[2026] Latest and Noteworthy J-Pop R&B Tracks
When you hear Japanese R&B, what kinds of artists or bands come to mind?
While many people know them through J-pop hits, there have actually been artists since the Showa era who possess genuine R&B skills, with outstanding vocals and melodic sensibilities.
Even now in the 2020s, artists who transcend the boundaries between Japanese and Western music are creating amazing tracks, while staying connected to the latest overseas R&B scene.
In this article, we’ve rounded up must-check new songs to help you get to know the latest Japanese R&B scene in a broad sense.
We hope not only fans of Japanese music but also fans of Western music will give them a listen!
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[2026] Latest and Notable J‑Pop R&B Songs (21–30)
Say SomethingTHE JET BOY BANGERZ
Featured on the EP “Let’s Dance,” released in November 2025, this track stands out with an urbane groove reminiscent of ’80s soul and R&B.
The lyrics, depicting two people drawn to each other—their gazes and an unspoken frustration—exude a mature allure.
The deliberately hushed vocals further highlight the thrill of romantic mind games.
It’s a stylish dance tune that’s perfect as background music for a nighttime drive.
unread and ignoredANAIS
While rooted in hip-hop and R&B, this captivating party tune fuses the sophistication of Western music with the pop sensibilities of J‑pop.
ANAIS’s distinctive multilingual expression and powerhouse vocals shine, and the message—liberation from control and obsession, and a rebuilding of self-esteem—leaves a strong impression.
Overall production was handled by LUNA, with sound production by Joe Ogawa and Marcello Jonno, who have also worked on tracks for NiziU and SixTONES.
Released by JCC TOKYO in May 2025, this song marks the beginning of a new chapter in her career.
Recommended for anyone who wants to explore living authentically, accompanied by bold, glamorous music.
[2026] Latest and Notable J-Pop R&B Songs (31–40)
HeroineAoyama Mitsuki
How about a song like this for a night drive when you want to sink into a slightly sentimental mood? This track by singer-songwriter Mitsuki Aoyama captures the bittersweet afterglow of a love that’s ended and the strength of reclaiming yourself afterward.
Rooted in cool R&B yet carried by a beat reminiscent of UK garage, it’s comfortably buoyant and conveys a supple resilience that seems to ride even over sorrow.
The sound, showcasing her experience as a DJ, gently sways the listener.
Released ahead of the EP “Heroine / Breathe” in August 2025, it also served as the ending theme for HTB’s “Ichimoni!”.
It’s a perfect song for spending quiet time facing yourself.
TorieBillyrrom
Billyrrom captivates with an urban sound-making style that makes you want to surrender to its groovy rhythms.
Drawing attention at festivals both in Japan—such as in Osaka and Tokyo—and abroad, including Taiwan, their latest work is a comfortable track where refined mellowness merges with pop sensibilities.
Featured on the album “WiND,” it’s also noteworthy that guitarist Rin penned the lyrics from a female perspective.
Perfect for night drives or moments when you want to calm your mind, this song is recommended for anyone looking to step away from the city’s hustle and settle into a peaceful mood.
UNDERCOVER feat. Ayumu ImazuSIRUP
This is a sleek, urban R&B track born from the collaboration between SIRUP and Ayumu Imazu, who are known to be friends offstage as well.
With a modern theme exploring the “public” and “private” faces people carry, the song brilliantly expresses it through the duo’s smooth, intertwining vocals.
Released as a lead single from the album “OWARI DIARY,” due out in September 2025, it also drew attention for being featured in a web commercial for Mizuhashi Hojudo Pharmaceutical.
Why not surrender yourself to its addictive groove?
Don’t Beyouen kingyo
A bewitching goldfish that uses hip-hop as its foundation to evoke the humidity and luster of the night.
Perhaps you’ve been looking for stylish R&B but haven’t quite found a track that resonates.
If so, we recommend this song they released in August 2025.
Over a minimal, slightly shadowy track, it delicately portrays complex emotions like missed connections and loneliness.
By repeating messages like “don’t be sad” and “don’t be angry,” it creates a distinctive, emotional rhythm.
Crafted by a powerhouse duo whose early signature track “BLACK” reached No.
1 on Spotify’s domestic Viral chart, this is a deep, city-night-appropriate piece.
PremaFuji Kaze
Singer-songwriter Fujii Kaze captivates listeners with a rich musical palette spanning from J-POP to R&B.
Among the masterpieces on Prema—an album crafted entirely in English after deep inner struggle—the title track shines with a particularly special glow.
While tackling the profound theme of “supreme love” (the meaning of the Sanskrit word prema), the song is framed in a comfortably groovy R&B sound.
Its spiritually tinged lyrics, as if introducing both the higher self and the self, seem to gently speak to the listener’s inner world.
Featured on the album released in September 2025, this track is sure to become a cherished song that deeply nourishes the heart on quiet nights when you want to face yourself.