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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.