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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- Great Black Music: Recommended Masterpieces
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- 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 Japanese black music. Featured works embodying the spirit of black music (41–50)
Groovynightchilldspot
Chilldspot, a rising next-generation artist whose release “the youth night,” put out while all members were still in high school, drew widespread attention.
In 2021, they released “Groovynight” digitally.
Backed by a funky performance, vocalist Hiyune’s singing has a slightly dark, addictive quality.
In the middle section, the rhythm shifts to a swing feel, leading into a jazzy guitar solo that adds a stylish touch.
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.
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.
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!
Lonely Genius (So What)sakai yū feat Terrace Martin
Yu Sakai, who delivers authentic black music sounds honed at the source, included “Kodoku no Tensai” (“Genius of Solitude”) on his 2020 album Touch The World.
The song’s intro quotes a phrase from “So What,” the classic by Miles Davis, the jazz trumpeter whom Sakai deeply admires.
The recording features renowned American jazz musicians.
Although the tempo is relaxed, the forward-driving 16-beat groove makes it a very satisfying track.
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.