Japanese R&B Popularity Rankings [2026]

Secret GardenBE:FIRST50rank/position

BE:FIRST / Secret Garden -Music Video-

For a relaxing afternoon drive, a comfortable groove is essential, isn’t it? BE:FIRST’s track is perfect for that mood.

The song stands out with a sophisticated sound rooted in 2010s R&B.

At first glance it seems to be about romance, but it actually weaves in a deep love and respect for music itself as a metaphor.

Its romantic worldview likens what’s precious to a “secret garden,” leaving your heart full.

Released in August 2025, the piece was also featured as a campaign song for Unilever.

It is included on the album “Sora” and the best-of album “BE:ST.” A mellow number ideal for a calm night drive or for those personal moments of healing.

PassionUA51rank/position

UA – Passion (Official Video)

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!

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miyabi

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ain’t on the map yetNulbarich52rank/position

Nulbarich – ain’t on the map yet (Official Music Video)

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!

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Araki Jakkan

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22LUCKY TAPES53rank/position

LUCKY TAPES – 22 (Official Music Video)

LUCKY TAPES is a three-piece band known for their stylish sound-making.

This track is the lead song from their major-label debut EP “22,” released in 2018.

It’s not exactly up-tempo and high-energy, yet it’s a mysterious tune that somehow makes you want to start dancing.

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Araki Jakkan

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LA LA LA Love SongKubota Toshinobu/Naomi Campbell54rank/position

Toshinobu Kubota – LA･LA･LA LOVE SONG with NAOMI CAMPBELL [Official Video Short ver.]

He is a Japanese singer-songwriter and music producer, often referred to as the “King of Soul.” At the time of his debut, he is said to have played a major role in popularizing Black music in Japan, where it had not yet gained widespread acceptance.

This song also became famous for a collaboration with supermodel Naomi Campbell and was a massive hit as the theme song for the TV drama “Long Vacation.”

Bad BadAwich55rank/position

Awich – Bad Bad (Prod. Chaki Zulu)

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?

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Ryo

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If I Fall in LoveCrystal Kay56rank/position

Crystal Kay - If I Fall in Love (Live)

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.