbarich’s Western-influenced falsetto vocals—the scene offers captivating sounds that transcend genre boundaries.
This time, we’ll introduce a selection of gems that showcase the new possibilities of Japanese R&B.
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- A masterpiece of Japanese black music. A noteworthy work embodying the soul of black music.
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- A classic of Japanese blues. Japanese blues that lets you get drunk on the sound and vocals.
- Classic and Contemporary Hits in Western R&B: From the Newest Popular Tracks to All-Time Big Hits [2026]
- A high-energy band number! A hype, crowd-pleasing track with male vocals.
- Legends of soul music: its history and allure revisited through classic songs
- Recommended Japanese funk bands. Funky Japanese artists.
- The allure of urban sounds traced through Suchmos’s iconic songs and collection of tracks
Bands and groups that color Japan’s R&B scene (11–20)
HONDAFriday Night Plans
Friday Night Plans is a music project led by Masumi, a singer-songwriter based in Tokyo.
With a sound that spans R&B, soul, pop, and more, it’s bringing a fresh breeze to Japan’s R&B scene.
Since launching in 2018, the project has garnered international listeners with songs primarily in English.
From the start, it drew attention—being selected as Apple Music’s New Artist of the Week—and in 2019, a Honda commercial song reached No.
71 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100.
On YouTube, the channel has surpassed 140,000 subscribers and received the Silver Creator Award.
Through collaborative work with producers like Tepppei and ENA, they continue to take on experimental challenges and pursue a unique artistic vision.
This is an artist recommended for those who seek a delicate, expressive voice and a flexible, genre-crossing musicality.
Burning Friday NightLucky Kilimanjaro
Lucky Kilimanjaro fuses city pop and R&B with dance music to create a refined groove.
Formed in 2014 by six members who met in their university light music club, they made their major debut in November 2018.
Their nonstop, seamlessly connected live performances and soundscapes that blend nostalgia with freshness are key attractions.
They’ve appeared at many major summer festivals, making their presence felt at events like SUMMER SONIC, FUJI ROCK FESTIVAL, and ROCK IN JAPAN.
With 80s-inspired, synth-driven sounds and lyrics that carry a positive message, they deliver danceable music that fits into everyday life.
Their cohesive, DJ set–like live shows are a must-see, making them a rising act recommended for both dance music fans and lovers of band-driven sounds.
See you againMOL.
MOL is pioneering a new frontier of Japanese R&B from Hokkaido to the rest of the country.
This unit, formed by three highly skilled vocalists, brought a fresh breeze to the music scene in 2019 with their distinctive harmonies and high-quality sound.
Their EP “For you” proudly reached No.
1 on the iTunes R&B chart, and they achieved the remarkable feat of holding the top spot for two consecutive weeks on FM NORTH WAVE’s local “Sapporo Hot 100.” Leveraging their shared roots as Hokkaido natives, the trio blends the experience and sensibilities honed through their individual solo careers into a uniquely compelling musical identity.
Their refined R&B/Soul sound, layered with choruses that are both delicate and bold, leaves a pleasant afterglow that resonates with listeners.
They’re a recommended artist for those seeking high-caliber music and anyone wanting to experience authentic R&B.
Tokyo feat. Mamiko Suzuki, Skaaiyonawo
The four-piece band yonawo from Fukuoka crafts a one-of-a-kind sound that fuses R&B, soul, jazz, and hip-hop.
With Shota Araya’s gentle vocals and the exceptional musicianship of every member, they create songs that resonate deeply with listeners.
They began their full-scale musical activities in 2017 and made their major-label debut in 2019.
Word of mouth about their high musicality spread, steadily expanding their fan base.
Their advanced performance skills and live shows have been highly praised across music media, and they command a strong presence at festivals nationwide.
In February 2025, they will release an ambitious work featuring Mamiko Suzuki and Skaai.
They’re recommended not only for R&B fans but also for anyone seeking genre-defying music.
Amber-Hued City, Morning of Shanghai Crabskururi
Kururi is known for its diverse musicality as a band representing Kyoto’s alternative music scene.
Formed in 1996 within Ritsumeikan University’s music club, they made their major-label debut in 1998.
While rooted in rock, their appeal lies in a unique sound that blends genres such as classical, jazz, folk, and electronica.
Since 2007, they have hosted the “Kyoto Ongaku Hakurankai” (Kyoto Music Expo) in Umekoji Park, Kyoto, contributing to the promotion of the local music culture.
In recognition of these achievements, they received the Kyoto City Award for Distinguished Service in Arts and Culture in 2021.
Pursuing an R&B-like groove and mellow sound while incorporating elements of Black music, their one-of-a-kind style is perfect for music fans seeking fresh expressions that transcend genre boundaries.
It’s nothing.makaroni enpitsu
They are known as a highly skilled band composed of members from Senzoku Gakuen College of Music.
Macaroni Empitsu have established a unique style that draws from a wide range of genres, including rock, hard rock, psychedelia, guitar pop, soul, and R&B.
Since forming in 2012, they have released numerous buzzworthy works such as the albums “HB” and “season,” and in November 2020 they made their major-label debut with their 6th mini-album, “Ai o Shirazuni Mahō wa Tsukaenai.” They have been active across many fields, providing theme songs for TV anime and dramas as well as music for commercials.
In December 2021, they won the Japan Record Awards’ Best New Artist.
Hattori’s emotional vocals, the high-level musicianship befitting conservatory-trained performers, and their diverse musicality have earned them support from a wide audience, from R&B fans to rock enthusiasts.
Bands and groups that color Japan’s R&B scene (21–30)
Summer IllusionOmoinotake
Omoinotake is a three-piece band from Matsue, Shimane Prefecture, taking flight onto the global stage.
With the unique lineup of keyboards, bass, and drums, their sound is strongly influenced by Black music.
They made their major-label debut in November 2021 with the album EVERBLUE on Sony Music Labels.
Their street performance in Shibuya drew over 500 people, and they’ve gained major attention with their songs featured as TV drama themes.
They are close with members of Official HIGE DANDism, and all three were born in 1992, making them a same-year classmates band.
Their appeal lies in clear falsetto vocals and arrangements brimming with an easy, infectious groove, as they continue to pursue a fresh, genre-defying musicality.
They’re a perfect fit not only for R&B fans but also for any music lover seeking something new.