A Japanese soul singer. The stirring SOUL OF JAPAN.
Soul music, rooted in gospel and blues, developed in the United States from the 1950s through the 1960s.
In Japan, following the lead of groups like The King Tones and Chanels, it has been incorporated into pop music in various ways.
In this article, we spotlight Japanese soul singers who will grab your heart!
Let’s dive into the appeal of soulful vocalists—their power, rich groove, body-moving rhythms, and undeniable comfort.
Japanese soul singer. Stirring Soul of Japan (1–10)
Make the ChangeNao Yoshioka
Nao Yoshioka is a soul singer often called the Japanese Alicia Keys.
She’s a proven talent who took second place at Amateur Night, a popular event at New York’s Apollo Theater that has launched stars like Marvin Gaye and Aretha Franklin.
After spending two and a half years in New York, she made her major debut in 2015 with the album “Rising” upon returning to Japan.
Her powerful New York-honed vocals and sophisticated sound are truly captivating.
Song of GratitudeORITO
ORITO is a soul singer who performs Memphis soul reminiscent of Otis Redding and Al Green.
He debuted in 1995 with the album “SOUL JOINT” and has led Japan’s soul scene ever since.
He was also recognized by Willie Mitchell, the man who discovered Al Green, proving his genuine talent.
Sadly, he passed away suddenly in 2008 at the young age of 43, but he continues to be respected, and a tribute concert is held every year.
Slow BalladImawano Kiyoshirō
Kiyoshiro Imawano, who formed RC Succession, is such a pivotal figure in rock that he’s often called the King of Rock.
Yet at his core he was also a soul singer, deeply influenced by soul and blues.
You can hear the influence of Otis Redding in his vocal style, and he even recreated the stagecraft of the Godfather of Soul, James Brown, in his live shows.
In 1992, he released the album “Memphis,” featuring Booker T.
& the M.G.’s, who had been Otis Redding’s backing band.
Bring me up !Kubota Toshinobu
Toshinobu Kubota is the key figure who helped establish R&B in the Japanese music scene with his solid vocal ability and funky sense of rhythm.
He scored high chart positions with songs that carry the essence of Black music, paving the way for the later development of Japanese R&B.
He has released numerous classics, including major hits like “LA・LA・LA LOVE SONG” and “Missing.” He’s a powerhouse soul singer who represents Japan, releasing works even in the United States, the birthplace of the genre.
The RoverTajima Takao (ORIGINAL LOVE)
Takao Tajima is the founder of ORIGINAL LOVE, a band rooted in soul, blues, and jazz, and he also served as the vocalist for Pizzicato Five, a representative group of the Shibuya-kei scene.
His uniquely sultry, elastic voice is a major part of his appeal.
As ORIGINAL LOVE, he scored a huge hit with the 1993 single “Kiss.” The project now functions as Tajima’s solo endeavor, and while his playing style has shifted to foreground strong jazz guitar influences, the funky, stylish sound remains intact.
daydreamShiina Jumpei
Junpei Sheena is known as the elder brother of Ringo Sheena and is a soul singer.
He specializes in a sound that fuses hip hop-leaning R&B in the vein of D’Angelo with live-instrument funk reminiscent of Marvin Gaye and Roy Ayers.
He debuted in 2001 with the album “Junpei Sheena,” and has been active while concurrently performing with multiple bands.
In 2007, he duetted with Ringo Sheena on “Kono Yo no Kagiri,” the ending theme for the film Sakuran.
Sing My SoulUeda Masaki
One of Japan’s leading soul bands is Masaki Ueda and South to South.
They were also heavy hitters who often served as the opening act for overseas soul artists performing in Japan.
After debuting as a solo artist, Masaki Ueda scored a hit in 1982 with Kanashii Iro Yane.
His husky voice, laced with Kansai dialect, is sensuous and soulful.
He’s also known for being extremely particular about groove—there’s even an anecdote that if the band’s playing wasn’t up to par, he would make them keep playing the intro forever.