Hello! Nostalgia here! Due to the original list being so long that it barely loads without crashing, and thus making it impossible to edit, I have transformed the original list into a simplified list with only the artists’ names and links. I have also made new articles that includes all their details along with Youtube videos if you would like to explore more. Each list has 40 artists (Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3). Additionally, I have created an article with just the artists that are alternatives for Jpop and Anime music fans.
I hope to make the best all-in-one resource for anyone looking for beautiful, edifying music from this country or from Japanese artists, so please comment below if I missed someone! As long as they have a Youtube or Spotify account, and have more than a couple original songs or high quality videos on their channel, I would love to include them!
Notes About This List
Most groups have an English name, or can be found by their romaji/transliterated name; however, I made sure to include their original Japanese name in brackets (if I could find and confirm them) in case you wanted to look more into them on Japanese websites and channels. Some Youtube channels are also under their Japanese name, so you can compare if in doubt.
Most groups have a soft worship, CCM, gospel, or general Jpop sound. If they stand out musically, I made sure to include the genre (ie. rock, hip hop, EDM) that they would be categorized in. I generally embedded 2 videos from each artist so you have an idea of their sound. If I felt their variety couldn’t be described well with 2 videos, I would include 4 for reference.
Some groups only had a Spotify/Apple Music page, and thus, no videos. Some artists also don’t have their own personal Youtube channels, so their distributer would create a ‘Topic’ channel for them when they release an album. If the artist happens to have both their own channel (performances and personal stuff) and a Topic channel (song releases), I made sure to include them both.
I have included biographies if the artists has written anything about themselves on websites or social medias. I will add my own commentary to blank groups as I spend more time listening and exploring these artists on my own.
As of April 18, 2024, I have created a sampler playlist to the Chromatic Dreamers channel with all the video links below (minus a few that were categorized as kids and couldn’t be added), so if you just want to listen and see who catches your ears, check out the playlist here!
On October 10, 2024, I created a Facebook group to help people find and explore new artists at a slower pace. I’ll be sharing a song, chords, or links for Japanese music a couple times a week. If you’re interested, join the Chromatic Saints Facebook group!
As of November 18, 2024, I have created a new sub-article that can help any current J-music fan find Japanese Christian alternatives. I have separated all the unique groups from this list that fall into certain genres like Jpop, Rock, Hip Hop/Rap, EDM, Jazz/Funk, and Classical. You can find that article here!
And on November 27, 2024, I have made a new Common Words in Japanese Lyrics article that is focused on Japanese Christian songs. Learn the vocabulary so you can better understand and sing along to these tracks!
Enjoy! And God Bless!~
41. Night De Light (ナイトdeライト)
Genre: JPop, Rock, Folk
Youtube | Spotify | Website
Before I published this article, I came across this group in a couple places and started adding them. But as I looked into them, their biography didn’t mention Christ or Church at all, and their song titles weren’t explicitly Christian (I’ve seen non-Christian groups use “Eden” and “Niji” (rainbow) before), so I left them out as I didn’t want to lead people astray. But after sharing my article, a brother recommended them and said that many in their church are fans of them, so I got the confirmation I needed ^_^ I then took a real listen, and it reminds me of some Jpop groups I used to love and listen to, so I’m not surprised they’re so popular!
42. Jun Sasaki (佐々木潤)
A.K.A. STYLE Jun
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Here’s another artist that was recommended for the list that was really hard to look into. He is a pianist so he has done some collaborations with others on this list, such as Ruah Worship and Samuell Soung/Samuelle. Sadly, he doesn’t seem to have his own channel or Spotify profile, so I’ve added some social media links for anyone interested in following him.
He doesn’t have his own website, but is an artist under Rainbow Music Japan. Here’s his bio on their website “Born as a minister’s child. Spent his childhood in UK and Hawaii. Started to play the piano from seven years old, starting from the classical piano he learned to play popular music style in a worship service freely.”
“As a college student he started his own music ministry called “Rainbow Music” which he wishes to bring hope and a future to the world. Rainbow is the symbol of hope and a future, taken from the scripture Jeremiah 29:11. After producing few worship CD he started to lead worship in a larger congregation ,as well as doing concert as a pianist with his sister Shizuka. Now he collaborate with lots of artists, writing songs and playing piano for them. It is his dream to export the Japanese worship song to the world.”
43. Hope Church
Youtube | Spotify
44. YUJI AND TAMIKO
(Yuji: 黒川裕司 | Tamiko: 黒川多美子)
Youtube | Spotify | Website
This duo has a very active Youtube channel, covering English Christian songs and hymns. Just a few weeks ago, they released their first official cover! I’m sure they’ll keep releasing more as time goes on.
Here’s their Youtube bio: “Touched church music from an early age, grew up in Sapporo, Hokkaido, touched hymns and gospel music while studying in New York, and became a Christian with Jesus’ love and grace in life in Tokyo. I think I can do something after the March 11 earthquake, and I started to You tube. A few years later, in YouTube videos and small Japanese churches, you can see that they are used in prayer meetings and Sunday worship videos on Youtube. There are times when our lives are difficult. What can be done when difficulties are blocked, it praises the Lord and gives us hope when we look up to God. How great is the God we believe in? The true joy in it cannot be taken away by anyone. Let’s praise together.”
45. THIRD PLACE WORSHIP
Youtube | Spotify | Website
According to their Youtube bio, “This is a worship group that was formed in the summer of 2018 from the interdenominational ministry “Third Place.” All members are millennials in their 20s and 30s, and they belong to different churches and denominations.”
”The name “THIRD PLACE WORSHIP” comes from the 1st family, the 2nd affiliated church, and the “3rd place”. During TORCH’s summer camp, he participated in a gathering with over 1,000 participants and performed as an opening act. From 2020, we will use digital technology to conduct “telework” even during the coronavirus pandemic, and in particular, The video “God’s Family” had over 100 participants from 38 prefectures and provided encouragement to all of Japan.”
“We hope that through this group, each local church in Japan will be enriched through praise. One of the features is that not only musical instrument players but also creators such as mix engineers, videographers, designers, planners, etc. are participating.”
46. Samuel Kan (サムエルカン)
Youtube (Personal/Topic) | Spotify
One lady in a Facebook group brought this amazing guitarist/singer up. He didn’t have a bio or other links, but what I sample sounds so beautiful!
47. Akilimali
Genre: Rap, Hip Hop
Youtube | Spotify
Tweli G mentioned in this article happened to find my post in a Facebook group and had some other suggestions. Akilimali is one of them. His first video came out two years ago and he has already made a big splash.
According to Viberate, “From Osaka, Japan, comes the amazing Hip Hop and Alternative Hip Hop artist Akilimali. Akilimali has established a reputation for himself in the industry with his distinctive blend of genres that highlight his wide range of influences. He has a passion for music that knows no boundaries or civilizations.”
“His music is distinguished by a fusion of conventional Hip Hop beats with avant-garde sounds and rhythms that challenge preconceived notions about the genre. The unusual voice of Akilimali and his deeply felt lyrics take his music to a higher plane and set it apart from the competition. He skillfully combines sounds from other cultures to produce an original sound that is both new and authentic.”
48. Ahava
Youtube | Spotify
Another recommendation from a fellow sister in Christ. According to their Youtube bio, “We are ahava, a christian band from Japan. We want to share God’s love through our music.”
49. RAM’s Voice
Genre: Various
Youtube | Spotify | Tunecore
One person from a Facebook Japanese/Christian group was bold in commenting and sharing her own band, and I’m happy to share them with all of you! They have albums on Spotify and Tunecore, while their Youtube channel has more podcasts and educational Christian videos, even stuff for kids! I have conducted an interview with the duo that you can read here!
According to their bio, “RAM’s Voice is Rocky and Marla Ayatsuka’s Gospel Duo, sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ through music in various genres like country, bossa nova and rap! Rocky, born to a Christian family in Kitakyushu, Japan, grew up singing hymns and CCM from an early age. His family started Ayatsuka Family Band (Bluegrass) when he was 11 and the band began singing at various venues and events like churches, schools, hospitals, etc. They also got quite some attention from the local TV and radio stations.”
“Marla, born in a little town in West Texas, also grew up singing in the church choir. She came to Japan for the first time in 1997 as a short-term missionary, where the two met and married in 2000. They started RAM’s Voice immediately after and have been singing all over Japan as well as in other countries such as the U.S.A., New Zealand, etc.”
50. Olive東 小柳
Youtube
Here’s another recommendation from the body of Christ. She only has a Youtube channel though and no bio, but there are some calming covers of songs on there!
51. Yuri Matsuura (松浦 ゆり)
Youtube
Here’s a recommended from a brother in Christ. She doesn’t have a Spotify or any additional links on her account, but she has over 60 videos on her channel covering various hymns and gospel songs!
52. Meg & Piano Koji
Genre: Gospel, Choir
Youtube (Personal/GP Music Ministry)
Here’s a beautiful recommendation, Meg Awano & Piano Koji. They often play alongside choirs such as GP Music Ministry and Gospel Praise Choir. On Youtube, you can find performances of a choir performing at church, lyrics on screen incase you want to sing along <3 Their gospel CDs are available for purchase on various platforms.
53. Yuta Yamamoto (山本裕太)
Youtube | Spotify | Website
I stumbled across this pianists channel by chance, and it mostly consists of casual videos from rehearsal and church service. Good thing I looked him up on Spotify as he is an artists with quite a few cover releases.
According to his website bio, “Yuta was born in Kobe city. He started playing music from an early age. When he was 18 years old, she performed a solo piano concert, which mainly consisted of original works, and it was received well. After that, he moved to Tokyo and entered the Yamaha Conservatory of Music. He discovered black gospel when he was 20 years old.”
“After serving as a contract keyboardist for church services at Good Shepherd Church of God in Christ (COGIC) and Faith Christian Fellowship Worship Center (Fussa Tokyo Japan), he started working at Camp Zama Sagamihara Housing Area (SHA) for the US Army in Japan in 2020. He became a regular keyboardist at the Negro Church.”
“He also serves as a keyboardist for numerous gospel singers, choirs, and events both domestically and internationally. As a session musician, he has performed live, recorded, and recorded for Kosuke Tazawa (ex. Waive, Rayflower), wyse, SooHyun (U-KISS), Teruhiko Saigo, SOLIDEMO, Nobutaka Okubo (ex. Something ELse), TiA, Yuki Koyanagi, etc.”
54. Nagg Rock The P
Genre: Rap, Hip Hop
Youtube | Spotify
Here’s another recommendation from Tweli G. According to Instagram and Soundcloud, he is from Seoul, South Korea but lives in Ikoma, Japan. He is a hop hop producer, MC, DG, and Minister, working as a missionary in Japan.
55. RENEH
Genre: Rap
Youtube
Here’s another suggestion by Tweli G. He has some quality MVs and tracks. I couldn’t find a Spotify or bio anywhere though, but worth checking out if you’re looking for more Christian rap and hip hop artists!
56. Yoko Matsuoka (松岡 葉子)
Genre: Jazz, Gospel
Youtube | Instagram
I came across this lady’s channel which had quite a few videos. She labels herself as ‘a gospel singer and wheelchair user’. I couldn’t find what appeared to be any original songs on her channel, nor a Spotify account, so I don’t think she is a songwriter/artists, BUT her jazzy covers are pretty interesting. AND if you live in Japan, you may run into her, so why not include her? ^_^
57. Praise Station
Youtube (Personal/Topic) | Spotify | Website
58. Ronnie Rucker (ラニー ラッカー)
Youtube | Spotify | Website
One person who made this suggestion called Ronnie Rucker as a pioneer, and even the father of gospel music in Japan. While his songs on Spotify appear to be mostly English, he has a lot of history leading choirs in Japan. His channel also has various content such as piano tutorials and behind the scenes videos!
According to the bio on his website, “Born in Aubeney, New York, he was raised in church worship and participated in the church choir from an early age. His father owned a record store, and he developed an interest in jazz, blues, soul, and popular music. He started playing the drums at the age of 10, and played wind instruments during his junior high and high school years. Performed with a wide range of wind instruments. In the late 1960s, he joined a soul band and began his musical career as a trombonist, keyboard player, and vocalist. In 1977, he came to Japan for the first time and performed live.”
”In 1986, “Friendship” won the Outstanding Song Award at the 31st Yamaha Popcon Tsumagoi Main Selection. He composed and appeared in the English corner of Fuji TV’s “Hirake! Ponkikki” from 1991 to 1993. He also appeared in many television commercials and radio programs. In 1992, he became the director of Rucker Gospel Ministry to begin vocal classes and form a gospel music workshop. He held the first gospel workshop in Japan for Japanese people. He leads gospel choirs that were formed through workshops in various locations. He is known as a pioneer who spread gospel music to many people.”
”Currently, he trains people to carry on the gospel through teaching gospel choirs, workshops, musician seminars, and conductor seminars in various places, and also performs at churches, schools, weddings, and concerts in various regions. He has also published gospel music scores that he wrote and composed himself, as well as textbooks for piano players.”
59. MARISA
Youtube | Website
Another gospel pioneer my brother in Christ mentioned is MARISA! According to her website bio, “Marisa is originally from Spain. She was born and raised between a Brazilian father and Japanese mother.
Started dancing in her early childhood. She moved to Japan at the age of 17, kept dancing while dreaming of being a musical dancer. But a traffic accident took her dream away.
After a while, a close friend suggested her to participate a Gospel Workshop together, this wonderful encounter with Gospel music changed her life.”
“She started joining various Gospel choirs. Had an opportunity to be a very first Japanese soloist at Music & Arts Love Fellowship Conference in America hosted by Edwin & Walter Hawkins in 2002. Now she’s been working as a minister and a Choir Director at Shalom Church Shinjuku Tokyo. Started her career as a solo artist in 2012, the very first album “I CHOOSE TO LIVE” was released next year. She’s been energetically doing concerts and workshops all over Japan since then. She also launched Shalom Gospel Ministry, planning and working on workshops, concerts and various events of foreign or domestic Gospel Artists such as Butch Heyward, Gary Hines (Sounds Of Blackness), Claude McKnight (TAKE6).”
60. Gospel Seed
Youtube | Spotify
61. KAZUHA
(Minako Kuzuha – 葛葉美奈子)
Youtube | Website
Here’s another pioneer that was suggested by a reader! Kuzuha’s website bio reads “Gospel singer-songwriter, choir director, and voice trainer based in Tokyo. From the age of 15, she worked on TV, radio, commercials, and various singing activities before discovering gospel music. In 2002, she made her debut on the TBS R&C label with her self-composed song “Aisareta Mamano”. From 2002 to 2010, she was in charge of the music program “KUZUHA’s Funky Family” on Katsushika FM. Released “Ainouta” in 2003 and “Acoustic Biyori 1 & 2″ in 2004.”
“After giving birth and raising children, she released the album “Like a Wild Flower” in 2016. In 2018, he created and produced the family gospel album “Pop’n Gospel”. In 2019, he released his fifth solo album, “If You Are There.” In the same year, she participated in the recovery support charity CD “Stand together” and provided music. Contributed music to the compilation CDs “Praise Alive 2019-2020” and “Praise Alive Sing New Songs!” produced for encouragement during the 2020-2021 coronavirus pandemic . In 2021, she was involved in producing Kumiko Kuno’s two debut works.”
62. Shizu Takeshita (竹下静)
Youtube | Spotify | Website
According to her bio, “Shizu Takeshita is a gospel singer-songwriter from Tohoku. She majored in vocal music at the Tokyo Gakugei University Department of Music, mainly studying Japanese songs. After graduating, she turned to JAZZ & POPS, and started her career as a gospel singer in 2000. In 2006, she won the Grand Prix at the 1st G.POP Contest, and she won the CTS President’s Award at the Seoul International Convention in South Korea.
“Her singing ability has been well-received, and she has participated as a solo singer in various projects including the J-Worship series (Inochi no Kotobasha), and also provides music. DEUT Kadomatsu Project Choir, she participated in Toshio Kadomatsu’s “THE MOMENT” (2014) CD, and appeared on Toshio Kadomatsu’s national tour (Shibuya Public Hall, Nakano Sunplaza, etc.). She has released 5 original solo album CDs so far. She is currently focusing on church concerts throughout Japan and South Korea, and is also actively performing concerts in areas affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake.”
“In 2017, she formed the piano and vocal gospel unit ” Lasting note ” with gospel pianist Yuta Yamamoto, and their duo-style concerts have been well received in various places. She has released two original CDs under the name Lasting note so far. In parallel with her activities as a singer, she currently serves as the director of several gospel choirs, teaches school gospel courses, and holds gospel workshops mainly in Tohoku.”
63. Paul M. (Gong)
Youtube | Website
Someone recommended this and thank goodness! While his bio and history doesn’t mention Christianity, his bio and releases certainly shows he has a heart for God. According to his website bio, “Paul M. is a Korean pianist who loves Japan. He has a career of 10 years in the Korean K-POP industry, which includes being a support musician for major artists such as SUPER JUNIOR featured on television and concerts. He has been performing all over the world including the US and the Sydney Opera House. After having appeared as a band master in Love Sonata Tokyo in 2007, he received a vision of activities in Japan.”
“While in Korea, he was shocked to learn about the great earthquake disaster in Eastern Japan. This led to his intensive study of Japanese. In June 2013, he started holding monthly concerts all over Japan, especially those affected by the disaster to deliver comfort through the tragedy. In April 2014, he released a piano solo album [iNTEGRiTY]. On March 11, 2016, he released his second album [Nada SouSou]. His beautiful music has gained wide popularity. In addition to his performances, he also was a Myongji College music instructor and is currently studying Jazz at Kunitachi College of Music.”
64. THE BRIDGE
Youtube (Singers/Orchestra) | Spotify | Website
THE BRIDGE is an organization that supports people in the disaster-stricken areas of Japan and works to bridge feelings through music. Someone informed me about the singing group, but they also have an orchestra under the organization. And as I was looking through their videos, I found out that Paul M. above has been there since it’s conception, and he has a documentary on the channel about THE BRIDGE’s creation.
65. Catherine Porter
Youtube | Website
A sister recommended this hard working harpist. According to her website, “She began playing the harp at the age of eight and studied music at Cambridge University and the Guildhall School of Music in London. She has appeared on British radio and TV. She worked as a free harpist in London.”
“With God’s guidance, she came to Japan in March 2011 as a WEC missionary. Since 2012, she has been working in the disaster area as a missionary partner for Morioka Bible Baptist Church and the 3.11 Iwate Church Network. Currently based in Sendai, she works to bring God’s love and grace to the hearts of many people. Released CDs “Look Up”, “Into the Light”, and `”Invited to Joy”.” If you have a chance, definitely read her testimony on her website!”
66. Kibi Church Subchannel
(吉備教会サブチャンネル)
Youtube | Website
I stumbled across this channel that has over 150 videos! You can find some Christian song covers, vocal sheet music, lyric videos, and other behind the scenes content.
67. Nao & Lisa Hayashi
(Nao: 作曲科 | Lisa : 声楽科)
Youtube | Spotify | Website (Music/Megumi Church)
Here’s another amazing recommendation from the body of Christ! According to their Youtube bio “Nao & Lisa is a musical group comprised of a couple that has been married since 2022. Naoya and Lisa Hayashi are active members of Megumi Bible Church in Tokyo. They met each other at Tokyo University of the Arts (Naoya majored in composition and Lisa in vocal music). After graduating, they began this channel while continuing to work at different companies. In Japan, there are few Christians and there are few original hymns. Our mission is to compose new worship songs in Japanese with deep lyrics and good music, which God is pleased with. In Japanese but we will publish not only songs but also explanation video of lyrics.”
68. MCC Worship Channel
(MCCワーシップチャンネル)
Youtube | Website
I came across this channel for the Minemachi Christian Church. According to their Youtube bio, “This is a distribution channel for praise and church music provided by Minemachi Christian Church, a church in Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture. We will deliver original worship songs and cover songs.” They have albums available for sale on their website.
69. Mami Worship Channel
Youtube
Here’s a cute channel that I came across. Mami makes it clear that she is a Christian and that her channel delivers videos that praise God. She uploads covers of Japanese and English songs, along with original praises. She currently has over 80 videos on her channel!
70. Eikou no Sanbi
Youtube
This channel has both covers and original songs, but most of the videos have beautiful backgrounds with lyrics on screen which is great if you want to play them for your congregation. There are also a handful of Korean songs on the channel. The channel highlights Ephesians 1:12 which reads “That we may glorify God, because we have previously set our hope in Christ.”
71. Psalm1 Worship
Youtube
According to their Youtube bio, the post original songs along with their favourite worship songs and hymns. Based on Psalms 1, they hope to give encouragement, strength, comfort, and joy that comes from Jesus Christ will reach everyone who listens. It is operated by Yuki Hayashida who graduated from Kansai Bible Institute (KBI), and is the pastor of JEC Grace Kobe Mission Church. He also works as a teacher at KBI.
72. 35108Beats (三五十八Beats)
Genre: Lo-fi, Spoken Word (?)
Youtube | Facebook | Instagram
This person commented and asked to be added, but I’m waiting to hear more about him ;___;
73. MakibA Worship
Youtube | Website
“Hello, this is MakibA Worship! University students and working adults from Ayase Tobu Church in Adachi Ward, Tokyo are playing a central role in sending out praise! Although each member has a different background, we named it MakibA Worship because we liken it to a “makiba” where we come together for the same purpose of “praise”. The “A” is capitalized, in honor of Ayase in Adachi Ward. I would be happy if the love of Christ could be conveyed to many people through praise, and it would be a source of comfort and encouragement.”
74. Shalom Sanbi
Youtube
This artist is based in Austin Texas, and he has a passion for making translations for Christian music into Japanese, along with making original songs. He is a talented pianist, guitarist, ukelelist and singer, and he has recorded over 120 videos, even including on-screen lyrics for most of them. The artist commented and wrote “Personally I enjoy praising in my mother tongue, so that I can simply enjoy worship. I find it interesting in many languages. it is fun to see how worship music can be transformative in people’s lives.”
75. Masayoshi’s Worship Channel
Youtube
Here’s another channel I stumbled across. This pianists plays so beautifully, and the guests he has on to sing will certainly touch your soul. His Youtube biography simply reads “Protestant Christian. I will upload various praises! I would be happy if it could be used as a time to turn your heart to God!”
76. UNISON
Genre: Various
Youtube | Spotify | Facebook | Website
UNISON is still a fairly new group, but they got some amazing songs and content that any Japanese Christian, young and old, can benefit from. According to their Spotify bio, “UNISON is a community of songwriters from across Japan, dedicated to resourcing the local church. By collaborating as a team, we desire to see churches flourish in their worship through Christ-exalting, gospel-centered songs.”
Most of their songs are named ‘New City Catechism’ followed by a question number, so I was expecting something like a podcast, but they are actually songs and each have a different genre or vibe to it. On their Youtube channel, the same songs are given dances that you and your kids can learn! I personally wanna dub them ‘The Cedarmont Kids of Japan’, but I like them more since their songs are focused on biblical teachings and sharing fundamental truths. Best of all, the group offers all their songs, chord charts, sheet music, and lyric slides for free on their website! They only ask that you do not alter or sell their content.
77. Sora Tori (そらとり)
A.K.A. Tatsuki Nagai (永井達基)
Genre: BGM, Piano, Lo-Fi Hymns
Youtube | Spotify | Linktree | Website
This artist took a while to pop up, but I’m so happy it did! Sora Tori has over 1000 videos on their channel with countless Christian-based instrumental songs, background music, piano solos, and lo-fi hymns. Their music is available on every platform (Spotify, Youtube, Amazon, Apple, TuneCore) and they seem to have a presence on most social media websites.
According to their website, Sora Tori began in February 2019, and they are a Protestant Christian team that includes not only piano players, but also artists from other fields, planning and editorial staff, and advisors. They perform at events such as live shows and concerts, mainly at Christian churches. Tatsuki Nagai has his own Youtube channel with not as many videos and he has collaborated with Ruah Worship for the song “聞かせてください”.
78. Japanese Bible Study Club
Youtube | Facebook
This Youtube channel has covers of Christian songs and hymns that were translated into Japanese. While the visuals are more childlike, this is an amazing resource for non-native Japanese speakers to learn the language and songs as they include Japanese, furigana, and romaji for the lyrics in their videos!
79. Oxygen Music
Youtube
Here’s a newer group that popped up on my feed recently. They make original Christian songs! While they have less than 10 videos up right now, they are actively recording. Hopefully, they’ll have a bio and other links soon too!
80. isao 84
Youtube
Here’s another channel I came across by chance, but they are nearing 1000 videos! The channel mostly consists of videos from within their church and has performances from choirs, singing groups, and musicians. Many performances also appear to feature the Japan Adventist Academy.