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)
DRAMATENDRE
TENDRE is the solo project of Taro Kawahara, who is also active as a member of the three-piece band ampel.
This song is included on his debut EP, Red Forces, released in 2017.
It evokes a city night—mechanical and inorganic, yet somehow warm.
Masterpieces of Japanese black music. Featured works embodying the soul of Black music (51–60)
World of Love * CKB SpecificationsCRAZY KEN BAND
“World of Love” is a song that Crazy Ken Band remade as a band version of a track originally included on Ken Yokoyama’s 1995 solo album “Kyōkenteki Sekai” (released under his solo name).
While evoking elements of funk, it’s an intriguing piece featuring a catchy melody that resonates with Japanese listeners.
No, that’s not it.Suzuki Masayuki
This is the 17th single by singer Masayuki Suzuki, who made his major debut as a member of the chorus group Rats & Star and has been hailed as the King of Love Songs since the 2000s.
The track was used in a commercial for Mitsutaka’s “Boutique JOY” and was released as a double A-side single together with “Shibuya de 5-ji,” making it one of his signature songs.
Despite its straightforward Japanese lyrics, his soulful vocals elevate it brilliantly into Black music.
When you think of Black music within J-POP, this is likely the first emotional number that comes to mind.
ALL GODS BLESS MERYKEYDADDYDIRTY
Rapper RYKEYDADDYDIRTY, who rose to popularity through the contrast between his brazen persona and delicate lyrics.
His track “ALL GODS BLESS ME” is a signature work, widely loved for its poignant lyrics.
The hook leans more toward a vocal part than rap, giving it a mellow finish.
The vocal range is narrow and doesn’t require complex pitch movement, so the hook shouldn’t feel difficult.
The rap sections also don’t feature challenging flows or fastest-rap passages, making the overall difficulty relatively low.
Dear, My Friendsmashoe’
Singer-songwriter mashoe’, who has been drawing attention for his versatility not only in songwriting but also in mixing and mastering, released the single “Dear, My Friends” on April 12, 2023.
It’s a track that fully showcases mashoe’s musicality, rooted in Black music.
The lyrics, written as a message to friends far away, are likely to make many listeners recall someone dear to them.
With catchy, chorus-driven hooks, it’s a soulful pop tune.
CRAZY OUTSIDEMIYACHI & Aoyama Teruma
The collaborative track CRAZY OUTSIDE by Thelma Aoyama and MIYACHI is a song with a hip-hop flavor.
MIYACHI is a Japanese American rapper based in New York, and his style that blends English and Japanese is seriously cool.
The song is included on his EP GOOD NIGHT TOKYO, released in January 2021, and it was also released as a single in March of the same year.
Its laid-back, programmed rhythm is the kind of sound you often hear in R&B and hip-hop, and it just makes you want to move your body.
Melody of SummerTAMTAM
TAMTAM is a band whose appeal lies in a sound rooted in reggae and dub, incorporating elements of club music.
“Natsu no Shirabe,” included on their limited cassette tape and digital-only album EASYTRAVELERS mixtape released in 2017, is a track characterized by a mellow, mid-tempo tropical vibe.
Opinions vary on whether Jamaican-origin genres like reggae should be classified as Black music, but there’s no doubt it’s a groove you can really get into—so definitely give it a listen!