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!
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- 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)
TokyoAme no Parēdo
The groovy, crisp guitar cutting is what makes ame no parade’s “Tokyo” stand out.
Although ame no parade made their major-label debut in 2016, this is a single they released in their indie days that same year.
It’s an uplifting track with a forward-driving groove, expressing the feelings they had when leaving their hometown of Kagoshima to move to Tokyo.
Vocalist Kohei Fukunaga has roots in jazz and Black music and reportedly enjoyed listening to artists like Akiko Yano and Hanaregumi.
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.
Masterpieces of Japanese black music. Featured works embodying the spirit of Black music (31–40)
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.
EchoPAELLAS
PAELLAS is a four-piece band based in Tokyo.
This song is the lead track from their 2018 mini-album “Yours.” It sings of unwavering feelings for “you.” The stylish sound is pleasant to the ear.
ShakeDOUBLE
DOUBLE, the sister duo who enjoyed immense popularity with their classic R&B sound.
This track dates back to when the older sister, SACHIKO, was still with us, and its alluring charm lies in its comfortable groove.
Centered on the theme of nighttime liberation, it sings about the exhilaration of surrendering to the music and dancing, drawing you into a progression where the two sisters’ perfectly synchronized call-and-response gradually heats up.
Released as a single in March 1999, this song became their final work as a duo.
The album Crystal, which later included it, sold over 600,000 copies and left a strong impression on the music scene of the time.
It’s a perfect song for a nighttime drive through the city lights or for those evenings when you want to feel a bit more sophisticated.
Call U Every NiteMICHICO
A song in which MICHICO—who has written for numerous top artists—fully showcases her allure as a singer.
It’s included on producer JHETT a.k.a.
YAKKO for AQUARIUS’s album “JHETT,” released in March 2005.
The lyrics, which portray feelings that grow so strong you can’t help but call every night, read like a poignant love story.
MICHICO’s sultry vocals melt into a classic R&B track, unfolding a sophisticated, urban world.
Because she herself was involved in both the lyrics and composition, the subtle nuances of emotion are exquisitely expressed—one of the song’s key highlights.
It’s a number that keeps you company on quiet nights of solitary reflection.
WE AREeill
Singer-songwriter eill, who develops her own musicality based on Black music.
Her track “WE ARE” is addictive, with her emotional vocals entwining around a bass-heavy beat.
Despite its stylish sound, the lyrics delve deeply into human vulnerability and the self that confronts it, and that message is profoundly moving.
The way she builds the hooks is skillful, and the song’s structure keeps you engaged from start to finish—I’m genuinely impressed!
