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.
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Japanese soul singer. Stirring Soul of Japan (1–10)
old diaryWada Akiko
Akiko Wada, known as a TV personality and host, is also a soul singer who brought classic hits like “Furui Nikki,” “Waratte Yurushite,” and “Ano Kane wo Narasu no wa Anata” to the world.
Her debut tagline was “The Queen of Japanese Rhythm and Blues.” Her powerful vocals and sound reflect the influence of 1960s soul, reminiscent of artists like Aretha Franklin and Ray Charles.
In 2008, she achieved a milestone by giving a solo performance at New York’s famed Apollo Theater—the first ever by a Japanese or East Asian solo singer.
FareNaz
The soulful singer Naz, who garnered high praise from the judges after appearing on the global audition show X Factor Okinawa Japan, is drawing major attention.
Produced by music producer Keiichi Tomita and WONK’s Fumitake Ezaki, she made her debut with the release of her first EP, JUQCY.
After studying abroad in London, UK, starting in 2020, she released her second EP, YUQCY, and has begun expanding her activities to a global audience.
She’s an artist whose future success is highly anticipated!
TAXISuzuki Kiyomi
Kiyomi Suzuki is the biological older sister of soul singer Masayuki Suzuki.
During their amateur days, Masayuki invited her to join Chanel’s on stage, and she also began taking part in recordings.
In 1987, she made her major-label debut as Kiyomi Suzuki with Rats & Star with the single “Cinderella Liberty.” Although she debuted relatively late, her soulful, mature, and captivating voice was already fully formed from her debut track.
Later, her duet with Masayuki Suzuki, “Lonely Chaplin,” became a hit, and with the single “TAXI,” she won the Newcomer Award at the Japan Cable Radio Awards.
Japanese soul singer. Stirring the heart: SOUL OF JAPAN (11–20)
O2 feat. AIFukuhara Miho
When it comes to Japanese soul divas, Miho Fukuhara is indispensable.
She appeared in a segment of a TV show where ordinary people showcase their singing when she was in her third year of junior high school, and that footage led to her being scouted and making her debut.
Her first album, RAINBOW, released in 2009, debuted at No.
2 and stayed in the top 10 for three consecutive weeks.
Fukuhara is said to be influenced not only by Black music but also by hard rock acts like The Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin, and you can feel that rock vibe within her powerful vocals.
Paper MoonOhashi Junko
With a sound conscious of overseas soul music that stood out as unique in the Japanese pop scene of the time, vocalist Junko Ohashi of Junko Ohashi & Minoya Central Station made a striking impression.
Her signature songs include “Tasogare My Love,” which was chosen as the theme song for the TBS drama ‘Shishi no Gotoku,’ and “Silhouette Romance.” The band, assembled with top-notch musicians, is incredibly groovy and soulful, and pairs perfectly with Junko Ohashi’s powerful, high-toned vocals.
Lovers — Road (Intersection)Suzuki Masayuki
When it comes to a Japanese soul singer known for sunglasses and a mustache, that would be Masayuki Suzuki.
He’s a veteran who has led Japan’s soul scene, having formed the chorus group Chanels in 1975, which later became Rats & Star.
During the group era, they released hits like “Runaway” and “Megumi no Hito,” and after going solo he put out songs such as “Koibito,” as well as the duet “Lonely Chaplin” with his sister, Seimi Suzuki.
His appeal lies in his rich, sultry voice influenced by rhythm and blues and doo-wop.
HappinessAI
AI is a soul singer known for a powerful, church-honed voice.
Born in Los Angeles and a quarter American, she discovered gospel as a teen and decided to become a singer.
After debuting in 2000, her 2005 single “Story” became a hit, followed by the massive success of “Believe” the next year.
While her husky voice shines in heartfelt ballads, she also shows outstanding rhythm on groovy tracks like “Happiness.”