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
- Japanese R&B Popularity Rankings [2026]
- Great Black Music: Recommended Masterpieces
- Popular R&B. Japanese Artist Rankings [2026]
- Recommended Japanese funk bands. Funky Japanese artists.
- Refined Sound: The World of Stylish Vocaloid R&B Songs
- [2026] Latest and Noteworthy J-Pop R&B Tracks
- 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
Classic Japanese black music tracks. Notable works embodying the spirit of black music (11–20)
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.
Rules feat. Tao TsuchiyaTAIKING
The track “Rules,” a collaboration between TAIKING, the guitarist of Suchmos, and actor Tao Tsuchiya, was released in September 2022.
It has a lovely, laid-back mood.
I’ve heard they co-wrote the lyrics by sharing what they’re feeling right now.
You can sense a soft, dreamy atmosphere, as if capturing a moment of quiet contemplation.
Alongside the relaxed soul vibe, TAIKING’s gently supportive guitar and Tao Tsuchiya’s cool, lustrous low-register vocals are irresistibly sexy.
FrisbeeBRADIO
BRADIO’s “Frisbee” is a muscular, hard-hitting funk track that calls to mind James Brown.
Formed in 2010, BRADIO is a band rooted in funk, soul, and R&B, and the members rock suits—the quintessential attire of funk.
The tight, rhythmic brass section and the growls slipped in between vocal phrases really crank up the funk factor on “Frisbee.” It’s a must-listen for fans of classic funk!
Boogie RideKubota Toshinobu
Boogie Ride is a digital-only single released for the first time in 2020 by Toshinobu Kubota, one of Japan’s leading R&B singers.
Kubota fully masters the distinctive feel and vocal stylings of Black music and is a key figure in establishing R&B in Japan.
Boogie Ride is a groovy track with a throbbing synth bass and crisp guitar chopping, a dance tune reminiscent of classic funk and disco music.
REAL UFujita Oruya
REAL U is a mid-tempo track marked by an intro reminiscent of EXILE’s Lovers Again.
It’s a collaboration by solo singer Oruya Fujita with producer-renowned Matt Cab and JAY’ED, known for his work with artists like JUJU.
Released in July 2022, the song was crafted with 2000s R&B as its concept, bathing listeners in a beautifully melodic sound that updates the vibe of that era.
Influenced by Black music since childhood, Fujita’s style meshes seamlessly here, and his vocals are striking.
It’s a poignant song that pairs delicate emotions—anxieties about a loved one and genuine, earnest feelings—into a bittersweet whole.
WaveNao Yoshioka
For those who usually enjoy artists like Hikaru Utada in the J-POP scene, I especially recommend soul singer Nao Yoshioka.
“Wave” is a single she released in 2022, the year she celebrated the 10th anniversary of her debut.
It was composed by Musicman Ty—who has worked on songs for Alicia Keys—and is connected to Nao Yoshioka’s signature track “Got Me.” The serene mood and airy, floating synthesizers feel wonderfully soothing.
It’s a mature love song brimming with the charm of loving naturally.
The vocal lines, which truly evoke a gentle wave, are simply exquisite.
Masterpieces of Black music in Japanese pop. Featured works embodying the spirit of Black music (21–30)
mysteryHoshino Gen
This is the fourth digital-only single by singer-songwriter Gen Hoshino, who has released numerous hit songs with his one-of-a-kind pop sensibility.
Written as the theme song for the TV drama “Why I Dress Up for Love,” the track leaves an impression with its pop yet sentimental atmosphere.
The fusion of sounds evocative of the late 1980s with a modern, complex chord progression results in an R&B piece for a new era that’s more than just nostalgic.
It’s a number that serves as a model of pop grounded in Black music, evoking both history and evolution.
