A masterpiece of Japanese black music. A noteworthy work embodying the soul of black music.
Black music originally refers to music genres with roots in Africa, encompassing a very wide range such as jazz, blues, funk, soul, R&B, and hip-hop.
When we think of black music, we tend to picture songs by overseas artists, but in fact there are many cool tracks within Japan that have brilliantly incorporated black music.
In this article, we’ll showcase a selection of black music created by Japanese artists all at once!
From popular singer-songwriters to bands, we’ve gathered songs from a variety of artists, so take this opportunity to give them a listen!
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- Refined Sound: The World of Stylish Vocaloid R&B Songs
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- Classic and Contemporary Hits in Western R&B: From the Newest Popular Tracks to All-Time Big Hits [2026]
- A classic of Japanese blues. Japanese blues that lets you get drunk on the sound and vocals.
- A band group that colors Japan’s R&B scene
- BRADIO’s famous and popular songs
Masterpieces of Black music in Japanese pop. Featured works embodying the spirit of Black music (21–30)
SSWBD.A.N.
The single “SSWB,” released by D.A.N.
in 2017, is captivating for its groovy club sound driven by a undulating bass.
D.A.N.
is a three-piece band formed in 2014, known for a floating, addictive sound, and has been described as “Japanese minimal mellow.” In “SSWB,” the calmly played combination of bass and drums is layered with synths, electric piano, and steel pans, shaping its distinctive sonic world.
LOOPSIRUP
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.
Masterpieces of Japanese black music. Featured works embodying the spirit of Black music (31–40)
JAM fo’ freedomToshinobu Kubota
This is a funk track marked by an energetic groove and vocals that make your heart skip just by listening.
It’s included on the album “Beautiful People,” released in November 2019.
The song delivers a powerful, positive message that celebrates everyone.
The remix with SASUKE was selected as the official theme song for the 2019–20 season of Japan’s professional men’s basketball league, the B.LEAGUE.
It stirs a sense of exhilaration as if you’re watching an incredible highlight play, and you can’t help but start moving to it.
It’s a perfect song to lift your spirits and give you a strong push when you’re taking on a challenge.
All conditioned things are impermanent.Toshinobu Kubota
This is a refined pop song by Toshinobu Kubota, a singer-songwriter who has pioneered Japan’s R&B scene.
It may be a warm anthem of encouragement that gently wraps around those striving toward their goals.
For those of us navigating a rapidly changing society, it seems to teach the importance of responding not with severity, but with kindness.
The track was released in June 2025, just ahead of the 40th anniversary of his debut, and it’s well known as the ending theme of the economic news program WBS.
It’s also included on the best-of album “THE BADDEST IV & Timeless Hits.” Listening at the end of the day might soothe a tired heart and make that first step toward tomorrow feel a little lighter.
Taking Our TimeStill Caravan
Still Caravan is a band known for its sound that fuses the groove of a live band grounded in jazz, soul, and hip-hop with sampling.
The title track “Taking Our Time,” included on their 2018 EP, is a danceable number reminiscent of jazz-funk and acid jazz.
The freely roaming electric piano phrases give it a jazzy, stylish flair.
It was used as the theme song for the Kansai local information program “Cast,” broadcast on Asahi Broadcasting Television, from October 2018 until the show ended in March 2022.
Glimmering Dancin’BRADIO
A funky song and music video that feel like you’re watching a dance floor overseas.
It’s the second single released in 2018 by the three-piece band BRADIO.
The catchy tune naturally makes your body sway.
The members’ outfits are perfectly on point, too.
Paleyahyel
This track, with deep reverb and a dreamlike sound design, is included on the 2018 album “Human.” It gives the impression that “philosophy” itself has been turned directly into music.
The music video, with its striking visual beauty, is also a must-see.