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.
- [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 (1–10)
Tell Me BabyOfisharu Higedan Dism
Official Hige Dandism is a piano pop band.
The vocalist’s high-tone voice sticks in your ears.
The pitch-warping synth sounds are characteristic of Black music, and the tempo and rhythms are heavily influenced by R&B.
“808”Suchmos
In 2017, the rock group Suchmos, riding high on the success of their hit “STAY TUNE,” exploded onto the scene.
They incorporate a range of Black music—acid jazz, hip-hop, R&B—then render it in Japanese.
Their style has even been likened to a Japanese Jamiroquai.
This piece isn’t confined to music alone; it’s a multifaceted work created in collaboration with photographers and filmmakers.
It captures the creators’ emotions and scenes with striking clarity.
By Your SideFIVE NEW OLD
FIVE NEW OLD is a band from Kobe that presents themselves as genreless.
They make extensive use of techniques often found in Black music, approaching a pop sound.
The distinctive vocals can also be heard as a singing style inspired by R&B.
Adult Hit ParadeBRADIO
A band formed in 2010 that made its major debut in 2017.
With vocalist Takaaki Shingyoji’s commanding voice and harmony-rich sound, one listen is sure to get you hooked.
They’ve appeared at a variety of events, and their one-man live shows are consistently sold out—a testament to their popularity.
A band you won’t want to miss.
Almost ThereNulbarich
It’s a masterpiece featuring a light, airy falsetto that hardly sounds like Japanese, and a catchy song structure that even connects to EDM.
While respecting the manners and rules of soul and acid jazz, it’s been brilliantly distilled into pop.
I think this track goes over well with fans of Western music.
Dancing FighterAwesome City Club
It’s a four-on-the-floor track that broadly incorporates the EDM sound that’s been popular in recent years—particularly what’s known as tropical house.
It’s very catchy and has a great groove.
In addition, Awesome City Club also makes songs that incorporate Black music.
wound; scratch; scar; flaw; defectZainichi Fanku
This band was formed in 2007 around KenTA Hamano, the trombonist of SAKEROCK.
What they’re taking on is the question of what it would be like to recreate James Brown’s musical style while based in Japan.
In this band, Hamano—who serves as the vocalist—delivers shout-filled singing that is a must-hear.