Lovely R&B and soul

A masterpiece of Japanese black music. A noteworthy work embodying the soul of black music.

POPS writer/editorKEI
Since discovering music during my school days, I’ve mainly listened to Japanese and Korean pop. I have experience writing articles for sites like Utaten. 2000s J-pop and 2010s K-pop were especially the soundtrack of my youth. With the mindset that “good is good,” I enjoy music across genres. Thanks to past work environments and their influence, I was exposed to lots of classic rock and kayōkyoku (Japanese popular songs), which may have broadened the scope of what I love. At RAG MUSIC, I currently focus on K-pop and J-pop. I strive to edit with a feel for the scene and an eye for hit potential.
Editor-in-Chief, RAG MUSICHane Keisuke
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. After working in a music studio and handling wedding sound, joined the RAG MUSIC editorial team in 2016. Experienced with a variety of instruments: marching band in elementary school, clarinet in junior high school wind ensemble, and drums in a band from high school onward. Drawing on my own musical activities and the experience gained through my work, I produce daily articles, including various song introductions, features on music festivals around the country, and live reports. In music, I enjoy not only rock from Japan and abroad but, lately, a wide range of J-pop as well.

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 Black music in Japanese music. Featured works embodying the spirit of Black music (61–70)

My WayMirei Touyama

Mirei Touyama 'My Way'

My Way Mirei Touyama

A song by singer-songwriter Mirei Toyama, who has also drawn attention for participating in works and live performances by the dance-vocal unit RADIO FISH.

It’s the title track of her first album, “My Way,” and was used as the ending theme for the music program “Cho Ryuha.” Her vocals, both transparent and soulful, sit atop an arrangement with a distinctly Black music flavor while retaining the familiar accessibility of J-pop, resulting in a compelling sound.

It’s a track that makes you feel the future of Black music in Japan—one you’ll want to keep listening to.

Raise the rankinglower

Hoshino Takashi

Report a problem

In conclusion

We just introduced a whole range of Japanese songs that incorporate Black music.

We mixed in some newer tracks as well—did any of them match your taste? There were lots of cool, danceable tunes, weren’t there? I think one of the appeals of music influenced by Black music is that it feels so good you naturally start swaying as you listen.

If any artists caught your attention, be sure to check out their other songs too.