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
Masterpieces of Black music in Japanese pop. Featured works embodying the spirit of Black music (21–30)
Balmy LifeKroi
Kroi is a band rooted in Black music genres such as hip-hop, funk, and soul.
Featured on their major-label debut album “LENS,” released in 2021, is the track “Balmy Life.” It topped Billboard’s Emerging Artists chart and received power-play rotation on more than 35 radio stations nationwide.
The chord progression, which makes extensive use of dominant 7th chords with a funky sound, along with the bouncy 16-beat groove, really evokes the essence of Black music.
GimmeLUCKY TAPES
LUCKY TAPES’ “Gimme” is a track that’s both danceable and chill, and it’s seriously cool.
It was released ahead of their 2022 album “BITTER!”, and the groove crafted by the drums, bass, and guitar is irresistibly funky.
I especially love the transition from the A-melody, with its sly bass lines that make clever use of space, to the chorus where the dance beat kicks in with open hi-hats—it’s so satisfying.
Be sure to check out the music video too, which captures the band members fully immersed in the groove!
Dancing FighterAwesome City Club
As the title suggests, it’s a danceable, upbeat tune.
It’s a track included on the five-piece band Awesome City Club’s 2018 EP “TORSO.” A positive anthem that sings of the resolve to walk firmly through a once-in-a-lifetime journey.
SSWBD.A.N.
The single “SSWB,” released by D.A.N.
in 2017, is captivating for its groovy club sound driven by a undulating bass.
D.A.N.
is a three-piece band formed in 2014, known for a floating, addictive sound, and has been described as “Japanese minimal mellow.” In “SSWB,” the calmly played combination of bass and drums is layered with synths, electric piano, and steel pans, shaping its distinctive sonic world.
That’s My LifeL.L BROTHERS
An authentic R&B number by L.L BROTHERS where low-centered beats intertwine with a crisp, satisfying swing.
It wraps you in the exhilaration of cruising through the city at night, and your heart can’t help but dance.
The track seems to embody their unwavering way of life and pride—charging forward on the path they believe in.
Released in November 2004, it was included as the lead track on their album “Back Again,” which marked their return to the major scene.
Crafted by the duo themselves from the track-making up, it’s a song that serves as a declaration of intent.
Whether you want to sink into the music in a dimly lit room or need a boost the night before starting something new, this one is sure to give you that extra push.
Taking Our TimeStill Caravan
Still Caravan is a band known for its sound that fuses the groove of a live band grounded in jazz, soul, and hip-hop with sampling.
The title track “Taking Our Time,” included on their 2018 EP, is a danceable number reminiscent of jazz-funk and acid jazz.
The freely roaming electric piano phrases give it a jazzy, stylish flair.
It was used as the theme song for the Kansai local information program “Cast,” broadcast on Asahi Broadcasting Television, from October 2018 until the show ended in March 2022.
THE EDGETHE BAWDIES
THE BAWDIES, whose soulful vocals and strong sense for music deeply influenced by Black music have earned them high acclaim.
This song was released in 2016 as their 11th single.
It embodies their determination as they stand on the edge of a cliff.