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 Japanese black music. Featured works embodying the spirit of black music (41–50)
SURELYnever young beach
The music video as well as the lyrics and melody evoke images of blue skies and white beaches.
This song is by never young beach, a five-piece band formed in Tokyo.
It’s included on their 2017 album “A GOOD TIME.” Just listening to it puts you in a cheerful mood.
From the magic circle, with loveKarasu wa masshiro
This is a song by the four-member funk band Karasu wa Masshiro.
It is included on their 2016 album Back to the Future.
The whisper-like vocals of singer Kana Yaginuma are captivating.
Although they sadly disbanded in 2017, we look forward to each member’s future endeavors.
Stop and lookPetorōruzu
Petrolz is a three-piece band formed in 2005.
Their crisp guitar sound feels great.
The video is footage from the event “WHERE, WHO, WHAT IS PETROLZ? LIVE PARTY in Shibuya WWW & WWW X,” held to celebrate the release of Petrolz’s tribute album.
By the way, the guitarist and vocalist Ryosuke Nagaoka is the real name of Ukigumo, the well-known guitarist and member of Tokyo Jihen.
Bluemin’ DaysYogee New Waves
Yogee New Waves was formed in 2013 by Kengo Kakudate and Naoki Yazawa, who had both been active in a funk band.
Their track “Bluemin’ Days,” included on the EP SPRING CAVE e.p.
released in 2018, delivers a light, refreshing sound that can be described as modern city pop.
The rhythmic forward momentum combined with the layered guitar cutting makes it incredibly danceable.
Life Like ThisWONK,Kubota Toshinobu
It’s a gem of a soul number that stirs the heart with a miraculous cross-generational collaboration.
The uniquely wavering beat crafted by the experimental soul band WONK is stylish and downright cool.
On top of that, the groove woven by Toshinobu Kubota and WONK’s Kento Nagatsuka on vocals is absolutely stunning.
The song asks how we choose to live, even in a world swirling with conflict and anxiety.
And yet, it radiates a powerful resolve to keep our feet on the ground and face forward.
Released in September 2024, the track conveys the mutual respect both parties have for each other’s music.
When the daily news wears you down or you need the courage to take a step into the future, listening to this will surely give you a push.
JAM fo’ freedomKubota Toshinobu
This is a funk track marked by an energetic groove and vocals that make your heart skip just by listening.
It’s included on the album “Beautiful People,” released in November 2019.
The song delivers a powerful, positive message that celebrates everyone.
The remix with SASUKE was selected as the official theme song for the 2019–20 season of Japan’s professional men’s basketball league, the B.LEAGUE.
It stirs a sense of exhilaration as if you’re watching an incredible highlight play, and you can’t help but start moving to it.
It’s a perfect song to lift your spirits and give you a strong push when you’re taking on a challenge.
All conditioned things are impermanent.Kubota Toshinobu
This is a refined pop song by Toshinobu Kubota, a singer-songwriter who has pioneered Japan’s R&B scene.
It may be a warm anthem of encouragement that gently wraps around those striving toward their goals.
For those of us navigating a rapidly changing society, it seems to teach the importance of responding not with severity, but with kindness.
The track was released in June 2025, just ahead of the 40th anniversary of his debut, and it’s well known as the ending theme of the economic news program WBS.
It’s also included on the best-of album “THE BADDEST IV & Timeless Hits.” Listening at the end of the day might soothe a tired heart and make that first step toward tomorrow feel a little lighter.