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.
- Japanese R&B Popularity Rankings [2026]
- [Japanese R&B] Notable Classics & New Tracks, Representative Songs of Japanese R&B
- [2026] Latest and Noteworthy J-Pop R&B Tracks
- A band group that colors Japan’s R&B scene
- Popular Japanese Music / J-POP Artist Rankings [2026]
- Popular Hip-Hop: Japanese Artist Rankings [2026]
- Popular Reggae: Japanese Artist Rankings [2026]
- Popular R&B: Western Music Artist Rankings [2026]
- Classic R&B songs recommended for women
- Male-Popularity Artist Rankings [2026]
- [2026] Must-Listen R&B Masterpieces: From Timeless Classics to Recent Favorites
- RSP Popular Song Rankings [2026]
- Western R&B Popularity Rankings [2026]
Popular R&B: Japanese Artist Rankings [2026] (21–30)
ain’t on the map yetNulbarich22rank/position
This is a danceable number that sings about unwavering feelings for someone special.
It’s a track included on Nulbarich’s second album, “H.O.T,” released in 2018.
The razor-sharp dance performed by the boy in the music video is a must-see!
The eve of revolutionTempalay23rank/position
Tempalay’s “Kakumei Zenya” channels Black music with its undulating, groovy bass.
Tempalay is a three-piece band formed in 2014, and within just a year they were already performing at Fuji Rock Festival and the U.S.
music convention SXSW—a true powerhouse.
The tight rhythms of their lo-fi sound, intertwined with the bass, make you want to move your body before you know it.
It’s an ultra-funky track born from a collaboration with the fashion brand GAP.
PassionUA24rank/position
The song that catapulted the soulful, wildly captivating singer UA to fame is “Jounetsu,” right? Released on June 21, 1996 as her fourth single, it’s an R&B-infused track that became a long-running hit.
It fully showcases UA’s inimitable charm—her unique vocal tone and singing style that no one can imitate.
Highly recommended for those looking for Black music sung in Japanese.
Be sure to pay attention to the lyrics, which quietly burn with passion!
Midnight CruiseWONK25rank/position
This is a song by the four-piece band WONK.
You can clearly see the influence of soul music—it’s a very mature track.
It’s included on their 2017 album Castor.
It evokes beautiful natural scenery in your mind.
SOULSbird26rank/position
Recently, the opportunities to see her on TV have decreased dramatically, but she is still active, mainly performing live.
By the way, she is actually the wife of the well-known Jun Miura.
I was surprised because I couldn’t find any connection between them.
I hear they now have a child and go to live shows together.
First LoveUtada Hikaru27rank/position
This classic song, which captures the bittersweet memories of a first love, is a confident work written by Hikaru Utada at the age of 16.
Weaving lingering feelings for a loved one together with delicate piano melodies, it has continued to touch many hearts since its release in April 1999.
Included on the album “First Love,” it sparked a phenomenon—topping the karaoke charts for 15 consecutive weeks, among other achievements.
It is recommended for those who wish to heal the pain of heartbreak or reaffirm their feelings for someone special.
Wrapped in Hikaru Utada’s clear, transparent vocals, why not revisit the precious memories etched in your heart?
No, that’s not it.Suzuki Masayuki28rank/position
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.
