A masterpiece of Japanese black music. A noteworthy work embodying the soul of black music.
Black music originally refers to music genres with roots in Africa, encompassing a very wide range such as jazz, blues, funk, soul, R&B, and hip-hop.
When we think of black music, we tend to picture songs by overseas artists, but in fact there are many cool tracks within Japan that have brilliantly incorporated black music.
In this article, we’ll showcase a selection of black music created by Japanese artists all at once!
From popular singer-songwriters to bands, we’ve gathered songs from a variety of artists, so take this opportunity to give them a listen!
Masterpieces of Japanese black music. Featured works embodying the spirit of black music (1–10)
The eve of revolutionTempalay
Tempalay’s “Kakumei Zenya” channels Black music with its undulating, groovy bass.
Tempalay is a three-piece band formed in 2014, and within just a year they were already performing at Fuji Rock Festival and the U.S.
music convention SXSW—a true powerhouse.
The tight rhythms of their lo-fi sound, intertwined with the bass, make you want to move your body before you know it.
It’s an ultra-funky track born from a collaboration with the fashion brand GAP.
Watashiiri
Watashi is the debut single released in 2017 by iri, a singer-songwriter who studied abroad in the United States.
iri is an artist known for hip-hop-like lyrical expression and a soulful voice, and she’s a proven talent who has opened for visiting acts such as Donovan Frankenreiter and Corinne Bailey Rae.
Watashi features 16-beat guitar chopping and analog synthesizer tones, giving the track a disco vibe.
STAY TUNESuchmos
If there’s one song that embodies acid jazz—a genre where jazz meets club music—it’s Suchmos’s “STAY TUNE.” The band members are said to admire Jamiroquai, the British group that represents acid jazz.
Add electric piano and choppy guitar to a tight, high-velocity groove, and you get a funky, stylish sound.
It’s the track that put Suchmos in the spotlight, and it even reached No.
10 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100 as a dance tune.
22LUCKY TAPES
LUCKY TAPES is a three-piece band known for their stylish sound-making.
This track is the lead song from their major-label debut EP “22,” released in 2018.
It’s not exactly up-tempo and high-energy, yet it’s a mysterious tune that somehow makes you want to start dancing.
ain’t on the map yetNulbarich
This is a danceable number that sings about unwavering feelings for someone special.
It’s a track included on Nulbarich’s second album, “H.O.T,” released in 2018.
The razor-sharp dance performed by the boy in the music video is a must-see!
Trippajama de umi nanka ikanai
A stylish track I’d love to recommend for a drive.
It’s by the band Pajama de Umi Nanka Ikanai, whose roots lie in neo-soul and jazz.
This is the title track released ahead of their debut album “Trip,” which came out in 2022.
I heard that vocalist Chloe created it inspired by the anime Revolutionary Girl Utena, which she watched during her university days.
Its unique worldview and groove reminiscent of Black music are a joy.
It’s perfect not only for long trips but also for short outings, and it’s sure to lift your spirits!
AtamiKroi
A five-member band, Kroi, whose members are all deeply rooted in Black music, has gained popularity with a mixed sound that blends a wide range of genres including R&B, funk, soul, rock, and hip-hop.
This digital-only single captures a nostalgic, warm atmosphere that evokes the title, expressing a perfectly airy lightness that links to summer.
Its pop, catchy melody will likely resonate naturally even with listeners who aren’t very accustomed to Black music.
It’s a superb fusion of time-honored musicality and a modern approach, a track with a soothing, floating feel that makes you want to keep listening.
