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.
- [Japanese R&B] Notable Classics & New Tracks, Representative Songs of Japanese R&B
- Japanese R&B Popularity Rankings [2026]
- Popular R&B. Japanese Artist Rankings [2026]
- Recommended Japanese soul bands. Popular bands in Japan.
- [2026] Latest and Noteworthy J-Pop R&B Tracks
- A masterpiece of Japanese black music. A noteworthy work embodying the soul of black music.
- [2026] Must-Listen R&B Masterpieces: From Timeless Classics to Recent Favorites
- 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 coloring Japan’s R&B scene (41–50)
Comet of LoveORIGINAL LOVE
Takahiro Tajima’s solo project.
His distinctive singing voice has a deep, captivating flavor! Because the vibe shifts dramatically from album to album, you can enjoy whichever one you pick.
The high-quality pop rooted in a wide range of genres—funk, soul, rock—is wonderfully pleasant and intoxicating.
The moody ballads are also highly recommended.
GET UPScoobie Do
A four-piece band formed in 1995.
Their funky sound and shout-like vocals pack a powerful punch.
Deeply influenced by 1960s and 1970s soul music and R&B, their live performances are intense and irresistibly captivating.
Their ballads are exquisite as well.
AliensKirinji
KIRINJI continues to captivate with delicate R&B sounds and poetic lyrics.
Since their indie debut in 1997, they have led Japan’s music scene with sophisticated musicality.
Built on the foundation of ’60s and ’70s pop, their unique style blends a wide range of genres, including jazz, soul, and folk.
In April 2013, Yasuyuki Horigome left the group, and the band transitioned to a new lineup centered around his brother, Takaki Horigome.
They continued to work energetically as a five-piece band, and in 2020 they relaunched as a new musical collective.
Their beautiful choral work, meticulous arrangements, and urbane sound are highly recommended for those seeking music with deeper allure.
Dance at Nightfurenzu
Friends is a five-member band formed in 2015, based in the Shinsen area.
Built on a foundation of pop, they’ve drawn attention for a distinctive sound that fuses funk, disco, R&B, and more.
They’ve released numerous works including the albums “Baby Tanjou!,” “Con-Paach!,” and “SOLAR,” captivating many listeners with bright, catchy melodies and playful lyrics.
Originally planned as a one-off project for keyboardist Hirose Hirose’s birthday, the group launched full-scale activities thanks to the members’ strong chemistry.
Their live performances, which prioritize a sense of unity with the audience, embody the pure joy of music and are entertainment in its truest form.
This is a band especially recommended for those who want to share energy and smiles through music.
SkylineNulbarich
Nulbarich is a rock band formed around JQ.
The song they wrote for the ending theme of the anime “Migi & Dali” is this track, “Skyline.” The title refers to the horizon, and the song builds into a grand piece that sings of beautiful landscapes where such vistas can be seen.
It’s also captivating for the sense of anticipation for the future and the bonds it evokes.
By the way, the music video unfolds its own story inspired by the anime.
Be sure to watch it together.
