Japanese R&B Popularity Rankings [2026]

Take It slowMeteor1rank/position

【Meteor】6th single 『Take It slow』full ver.

A gem of a track whose exquisite R&B sound resonates with the heart.

Its laid-back tempo and soulful vocals blend perfectly, captivating listeners.

Released in September 2021 as Meteor’s sixth single, this song brought a fresh breeze to Japan’s R&B scene.

Producer MANABOON’s outstanding arrangement draws out a refined musicality to the fullest.

This work gently reminds us of the importance of stepping away from the hustle and bustle of daily life and taking time to enjoy it.

It also comes recommended as a soothing track that offers comfort to those struggling with love or life.

LOOPSIRUP2rank/position

SIRUP – LOOP (Official Music Video)

This song is perfect for when you want to sink into a sentimental autumn mood! It’s a track from singer-songwriter KYOtaro’s solo project, crafted by SIRUP.

With a sound rooted in R&B and soul, it’s sure to resonate with fans of Black music.

At first, it sounds like it’s depicting joyful everyday moments—like café dates and drives with a lover—but hidden beneath is a bittersweet story of someone replaying memories with a person who’s no longer by their side.

The sweet, mellow vocals and laid-back groove seem to gently wrap around the protagonist’s bittersweet recollections.

Released digitally in 2018 and included on the EP “SIRUP EP2,” this refined sound will enrich your autumn moments—perfect for a solo night in or a drive.

ShakeDOUBLE3rank/position

DOUBLE / Shake [Music Video]

DOUBLE, the sister duo who enjoyed immense popularity with their classic R&B sound.

This track dates back to when the older sister, SACHIKO, was still with us, and its alluring charm lies in its comfortable groove.

Centered on the theme of nighttime liberation, it sings about the exhilaration of surrendering to the music and dancing, drawing you into a progression where the two sisters’ perfectly synchronized call-and-response gradually heats up.

Released as a single in March 1999, this song became their final work as a duo.

The album Crystal, which later included it, sold over 600,000 copies and left a strong impression on the music scene of the time.

It’s a perfect song for a nighttime drive through the city lights or for those evenings when you want to feel a bit more sophisticated.

Take It BackReiko4rank/position

REIKO ‘Take It Back (Prod. Sam is Ohm)’ Music Video

This R&B number is an homage to the late-’80s to early-’90s music style reminiscent of New Jack Swing, seamlessly fused with contemporary arrangements.

Over a powerful beat and sophisticated production, REIKO’s soulful vocals cut straight to the heart.

Centered on the theme of “liberating your true self,” the lyrics give voice to the feelings of young people who often find themselves bound by social constraints and others’ expectations, resonating with many listeners.

Released in April 2025, the song is positioned as the first installment of REIKO’s R&B trilogy.

Produced by Sam is Ohm, it blends a ’90s nostalgic aura with fresh sound design to deliver a distinctly modern appeal.

Perfect for a drive or a mood reset, it’s an ideal track for anyone looking to make a fresh start in life.

Call U Every NiteMICHICO5rank/position

Michico – Call U Every Nite

A song in which MICHICO—who has written for numerous top artists—fully showcases her allure as a singer.

It’s included on producer JHETT a.k.a.

YAKKO for AQUARIUS’s album “JHETT,” released in March 2005.

The lyrics, which portray feelings that grow so strong you can’t help but call every night, read like a poignant love story.

MICHICO’s sultry vocals melt into a classic R&B track, unfolding a sophisticated, urban world.

Because she herself was involved in both the lyrics and composition, the subtle nuances of emotion are exquisitely expressed—one of the song’s key highlights.

It’s a number that keeps you company on quiet nights of solitary reflection.

LOVE DEEPER (Prod. m.c.A•T)Reiko6rank/position

REIKO “LOVE DEEPER (Prod. m.c.A·T)” Music Video

This is a track by REIKO that inscribes a new page in the history of Japanese R&B.

It drew attention for officially sampling “Ryusei no Saddle,” a classic from Toshinobu Kubota’s landmark 1986 album SHAKE IT PARADISE.

The fact that Kubota himself—the original composer—praised it as “several times funkier than the source” speaks to its exceptional quality.

When you want to savor love anew, listening to this song will surely fill you with a gentle, tender feeling.

Chosen Oneaimi7rank/position

aimi – Chosen One (Official Video)

Aimi, who has Japanese roots, released her 3rd EP, “Chosen One,” in February 2022.

This track from the album “Chosen One” is an ambitious work created as a love letter to the new era of R&B.

Set against a backdrop of groovy hip-hop and R&B sounds, Aimi’s emotive vocals resonate deeply.

The lyrics capture everyday joy and gratitude, along with feelings for loved ones, and sing about the importance of bonds while overcoming hardships.

To celebrate the release, a live event was held in Ebisu, Tokyo, on April 2, 2022.

This song is recommended for those who feel worn out by daily life or want to reaffirm their connections with important people.