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]
- Ranking of Male J-Pop Singers’ Best-Lyric and Most Popular Songs [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]
Popular R&B: Japanese Artist Rankings [2026] (21–30)
Dancing FighterAwesome City Club29rank/position
As the title suggests, it’s a danceable, upbeat tune.
It’s a track included on the five-piece band Awesome City Club’s 2018 EP “TORSO.” A positive anthem that sings of the resolve to walk firmly through a once-in-a-lifetime journey.
Bad BadAwich30rank/position
Awich is an artist from Okinawa.
She learned English on U.S.
military bases from a young age, so her English is excellent, and because she also studied abroad, her music—positively speaking—doesn’t feel “Japanese” at all.
Among her works, the recommended R&B track is “Bad Bad.” The vocal line carries a slow-jam vibe, while the track, though exotic, firmly adheres to R&B fundamentals.
Japan is often called a latecomer in music, but isn’t her work something we can proudly present to the world?
Popular R&B: Japanese Artist Rankings [2026] (31–40)
BREAKTHROUGHCosmo’s Midnight, SIRUP, Shin Sakiura31rank/position
This is a pop number created in collaboration by Australian electro duo Cosmo’s Midnight, singer SIRUP, and guitarist/producer Shin Sakiura.
It was released in September 2022 and was featured in the Nissan “Kicks e-POWER” commercial.
The sprightly guitar sound and rhythms, the melody that evokes stylish Western band music, and the playful back-and-forth of groovy rap are all delightful.
Its slightly retro vibe and the refined, Black music–inspired groove draw you in.
It’s a “feeling good” track that’s perfect for when you want to kick-start something new.
If I Fall in LoveCrystal Kay32rank/position
This song, with its wonderful soulful vocals, is the 17th single released in 2005 by Crystal Kay, a singer from Kanagawa Prefecture.
It was chosen as the theme song for the hit drama “Koi ni Ochitara: Boku no Seikō no Himitsu” and became a major hit.
It’s a track that lets you feel the “destiny” of meeting someone you love.
Highly recommended as a self-empowering anthem for when you’re in love! Beneath its pure feelings lies a resolute determination—J-pop with a strong R&B flavor.
The sparkling tones of the intro are adorable, and the chorus has a glittering atmosphere like a shining diamond.
SSWBD.A.N.33rank/position
The single “SSWB,” released by D.A.N.
in 2017, is captivating for its groovy club sound driven by a undulating bass.
D.A.N.
is a three-piece band formed in 2014, known for a floating, addictive sound, and has been described as “Japanese minimal mellow.” In “SSWB,” the calmly played combination of bass and drums is layered with synths, electric piano, and steel pans, shaping its distinctive sonic world.
Get-go!EXILE34rank/position
Released in September 2025, this work is the 52nd single and the first in about four years and five months.
The lyrics were written by ATSUSHI himself, expressing the joy of reuniting with his companions and gratitude to the fans.
It fuses EXILE’s signature R&B flavor with an exhilarating pop sound, creating a groove that feels both nostalgic and new.
It’s the perfect track for when you want to make a fresh start or feel the bond with your cherished friends.
Only Your LoveEL LATINO & Ms.OOJA35rank/position
The duo El Latino & Ms.OOJA, made up of El latino and Ms.OOJA.
Many people may associate Ms.OOJA with catchy songs about down-to-earth romance.
In fact, she is heavily influenced by Black music, and with El Latino & Ms.OOJA she sings very deep R&B.
Among their work, “Only Your Love” is particularly dope, and together with El Latino’s rap it creates a highly romantic atmosphere.