Popular R&B. Japanese Artist Rankings [2026]
R&B is popular around the world and has now become one of the most important genres in the music scene.
Originally a genre that developed from Black music, it’s of course also popular in Japan, and there are many artists influenced by R&B.
This time, we’ll introduce Japanese R&B artists in a popularity ranking.
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- A band group that colors Japan’s R&B scene
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- Popular R&B: Western Music Artist Rankings [2026]
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- Male-Popularity Artist Rankings [2026]
- [2026] Must-Listen R&B Masterpieces: From Timeless Classics to Recent Favorites
- RSP Popular Song Rankings [2026]
Popular R&B: Japanese Artist Ranking [2026] (61–70)
Cold DancerScoobie Do64rank/position
This is a song by SCOOBIE DO, a band formed in 1995.
It’s included on their 2017 album “CRACKLACK.” The bouncy guitar riff in the intro really sticks in your ears.
The music video, which looks like they’re playing Red Light, Green Light (Daruma-san ga koronda), is unique.
NIGHT RUNNINGShin Sakiura65rank/position
Shin Sakiura, known as a guitarist and music producer, created “NIGHT RUNNING” as the ending theme for the anime BNA: Brand New Animal.
The lyrics and vocals are by singer-songwriter AAAMYYY, resulting in a stylish track.
It also strongly evokes elements of city pop.
Moreover, as it’s a song about unwavering determination, it’s recommended for anyone looking for a motivational push.
Rules feat. Tao TsuchiyaTAIKING66rank/position
The track “Rules,” a collaboration between TAIKING, the guitarist of Suchmos, and actor Tao Tsuchiya, was released in September 2022.
It has a lovely, laid-back mood.
I’ve heard they co-wrote the lyrics by sharing what they’re feeling right now.
You can sense a soft, dreamy atmosphere, as if capturing a moment of quiet contemplation.
Alongside the relaxed soul vibe, TAIKING’s gently supportive guitar and Tao Tsuchiya’s cool, lustrous low-register vocals are irresistibly sexy.
DRAMATENDRE67rank/position
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.
THE EDGETHE BAWDIES68rank/position
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.
Ikebukuro SunshineWHITE JAM69rank/position
This is a July 2025 release from WHITE JAM, a mixed-gender vocal unit known for their realistic, heartrending lyrics that resonate with many.
Set in the iconic urban locale of Ikebukuro Sunshine, it paints the protagonist’s delicate, wavering emotions amid the flow of passersby, carried by their signature R&B sound.
Even as they resolve to part with their lover, they still wait for them…
The painful scene comes into focus, and it really tightens your chest.
It especially hits on nights when you want to sink into sentimentality or when you feel like revisiting past loves.
Losing You (Part I)Yasuha.70rank/position
A longing for someone precious whom you can never meet again… This R&B ballad portrays that painful sense of loss.
It’s a work by the Vocaloid producer Yasuha., also known for “Sukinononi” and “On Your Side,” released in 2017.
The song is included on the album “DIVERSITY.” Centered on a beautiful piano melody, the refined sound blends with Hatsune Miku’s fragile vocals, seeping deep into the heart.
The lyrics vividly convey the protagonist’s regret over time that cannot be reclaimed and words once exchanged, tightening the chest.
It might even bring back a cherished memory within you.