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!
- [Japanese R&B] Notable Classics & New Tracks, Representative Songs of Japanese R&B
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- Great Black Music: Recommended Masterpieces
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- Refined Sound: The World of Stylish Vocaloid R&B Songs
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- A masterpiece of soul music. Recommended albums you should listen to at least once.
- From rock numbers to dance tunes! Cool songs of the Reiwa era
- Classic and Contemporary Hits in Western R&B: From the Newest Popular Tracks to All-Time Big Hits [2026]
- A classic of Japanese blues. Japanese blues that lets you get drunk on the sound and vocals.
- A band group that colors Japan’s R&B scene
- BRADIO’s famous and popular songs
Masterpieces of Japanese black music. Featured works embodying the spirit of black music (1–10)
Baby I love you soShimizu Shota
Shota Shimizu is a singer-songwriter widely supported for his sweet love songs.
This is his first new track in a year, released in September 2022.
“Baby I love you so” is a number that highlights the neo-soul flavor at the core of his roots.
Even so, the warm atmosphere and melodiousness characteristic of Shimizu remain intact.
Its straightforward, uplifting message is wonderful, and it’ll brighten your mood both as a love song and as a song of encouragement.
The ad-libs in the latter half are soulful and cool, too!
Midnight CruiseWONK
This is a song by the four-piece band WONK.
You can clearly see the influence of soul music—it’s a very mature track.
It’s included on their 2017 album Castor.
It evokes beautiful natural scenery in your mind.
PassionUA
The song that catapulted the soulful, wildly captivating singer UA to fame is “Jounetsu,” right? Released on June 21, 1996 as her fourth single, it’s an R&B-infused track that became a long-running hit.
It fully showcases UA’s inimitable charm—her unique vocal tone and singing style that no one can imitate.
Highly recommended for those looking for Black music sung in Japanese.
Be sure to pay attention to the lyrics, which quietly burn with passion!
Classic Japanese black music tracks. Notable works embodying the spirit of black music (11–20)
FEEL SO BADodoru! disuko muromachi
“FEEL SO BAD” is a funk number that’ll have your body swaying before you know it.
It was released in August 2022 by Kyoto funk band Odoru! Disco Muromachi.
The interplay between the fast-driving guitar and horn sounds is a blast and really lifts your spirits! Even in this modern era of shorter tracks, it clocks in at under two minutes.
The title might remind some listeners of James Brown’s “I Got You (I Feel Good).” With a funky, cool vibe steeped in Black music, it’s perfect for cranking up your energy!
OvernightSIRUP
A track by SIRUP, a male singer-songwriter who also performs as a vocalist in the artist collective Soulflex.
The song was featured in a commercial for the Peugeot 208/e-208 and is included on his second album, “cure.” Its groove-rich ensemble—highlighted by a floating, airy guitar sound—soulful rap, and catchy melodies together form high-quality Black music filtered through a Japanese sensibility.
It’s a number that evokes a new era of Black music, blending a modern pop appeal with a sentimental atmosphere.
BREAKTHROUGHCosmo’s Midnight, SIRUP, Shin Sakiura
This is a pop number created in collaboration by Australian electro duo Cosmo’s Midnight, singer SIRUP, and guitarist/producer Shin Sakiura.
It was released in September 2022 and was featured in the Nissan “Kicks e-POWER” commercial.
The sprightly guitar sound and rhythms, the melody that evokes stylish Western band music, and the playful back-and-forth of groovy rap are all delightful.
Its slightly retro vibe and the refined, Black music–inspired groove draw you in.
It’s a “feeling good” track that’s perfect for when you want to kick-start something new.
Have you ever smoked Gauloises?sakai yuu feat. Ovall
Artist Yu Sakai, who brings out the roots of Black music even within pop, delivers a cover vocal that was released in advance from his 2022 album “CITY POP LOVERS.” The original song is by Hiroshi Kamayatsu, included as the B-side to his 1975 hit “Waga Yoki Tomo yo.” While retaining the coolness of the original, this cover wraps you in an even more comfortable groove.
The tasteful performance featuring the members of Ovall draws you in, and Sakai’s rugged yet sweet vocals are wonderful.
Highly recommended when you’re in the mood for smooth, stylish funk.