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.
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- 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 (21–30)
Midnight CruiseWONK
A track that updates classic R&B with a contemporary sound.
Many listeners will likely be captivated by vocals reminiscent of a male Sade.
The mellow sound is delightful.
There aren’t many young Japanese bands that can craft this kind of lounge-like track, so it stands out—in a good way.
ropewaycero
A city pop-style track with a soft rock feel.
The drum part is fully programmed, using Roland’s TR-808 favored by hip-hop artists.
It evokes a similar sensibility to Marvin Gaye’s R&B approach, where he incorporated an inorganic machine groove to enhance a mellow sound.
rainPetorōruzu
A three-piece band led by Ryosuke Nagaoka, aka Ukigumo, who made his mark as the guitarist for Tokyo Jihen.
Their appeal lies in a sound so rich you wouldn’t believe it comes from just three members, paired with a stylish sonic aesthetic.
They don’t release new recordings very often, but they’re highly popular and captivate audiences at a wide range of live shows.
GravityLUCKY TAPES
This is a track whose melancholic yet cute brass intro really sticks in your ears.
Of course, it’s not just the intro that’s wonderful.
The mellow vocals grab your heart as well.
The brass sounds intertwine beautifully, making it a song that leaves you feeling warm and gentle.
In some subtle way, its pop elements hint at R&B.
KEEP YOU HAPPYTHE BAWDIES
Their musical style, influenced by Little Richard and Sam Cooke, is pure R&B.
Formed in 2004 as a four-piece band, it’s astonishing that three members—vocalist ROY, bassist JIM, and drummer MARCY—have known each other since elementary school! They’re a popular band also known for their highly praised live performances.
NO NO NOSATORI
A dual-vocal band that made their major debut in 2013 with the album “Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!”.
Their dance music doesn’t stick to a four-on-the-floor beat and feels incredibly refreshing! The stylish call-and-response vocals by Hanotomo and YKO are also something to watch for.
Groove MeShunské G & The Peas
Shunské G & The Peas is a Japanese soul band led by singer Shunské G, who honed his craft in Los Angeles.
Since forming in 2015, they’ve continued to explore the timeless appeal of soul, funk, and jazz.
In 2016, they released the EP “SOUL SKETCH,” and one of its tracks was selected for a Toho film tie-in, drawing significant attention.
In 2017, they released the album “PEAS OF MIND” on SPACE SHOWER.
Among its tracks, this piece proved especially popular, sparking such a response that it was issued as a 7-inch record by JET SET the following year.
They’ve cemented their status as a leading Japanese soul band, captivating listeners with nimble rhythms and blues-tinged, wistful phrases.
Highly recommended for those who want to enjoy deeply layered music that reveals something new with every listen.