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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Masterpieces of Black music in Japanese pop. Featured works embodying the spirit of Black music (21–30)
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.
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.
Glimmering Dancin’BRADIO
A funky song and music video that feel like you’re watching a dance floor overseas.
It’s the second single released in 2018 by the three-piece band BRADIO.
The catchy tune naturally makes your body sway.
The members’ outfits are perfectly on point, too.
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.
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.
LOOPSIRUP
This song is perfect for when you want to sink into a sentimental autumn mood! It’s a track from singer-songwriter KYOtaro’s solo project, crafted by SIRUP.
With a sound rooted in R&B and soul, it’s sure to resonate with fans of Black music.
At first, it sounds like it’s depicting joyful everyday moments—like café dates and drives with a lover—but hidden beneath is a bittersweet story of someone replaying memories with a person who’s no longer by their side.
The sweet, mellow vocals and laid-back groove seem to gently wrap around the protagonist’s bittersweet recollections.
Released digitally in 2018 and included on the EP “SIRUP EP2,” this refined sound will enrich your autumn moments—perfect for a solo night in or a drive.