[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: Representative Songs of Japanese R&B (21–30)
I want to see you.iri
A slow R&B number by iri, known for her husky vocals and solid, cool tracks.
It’s included on her 2007 EP “life ep.” While she sings about the longing to see someone with a cool touch, the lyrics fit a variety of everyday scenes, and the song spread through TikTok as well.
Carried by iri’s smoky voice, it’s wrapped in a mellow atmosphere that somehow feels warm, making it a track that gently keeps you company on nights when you miss someone’s warmth or during relaxing moments.
StoryAI
This is a heartwarming ballad that captures life’s precious moments.
AI’s powerful yet delicate vocals deliver a message to those of us caught up in the busyness of daily life: cherish the here and now.
Released in May 2005, the song reached No.
8 on the Oricon chart, resonated with many, and became a major hit with over two million downloads.
It was also selected as the Japanese ending theme for the film Big Hero 6, making it a beloved track both in Japan and abroad.
It’s perfect for times when you want to savor moments with someone special or take a closer look at yourself.
AI’s warm voice will surely be by your side and touch your heart.
Come Back To MeUtada Hikaru
Hikaru Utada, who is hugely popular as one of Japan’s leading R&B artists.
While she’s labeled R&B, her music leaves a strong impression as a distinctly Japanese take with strong pop elements, rather than the full-on overseas R&B style.
Among her works, when it comes to “authentic” R&B, many people probably think of Come Back To Me.
It features a classic sound reminiscent of 2000s American R&B, with melodies crafted to be enjoyable even for listeners who aren’t deeply into Black music.
Candle LightFurui Riho
If you’re looking for something fresh in R&B with a strong focus on lyrics, I recommend Candle Light.
It’s a track from singer-songwriter Furui Riho, who hails from Hokkaido, included on her 2022 debut album Green Light.
A breakup song about cutting ties with lingering feelings and moving forward, it blends a sound rooted in the gospel influences of her childhood with a catchy melody, and lyrics that many women will especially relate to.
It’s a warm song that gives you the strength to keep going.
Call U Every NiteMICHICO
MICHICO is one of Japan’s leading R&B singers.
Active in the 2000s, she undoubtedly ranks among the top three in musicality, even when you include famous vocalists and later R&B artists.
Her greatest strength is her songwriting.
Her compositions are so tasteful that they scarcely seem like typical Japanese R&B, earning strong support from dedicated fans.
“Call U Every Nite” is one of her standout tracks, notable for its smooth flow and classic R&B melodies.
Kimi-iro BiyoriMIHIRO
A standout talent in Japan’s R&B scene, he boasts an exceptional, borderless vocal ability that spans from HIPHOP tracks to slow ballads, along with a genius sense for melody.
His skill has been recognized both domestically and internationally, drawing significant attention from around the world.
The name MIHIRO was given by Teddy Riley, a legendary hitmaker representing the U.S.
R&B scene.
It’s a one-of-a-kind project name that plays on his real name “HIRO” and the phrase “My Hero.”
Fallin’ In Love AgainHiromi
Her voice is said to be a “Rainbow Voice” that makes anyone fall in love, and her R&B songs, delivered with overwhelming vocal power, are wonderful and moving.
Many of her lyrics feel authentic and relatable, which also makes them easy to get into.