RAG MusicRanking
Wonderful Music Rankings

Japanese R&B Popularity Rankings [2026]

We’ve picked out popular Japanese R&B tracks to date.

Among them, we’ve selected those that are especially popular with men.

We introduce the songs in a ranked list based on play counts, so please take a look.

Japanese R&B Popularity Ranking [2026] (21–30)

TONight!THE TON-UP MOTORS29rank/position

THE TON-UP MOTORS have a cool guitar sound that evokes blues and soul music.

They’re especially popular in their home region of Hokkaido.

If you live in Hokkaido, you may have heard their songs in commercials and the like.

The track in the video is included on their 2016 mini-album “Whatever happens happens.”

E-S-C-A-P-ETameoka Sonomi30rank/position

Sonomi Tameoka / E-S-C-A-P-E (Official Video)
E-S-C-A-P-ETameoka Sonomi

Sonomi Tameoka is a female R&B singer who has been active for a long time, from 1998 to the present.

While her nationwide name recognition isn’t particularly high, she has produced hit songs in the R&B scene for many years and continues to release new tracks at a brisk pace.

Her classic “E-S-C-A-P-E,” released in 2020, blends house and R&B into a crisp, punchy sound.

Be sure to check it out.

Japanese R&B Popularity Ranking [2026] (31–40)

Baby Come Close To MeTawada Emi31rank/position

Emi Tawata is a singer known for her evocatively languid sound.

She’s recognized for a style close to neo-soul, which blends elements of Black music such as R&B, jazz, and funk, and her languid vocals give her a distinctive vibe reminiscent of Erykah Badu.

One of her signature songs, “Baby Come Close To Me,” features a melody strongly colored by jazz and R&B.

First LoveUtada Hikaru32rank/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?

EverythingMISIA33rank/position

MISIA – Everything (Official HD Music Video)
EverythingMISIA

A signature song by MISIA, who revolutionized the Japanese music scene with her overwhelming vocal prowess.

The lyrics express profound love and gratitude, and her moving vocal performance touches the hearts of many.

Released in October 2000, it became a massive hit as the theme song for the TV drama “Yamato Nadeshiko.” It has continued to be cherished for many years, ranking No.

1 in JASRAC’s annual distribution of copyright royalties for 2001, among other achievements.

Celebrating deep love and bonds with a partner or someone dear, this song is also embraced as an uplifting anthem that offers support through various stages of life.

It’s recommended for times when you want to be soothed by heartfelt lyrics and a beautiful melody.

StoryAI34rank/position

This is a heartwarming ballad that captures life’s precious moments.

AI’s powerful yet delicate vocals deliver a message to those of us caught up in the busyness of daily life: cherish the here and now.

Released in May 2005, the song reached No.

8 on the Oricon chart, resonated with many, and became a major hit with over two million downloads.

It was also selected as the Japanese ending theme for the film Big Hero 6, making it a beloved track both in Japan and abroad.

It’s perfect for times when you want to savor moments with someone special or take a closer look at yourself.

AI’s warm voice will surely be by your side and touch your heart.

mysteryHoshino Gen35rank/position

Gen Hoshino – Fushigi (Official Video)
mysteryHoshino Gen

This is the fourth digital-only single by singer-songwriter Gen Hoshino, who has released numerous hit songs with his one-of-a-kind pop sensibility.

Written as the theme song for the TV drama “Why I Dress Up for Love,” the track leaves an impression with its pop yet sentimental atmosphere.

The fusion of sounds evocative of the late 1980s with a modern, complex chord progression results in an R&B piece for a new era that’s more than just nostalgic.

It’s a number that serves as a model of pop grounded in Black music, evoking both history and evolution.