Recommended Japanese soul bands. Popular bands in Japan.
Soul music, a genre born in the United States around 1950.
Developed on a foundation of gospel and blues, soul has grown into one of the major waves that can now be called a global standard.
Naturally, many soul music bands are active in Japan as well.
In this article, we’ll introduce a selection of Japanese soul bands.
It should give you a glimpse into a slice of the Japanese soul music scene.
Be sure to check it out to the end.
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Recommended Japanese soul bands. Popular bands in Japan (1–10)
The Theme of Sesame OilGomaabura
Gomaabura is a soul band based in Tokyo that won the Grand Prix at the 10th Kichion Contest during the Kichijoji Music Festival held on May 3, 2011.
Their release “Gomaabura no Theme,” which came out on July 6, 2011, was selected as the ending theme for the TV Tokyo variety show “Ari Nashi.” With soulful vocals, quintessential soul-style choral work, and a sound driven by guitar, organ, bass, and drums, they’re a relentlessly happy and danceable band!
PoolMonenai
Monenai is an Akasaka-based alternative soul band that has been active in Tokyo since 2018.
Their sound—crafted by members well-versed in pop, R&B, soul, hip-hop, and jazz—is effortlessly stylish.
Their second single, “Pool,” released in 2019, is a standout track with an irresistibly smooth groove that makes you want to move.
Continuously turning out great songs, they’re a must-watch soul band with an exciting future ahead.
kissORIGINAL LOVE
Formed in 1986.
They debuted on a major label in 1991 as a five-member band, but are now the solo project of vocalist Takao Tajima.
With songs like “Kiss” and “Primal,” they continue to produce a wealth of music that is soulful yet possesses a broad, crowd-pleasing pull (a strong pop sensibility).
Recommended Japanese soul bands. Popular Japanese bands (11–20)
Moonlight BeerhallUdagawa Bekkan Bando
Formed in 2010, this eight-member band hails from Udagawa in Shibuya.
With members rooted in soul, funk, and hip-hop, they deliver “Shibuya nightlife” music.
Their performances are cool yet approachable, with melodies and lyrics that make their songs enjoyable even for those who aren’t necessarily soul aficionados.
Time is deadMOUNTAIN MOCHA KILIMANJARO
A six-piece instrumental funk band formed in 2003 in Saitama.
Their sound, which draws not only from funk and soul but also from rock, jazz, and more, bursts forth with boundless energy and always gets the crowd going live.
They’re expanding their activities beyond Japan, touring in places like Australia and steadily widening their reach.
Baby who doesn’t danceodoru! disuko muromachi
Odoru! Disco Muromachi is an authentic funk band from Kyoto, formed in June 2012.
The members are all in their twenties—young diehards steeped in funk—and the sound they weave is irresistibly funky and danceable.
Their signature track, “Odoranai Baby,” is an upbeat tune that makes you want to start dancing despite what the title suggests.
It’s a song where the groove spun by guitar, bass, and drums channels James Brown-style funk!
Transistor radioRC sakuseshon
RC Succession is a rock band led by Kiyoshiro Imawano, known for a sound deeply influenced by the 1960s rock, funk, and soul that shaped Imawano.
They inspired numerous artists, including Hiroto Kōmoto and Kyosuke Himuro, and became a major topic among young people at the time.
Their single Transistor Radio, released on October 28, 1980, is a rock tune that lets you enjoy RC Succession’s performance as a live band!