A band group that colors Japan’s R&B scene
Japan’s R&B scene is now attracting global attention with its diverse musicality.
From Official HIGE DANDism’s Black music-inspired sound and WONK’s mellow soundscapes to Suchmos’s distinctive style reminiscent of Jamiroquai,
and even Nulbarich’s Western-influenced falsetto vocals—the scene offers captivating sounds that transcend genre boundaries.
This time, we’ll introduce a selection of gems that showcase the new possibilities of Japanese R&B.
Bands and groups coloring Japan’s R&B scene (1–10)
Tell Me BabyOfisharu Higedan Dism
Official Hige Dandism is a piano pop band.
The vocalist’s high-tone voice sticks in your ears.
The pitch-warping synth sounds are characteristic of Black music, and the tempo and rhythms are heavily influenced by R&B.
“808”Suchmos
In 2017, the rock group Suchmos, riding high on the success of their hit “STAY TUNE,” exploded onto the scene.
They incorporate a range of Black music—acid jazz, hip-hop, R&B—then render it in Japanese.
Their style has even been likened to a Japanese Jamiroquai.
This piece isn’t confined to music alone; it’s a multifaceted work created in collaboration with photographers and filmmakers.
It captures the creators’ emotions and scenes with striking clarity.
By Your SideFIVE NEW OLD
FIVE NEW OLD is a band from Kobe that presents themselves as genreless.
They make extensive use of techniques often found in Black music, approaching a pop sound.
The distinctive vocals can also be heard as a singing style inspired by R&B.
Adult Hit ParadeBRADIO
A band formed in 2010 that made its major debut in 2017.
With vocalist Takaaki Shingyoji’s commanding voice and harmony-rich sound, one listen is sure to get you hooked.
They’ve appeared at a variety of events, and their one-man live shows are consistently sold out—a testament to their popularity.
A band you won’t want to miss.
Almost ThereNulbarich
It’s a masterpiece featuring a light, airy falsetto that hardly sounds like Japanese, and a catchy song structure that even connects to EDM.
While respecting the manners and rules of soul and acid jazz, it’s been brilliantly distilled into pop.
I think this track goes over well with fans of Western music.
Dancing FighterAwesome City Club
It’s a four-on-the-floor track that broadly incorporates the EDM sound that’s been popular in recent years—particularly what’s known as tropical house.
It’s very catchy and has a great groove.
In addition, Awesome City Club also makes songs that incorporate Black music.
circusshowmore
A unit that crafts an urbane, sophisticated sound rooted in jazz and R&B.
Formed in Tokyo in 2015, showmore is a duo consisting of Manami Nezu and Atsushi Inoue.
Their 2017 release “circus” gained popularity on YouTube, and they have steadily deepened their musicality through their own albums “overnight,” “too close to know,” “seek,” and “liquid city.” Inoue is active across the music scene, including live support for artists like SIRUP and Mizuki Ohira.
In 2018, Nezu’s solo track was selected as the ending theme for the film “Butterfly Sleep,” further revealing her talent as a songwriter.
Highly recommended for music fans seeking melodious vocals and an emotional sonic world.