[Japanese R&B] Notable Classics & New Tracks, Representative Songs of Japanese R&B
This playlist is packed with Japanese R&B.
Centered on authentic, high-quality Japanese R&B that lets you feel a refined vibe, it also picks up plenty of newer tracks that reflect recent trends.
With beautiful vocals and grooves, you’ll surely be wrapped in a comfortable wave of sound.
Be sure to enjoy the unique resonance of the Japanese language as you listen.
I’d be happy if this becomes a starting point for exploring and discovering new songs.
Alright then, let’s enjoy it together!
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[Japanese R&B] Notable Classics & New Tracks: Signature Songs of Japanese R&B (71–80)
water feat.Josef LeimbergCOMA-CHI
COMA-CHI is known for her powerful singing voice.
She’s also active as a female rapper and is a legendary figure who has had a major influence on Japanese female rappers.
In her early days, she released R&B mixed with pop, but recently she has shifted her musical style to authentic R&B rooted in neo-soul.
The track “water feat.
Josef Leimberg” is a sophisticated song that lets you experience this evolution.
ripping sound; the sound/feel of something tearing or splitting (meri-meri)CRAZY KEN BAND
Crazy Ken Band, the top sound creators in the East.
They’ve been active since 1997, and their 2002 single “Tiger & Dragon” became a sensation, earning them nationwide popularity.
One of their signature songs, “Meri Meri,” released as a single in 2006, gained acclaim for its R&B-centered melody and lyrics depicting mature romance.
If you’ve only listened to “Tiger & Dragon,” you’ll probably be shocked, thinking, “They’re such a soulful band?!”
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.
Don’t Beyouen kingyo
A bewitching goldfish that uses hip-hop as its foundation to evoke the humidity and luster of the night.
Perhaps you’ve been looking for stylish R&B but haven’t quite found a track that resonates.
If so, we recommend this song they released in August 2025.
Over a minimal, slightly shadowy track, it delicately portrays complex emotions like missed connections and loneliness.
By repeating messages like “don’t be sad” and “don’t be angry,” it creates a distinctive, emotional rhythm.
Crafted by a powerhouse duo whose early signature track “BLACK” reached No.
1 on Spotify’s domestic Viral chart, this is a deep, city-night-appropriate piece.
2 (feat. Lee Youngji)Hoshino Gen
Singer-songwriter Gen Hoshino, whose talents are drawing attention as he thrives across a wide range of fields beyond music, has released a track featuring Korean rapper Lee Youngji on his first album in about six and a half years, Gen.
The sound is captivating, with Hoshino’s groovy production blending seamlessly with Lee Youngji’s rap.
The Tokyo nightscape shown in the music video feels like a shared inner landscape of the two, resonating amid the city’s lights and shadows.
This song stands out on the album slated for release in May 2025, and fans are still talking about the moment Lee Youngji made a surprise appearance to perform together at the Seoul stop of the Asia tour.
It’s a cool number, perfect for those solitary, late-night hours.
LOVE DEEPER (Prod. m.c.A•T)Reiko
This is a track by REIKO that inscribes a new page in the history of Japanese R&B.
It drew attention for officially sampling “Ryusei no Saddle,” a classic from Toshinobu Kubota’s landmark 1986 album SHAKE IT PARADISE.
The fact that Kubota himself—the original composer—praised it as “several times funkier than the source” speaks to its exceptional quality.
When you want to savor love anew, listening to this song will surely fill you with a gentle, tender feeling.
CUBEiri
A funky R&B tune by iri, whose smooth groove evokes a midsummer night’s breeze.
The song gently portrays the way a heart that’s closed off and rigid gradually changes shape with time, eventually fitting with someone again.
Its poetic lyrics, hinting at feelings that won’t fully melt and the shifting forms of love, seem to quietly cradle both the hope and the heartache of romance.
Released in August 2025, the track was written as the theme song for ABEMA’s dating show “Girl or Lady Season 2.” With ESME MORI as sound producer, its urbane, polished sound is perfect for a late-summer drive or a solo chill-out night at home.
It’s a song that subtly exudes good taste—one that adds color to everyday life.