[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 (91–100)
Baby Come Close To MeTawada Emi
Emi Tawata is a singer known for her evocatively languid sound.
She’s recognized for a style close to neo-soul, which blends elements of Black music such as R&B, jazz, and funk, and her languid vocals give her a distinctive vibe reminiscent of Erykah Badu.
One of her signature songs, “Baby Come Close To Me,” features a melody strongly colored by jazz and R&B.
Silent MidnightISSEI
This is the second digital single released in August 2025 by ISSEI, who continues to expand his range as a multi-creator.
Following his first single, “Go Getter feat.
AK‑69,” this work is filled with a new side of his appeal, blending a poignant yet powerful R&B flavor.
The song portrays the theme of moving forward despite failures and regrets.
The protagonist racing through a lonely darkness speaks to the hearts of those carrying their own struggles.
Getting To Love Yousakaiyuu
Yu Sakai is a singer-songwriter who has won popularity with his advanced piano technique and husky vocals.
Because he releases many pop songs, he’s often seen as a straight-ahead singer-songwriter, but he’s actually influenced by hardcore neo-soul artists like D’Angelo and Bilal, and some tracks on his albums are deeply soulful R&B.
Getting To Love You is a work that showcases the R&B he excels at.
If you’re into groovy sounds, this is a must-check.
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.
Only Your LoveEL LATINO & Ms.OOJA
The duo El Latino & Ms.OOJA, made up of El latino and Ms.OOJA.
Many people may associate Ms.OOJA with catchy songs about down-to-earth romance.
In fact, she is heavily influenced by Black music, and with El Latino & Ms.OOJA she sings very deep R&B.
Among their work, “Only Your Love” is particularly dope, and together with El Latino’s rap it creates a highly romantic atmosphere.
If I Fall in LoveCrystal Kay
This song, with its wonderful soulful vocals, is the 17th single released in 2005 by Crystal Kay, a singer from Kanagawa Prefecture.
It was chosen as the theme song for the hit drama “Koi ni Ochitara: Boku no Seikō no Himitsu” and became a major hit.
It’s a track that lets you feel the “destiny” of meeting someone you love.
Highly recommended as a self-empowering anthem for when you’re in love! Beneath its pure feelings lies a resolute determination—J-pop with a strong R&B flavor.
The sparkling tones of the intro are adorable, and the chorus has a glittering atmosphere like a shining diamond.
Don’t text meKIRA
KIRA is a female R&B singer from Osaka Prefecture.
Because she frequently collaborates with reggae deejays and singjays, she’s often mistaken for a reggae singer, but she has stayed true to R&B since the beginning of her career and is highly regarded in both the R&B and reggae scenes.
One of her signature songs, Don’t text me, was released in the summer of 2020 and features a tropical sound that evokes the season.
You can sense a reggae flavor in the way the track is put together.