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!~
1. JWorship
Youtube | Spotify | Website | Chords
Jworship was one of the first groups to pop up for obvious reasons (the name) and with good reason! Not only are they active with a few albums under their name, but they also translate, sing, and perform in Korean, and some of their songs are bi-lingual! They have also shared chord charts of their songs online!
According to their Youtube channel, “Jworship is ‘the Japanese Praise and Worship’ Album that has been first introduced to Korea and produced by PHWM for the purpose of Japanese mission. PHWM (Praise Honor Worship Ministry) is the missionary organization established for the reconciliation and unity of each other through the vehicle of ‘praise’ created in two countries. Its primary ministry is to introduce ‘Original Korean Praise’ to Japan as well as ‘Original Japanese Praise’ to Korea and propagate them.”
2. Samuell Soung (サムエル ソング)
A.K.A. Samuelle
Youtube | Spotify (Samuell Soung/Samuelle) | Website
This is a big artist who I’ve noticed has done lots of collabs with other Japanese artists on this list. While he goes by “Samuell Soung”, he also has an artist profile and MVs under the name “Samuelle”, so don’t think they are two different people if you found them at different times like I did haha.
According to his profiles, Samuell was born to a family of missionaries in Seoul, Korea, and move to Japan at the age of six. When he was 14, he started playing the piano and guitar, and also started songwriting. He began his career as a full time Gospel musician at 2011, and has enjoyed a successful career involving live shows in and out of Japan, tv appearances, radio host, the release of a total of 5 full feature length albums, and multiple collaboration works. He is also known for his contribution as a worship leader, and frequently collaborates with other musicians and writes for them as well.
3. 4.5Music
Youtube | Spotify | Website | Chords
According to their bio, “The company offers songs arranged from traditional hymns sung in Protestant Christian churches, as well as original worship songs, through social media and streaming services.” Besides Jworship, this is the only other group I have found that have provided chord charts for their songs on their site! I have since conducted a thorough interview with them to learn more about their testimonies, process for creating music, and experiences evangelising in Japan, so check out that article here!
4. Takafumi Nagasawa (長沢崇史)
Youtube | Spotify | Website
In Grade 6, Takafumi started writing hymns under the influence of his older sister. He graduated from the Kansai Bible Institute in 2007 and has established various youth ministries, while being an active worship leader. He has been involved in the production of many CDs and has composed hymns in Japan and many other countries.
He travels throughout all 47 prefectures of Japan hosting events in churches, venues, coffee shops, schools, hospitals, and more to spread the gospel. He is the pastor of Canaan Praise Church and director of Canaan House of Prayer (CHOP).
As I was working on this article, I found Youtube topic channels and Spotify profiles for Growing Up, Acts 2:44, SHOP, and Open Gate before I found him, and now it makes sense why I couldn’t find any websites, channels or information about those artists. I have compiled their links below.
Canaan House Of Prayer (CHOP)
Youtube | Spotify | Website
Open Gate
Youtube | Spotify | Apple Music
5. HEAVENESE
Genre: “Fusion R&B”
Youtube | Spotify | Website
You can think of this group as the Wagakki Band of the Christian world. I was a little confused when looking into them as searches said they were Christian, but at first glance, their cover images and song titles didn’t seem to support that. Most channels on this list have less than 2K views per video, but they consistently hit 100K+, and they have at least 5K to 30K subscribers on all 10 of their channels! Their Youtube description has the word ‘gospel, but one of their newer MVs for “Innocent Man” didn’t have any faith-based lyrics. But I kept snooping and have confirmed that they have Christian songs and lyrics.
Now that that has been established, here is what their Youtube bio says: “The group consists of a total of 14 members, centered around twin vocalists Mare and Kumiko. The band has Western instruments such as drums, bass, keyboard, and saxophone, as well as Japanese instruments such as shakushin, shinobue, Japanese drums, and Tsugaru shamisen. In addition, sword fights, ninjas, black American rappers, tap dancers, and more will be added to create a spectacular stage. Here is the magic created by GOSPEL’s spirit, a fusion of ancient Japanese soul and HIP HOP/R&B.”
6. Migiwa
Youtube | Spotify | Website
According to her website, “Migiwa was born into a Christian family and attended church from an early age, becoming familiar with music in choir. She was impressed by the authentic gospel music in America and began her musical career the following year. She convey’s God’s love with her clear singing voice, and has share experiences of not going to school and being a social shut-in, giving courage and hope to many people.”
“She was liked by Godaigo’s Yukihide Takekawa and released the album “Ari to Uchuu” with support. She He won the Gold Award for Artist of the Year at the Gospel CCM Awards. In 2011, she began commuting to Tohoku immediately after the Great East Japan Earthquake, and still continues to regularly visit disaster-affected areas and hold volunteer concerts in temporary housing. She travels around the country giving concerts at churches, schools, and live music venues.”
7. Tatsuya & Miwa Shioya
(塩谷達也 & 塩谷美和)
Genre: Gospel, ‘Negro Spiritual’
Youtube | Spotify (Tatsuya/Miwa) | Website
Here’s a talented duo was recommended by a sister in Christ. Both are pastors at Paz Church. It appears that their older releases were more gospel and negro centered (their own words), but some of their newer releases and covers fall more in the general Christian music category. They have a joint channel, but they release their songs separately, so keep that in mind! Here’s their bios from their website:
TATSUYA: “Graduated from International Christian University (ICU). He began his musical career after studying abroad at the City University of New York to study African American Studies. In 1997, he signed a contract with Sony Records and released two singles and five albums, both major and independent. He is supported by a wide range of people not only as a singer with a spiritual voice, but also for his unique worldview as a songwriter. He founded the label GOOD NEWS” and organized America’s foremost R&B/gospel musicians, releasing seven albums. In parallel with his musical activities, he also works as an “introducer” of gospel music. His activities are wide-ranging, including teaching gospel choirs in various places, writing books, and appearing in the media. In January 2018, he started a song project called “Morning Songs” that sings Bible verses. He is in charge of a program on the Christian broadcasting station Japan FEBC, and has been training students as a music instructor at Nihon Kogakuin Music College for over 15 years. Currently, he is the worship director of Aoyama Gakuin University’s contemporary worship service and is involved in training student worship leaders.”
MIWA: “While studying in Canada, she was scouted by a jazz musician and began her vocal career. After returning to Japan, she encountered gospel music and became a gospel singer through a workshop at a US military base. She has been a member of the black church on the base for 10 years, serving as choir director and minister. Over the years, she has conducted numerous choir lessons, concerts, and recordings throughout Japan, as well as teaching at vocational schools. She has deep relationships with many overseas artists, and performs with them and engages in missionary activities. She is one of the few Japanese people who uses her experiences in black churches to convey the spirit of black gospel worship to Japan. Based on her life experiences, she shares his testimony to convey the meaning of life, the importance of life, and the love of God. She develops various activities and conducts discipleship training and counseling groups. The album “God bless you” is the theme song for the DVD “You Are You” (original by Max Lucade). Started Ikebukuro Gospel Music Workshop in 2008. The couple released the CD The Lord’s Prayer” in 2009 and YOU SET ME FREE” in 2014 . In 2021, his solo single CD “Know that the Lord is God / Ikiyo~Live” will be released. Youtube “Prayer ~ Inori” prayer reading. She is a graduate of Assemblies of God Seminary, Correspondence Department.”
8. Ruah Worship & Joshua Mine
Ruah: Youtube | Spotify | Linktree | Website
Joshua: Youtube | Spotify
These 4 siblings just happened to have the perfect picture for this article ^_^ According to their Youtube channel, “Ruah is a Hebrew word which is often translated into “spirit,” “wind,” and “breath” in the Old Testament.”
Their website adds “Ruah Worship is a group of singer-song writers and worshipers formed by three sisters and a brother. Having been raised in Japan, with international influences, Ruah Worship brings a fusion of styles and will continue to explore the endless possibilities in styles of worship music. Ruah Worship wants to serve to encourage the churches and people in Japan and speakers of Japanese, through their connection and communion with God. Worship is life. Life is worship.”
While the sibling quartet are popular on their own, I’ve come to realize that Joshua Mine, the brother in the group, also has his own channel, releases, and collabs, so I have put them together to avoid confusion. He has some all-English songs as well, but not all his songs are gospel related. For example, his popular song “On Our Way”, appears to be romantic love song.
9. Zion Praise / Zion Church
Youtube | Spotify | Website
Their bio reads “Protestant Christian churches in Toyohashi and Nagoya. We believe in the Bible as the foundation and truth of our faith, sincerely seek revival in Japan, and preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.”
10. Motoki Uechi (上地 基希)
Youtube | Spotify | Linktree | Website
Motoki is a Christian artist living in Okinawa, and plays instruments such as piano, guitar, electric bass, drums, ukulele, etc. He writes, composes, and records his own songs, and also provides recording and performance support for other Christian artists. His concept is to convey God’s love to as many people as possible through music.
11. Imari Tones
Genre: Heavy Metal, Alternative
Youtube | Spotify | Website
This group makes it known that they are the first Christian heavy metal band in Japan! According to their website, the band “started as Tak “Tone” Nakamine’s personal recording project circa 1998, and evolved into an actual band in 2004. Tak Nakamine found his faith in Jesus Christ in early 2008, and decided to play Christian music. Since then, Imari Tones been playing internationally, touring the United States and Japan with other Christian musicians.”
“Although they are primarily known to play 1980’s style classic heavy metal, Imari Tones’ music is fairly diverse, combining the elements of Progressive, Alternative and J-Pop. They might be another indie band in the world, but they are devoted to one special mission: Spreading God’s Love among people in Japan, and the world.”
Imari Tones also had a Christian Rock label called “Calling Records” and was established by a member of CLOD and Soul of Faith (I was only able to find a BandCamp page for them). CLOD is mentioned below.
12. CLOD
Genre: J-Rock
Purchase Their Album Here | Youtube Channel
I heard about this band in a Reddit thread, but was initially unable to find any information or songs about them. Through further search, I found a couple songs on the Asian Christian Music Youtube Channel, and from suggested videos, I found other songs and content on the clodrocks9 Youtube Channel. While I cannot confirm, I do think that is their official channel since it has music videos, songs, and content not found elsewhere. I also managed to find their 6-song album titled “OAOA” released in 2014 on the Tower Records Japan website if you are interested in buying it.
13. Daisuke Yokoyama (横山 大輔)
& “横山大輔†和子 LION🦁ROCK”
Youtube (Gospel Lion/Topic) | Spotify | Website
Daisuke is one of the older and more well known artists on this list, and it makes sense with his discography! His videos are shared on the Gospel Lion Rock channel. On his website, he states that “in 2002, he formed the rock band “ROUTE OF SOUL” and began performing live in Hollywood. But just a year later, he was baptized in Seattle.”
“In 2004, he graduated from a university in the United States and returned to Japan. He began his musical career in earnest in Japan and began performing evangelistic concerts at live houses, churches, cafes, streets, and various other places. In 2008, he completed a tour in 47 prefectures, and in 2009, he released his first solo CD “247”. In 2011, he went on a world missionary tour, visiting countries such as Indonesia, South Korea, India, Israel, New Zealand, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Thailand, etc.”
“In 2017, Daisuke Yokoyama’s “Gospel Lion Adventure” regular program broadcast on FEBC Christian Radio Broadcasting. She married Kazuko Uchiyama, who was a staff member of Campus Crusade Folk Christ. Together, they use music to testify to the gospel and carry out missionary work throughout Japan, Asia, and the world, worshiping and praising Jesus Christ.”
“In 2018, he produced 10,000 copies of the Christmas evangelism tract CD “Advent ~Road to Christmas~”. It is used for evangelism in 47 prefectures and also overseas. And in 2021, he published his first book, the autobiography “Gospel Lion Adventure”. He has organized a Christian festival during the pandemic and released more albums since!”
14. Abide In Me (AiM)
Youtube | Spotify | Website
According to their website, “AIM is a 6-piece gospel pop band. It was formed with the desire to provide Good Vibes music and encouragement from the Lord to Christians of the same generation. John 15:4 Our mission is to “abide in Christ.””
15. Magnify Studio/Tokyo
Youtube (Personal/Topic) | Spotify
The channel, “Magnify Studio”, is based in the United Kingdom, and according to their bio, they “want to help Christian artists and creators develop their craft, pursue excellence and feel inspired to create beautiful things for the kingdom”. Over the last year, they have shared some videos talking about faith and art in Japan, and they have released a few Japanese songs under the name “Magnify Tokyo”, which has featured artists like “Lauren Horii” who is also mentioned on this list.
16. Yoshi Blessed
Genre: Hip Hop, Rap
Youtube (Personal/Topic) | Spotify | Website
According to his website, “Yoshi Blessed is a Music producer / beatmaker / MC / remixer / engineer. He produces and provides music in Japan and overseas. In 2005, he launched his record label, Yoshi Blessed Music, where he widely released works including his own. In 2009, Yoshi released his own work “Second Season” which includes collaborations with SPEECH (Grammy Winning Artist with Arrested Development), S1 (producer of Beyonce, Kanye West, 50 Cent, etc), Funky DL, Braille and Othello,Mr.J.Medeiros (The Procussions), M-Phazes (producer of Eminem) and more.
Yoshi has a rich musical sense/knowledge and good understanding of sampling / analog vintage sound form of his beat making / produced works. It has been highly appreciated by foreign artists/producers. In 2014, Yoshi released his own work “PLUGED”. He collaborated with Theory Hazit, The Procussions, Othello, YDG(Korea), 20syl (Hocus Pocus). Through this work, He hopes that it is possible to deliver even a little encouragement to people who have been placed in a difficult situation, including the earthquake of Japan(2011).”
On the Yoshi Blessed Music website, there is a list that includes many gospel artists under the label which includes Yukari Gospel, Joshua Uehara, Ken Matsuda, Yoshiyuki Sako, and Tsuneyoshi Noda. Below, I’ve included whoever I could find a channel or spotify page for.
17. Yukari Gospel (ゆかり☆ゴスペル)
Youtube (Personal/Topic) | Website
According to her website, “Yukai is a singer-songwriter and gospel director. She delivers her message of love and hope with a powerful singing voice cultivated through gospel music and lyrics that are easy to understand across generations. In 2005, her CD “Everywhere” was released. After that, she went on a live tour in the United States, performing in 7 locations (approximately 20 performances), including New York. In 2006, her 2nd CD “Utsuwa” was released. She is on air on radio stations all over the country.”
“While she is active as a solo performer, unit, and band member, she also serves as the director of a gospel choir and actively performs at local events such as the Tezukayama Music Festival and Utsubo Park Rose Festa. She also has a reputation for Christmas dinner shows at restaurants and Christmas live performances at malls. She is working to deliver “something beyond music” to people with her warm and powerful singing voice and bright atmosphere.”
On the side, she has a collab project with beatboxer ZaChoo under the name “One.Crossover“. It doesn’t seem to be an official group of sorts with any releases, but I have included a couple videos from that channel incase you were as curious as me how that could work in a Christian context 😛
18. Joshua Uehara (上原ヨシュア)
Youtube (Personal/Topic) | Spotify
19. Worship Room (ワーシップルーム)
Youtube
This channel was created by one vocalist and one jazz pianist who have covered both original and translated songs. The videos consist of beautiful backgrounds with Japanese lyrics on screen. Perfect for a small church who wants to sing together!
20. Live Church Worship
(ライブチャーチワーシップ)
Youtube | Spotify | Website
According to their Youtube channel, “LIVE CHURCH WORSHIP is the worship ministry of Live Church Sunza in Shizuoka, Japan. LIVE CHURCH WORSHIP has been releasing original worship songs and Japanese translations for songs outside Japan. Their translations are used in churches widely around the world. Recently works on official translations for Hillsong Church and JPCC Worship.”
“In 2017, they hosted the Japan’s first worship music festival called SUNZA ROCK FESTIVAL. It’s an annual festival held in August to bless the local church’s worship in Japan. In 2019, they collaborated with JPCC Worship to release the official version of their songs. First single “Inochi No Hi No Kagiri” was released on Feb 3rd.”
21. Michiru (富田満)
Youtube | Spotify | Website
Michiru graduated from the New England Conservatory College of Music in Boston, USA, majoring in violin. She then performed as first violinist of Germany’s Heidelberg Philharmonic Orchestra for years. On the side, she grew up singing at her Christian church and began her career with the help of her older brother. She currently serves as a worship leader and has created various prayer CDs.
Just a note on her name: The subject goes by “Michiru” on Youtube and Spotify; however, if she was collaborating with a Japanese artist or being written about on a Japanese page, her Japanese name 富田満 (Michiru Tomita) seems to be more present.
22. Jesus Family
YOUTH: Youtube | Spotify
KIDS: Youtube | Spotify
23. Tweli G
Genre: Hip Hop, Rap, EDM
Youtube (Personal/Topic/The Hive) | Spotify | Website
This was one of very few results to pop up on Google, but when I looked up his name on Youtube, a black man popped up. I ain’t racist, I’m black myself, but I thought it may be a different artist with the same name, but nope! That’s him! Tweli G is a Nairobi-born Tokyo-based Gospel rap artist. He sings/raps in both English and Japanese on his tracks! His personal channel is quite active, but some of his older songs and MV were uploaded on The Hive’s channel.
24. Hideo Kobari (小堀英郎)
Genre: Classical, Hymns
Youtube | Website
Hideo is a professional pianist that has played in many competitions and concerts around the world. He graduated from Osaka Music University, studied in France, and taught under Germaine Mounier while in École Normale de Musique de Paris. He published a total of 8 CDs, which are listened by many Korean stars known in Japan.
25. Kaori Sion (紫園香)
Youtube | Website
Here’s another classical/instrumental player, but this time, she is a flutist! She doesn’t appear to have any original songs or albums, but I’m sure her flute covers will be a blessing to many.
According to her website, “Kaori studied flute at Tokyo National University of Art and graduated at the top of her class with a Master’s degree in Art. She continued to study under Marcel Moyse in Europe and completed his master’s course. Also, while in Europe, she studied under Alain Marion at the Conservatoire de Paris. She received a prize from the 7th annual Great Wall of China International Music Competition and also successfully auditioned at the NHK Western Music Competition. Since then, she has appeared on NHK, both on their FM radio and TV programs. In addition, she has received numerous prizes from various competitions throughout the world.”
“With invitations from Foreign Ministries, she has had recitals in 18 countries and all of them were met with enthusiastic applause. Her recitals in major halls of Japan have been highly appreciated.
She has even performed in the presence of the Japanese Royal Family at the Imperial Palace. She teaches at Tokyo Baptist Theological Seminary, Euodia Academy and at various seminars. She produces the Koinonia Charity Concerts. She is chairman of The Wind of Sion Praise Ministries and music missionary of Shinagawa Church. She would like to continue her outreach to the children of Kenya and expand her God-given ministry to the people of Asia.”
26. Yuta Nakyama (中山有太)
Youtube | Spotify | Website
According to his bio, “Yuta writes and composes praise songs and has produced numerous worship CDs. He leads worship services throughout Japan and also teaches praise ministers. He graduated from Expanded Missionary Academy. He is the Pastor of Shine Church and is now planting a church in Kasuga City, Fukuoka Prefecture. Someone informed me that he and Tsuguyu below are brothers!
27. Tsuguru Nakayama (中山告)
Youtube | Spotify | Linktree
This artists has quite a few profiles, but no biographies or descriptions. Someone informed me that he is related to Yuta above. Guess his Instagram says it best “I’ve given up my life to Jesus”. Nothing else has to be said. According to a commentor, Tsuguru’s family lives in Fukouka, but he is currently the worship leader in Dallas, Texas. He is very active at Cross Chapel, and holds gospel choirs through out the year.
28. Chu Kosaka (小坂忠)
Genre Note: Hymns, Gospel (Read Notes)
Youtube | Spotify
Mr. Chu Kosaka sadly passed away on April 29, 2022, and he was remembered as the godfather of Japanese R&B music, and previously made songs in various genres such as folk, jazz-rock, and soul. But after his conversion, he has made countless Christian songs and albums, and led the way for other Christian artists. I put this note first as his previous R&B songs like “Horo” will likely pop up first.
According to Come Along Radio’s website, Chu Kosaka (小坂忠), born July 8, 1948, is a Japanese singer-songwriter, gospel singer, and pastor, but back in the day he was one of the pioneers of Japanese pop music. Born Masayuki Kosaka (小坂正行), he began his musical journey with the Group Sounds band, The Floral in 1966. When The Floral broke up, Kosaka and fellow bandmates Eiji Kikuchi (菊池英二) and Hiro Yanagida (柳田博義) went on to form the band Apryl Fool alongside fellow pioneers Haruomi Hosono (細野晴臣) and Takashi Matsumoto (松本隆). The same year, he turned down joining Hosono’s next band, Happy End in pursuit of a solo career, which he began as a performer in the original cast for Japan’s first rock musical “Hair”. He would make his solo debut in 1971 with Arigatou (ありがとう) and would culminate with his magnum opus, HORO(ほうろう).”
Continuing the story, according to MixCloud’s site “After his daughter Ami was miraculous cured from burns, Kosaka Chu became a dedicated Christian, starting the first Japanese gospel music label, and later becoming ordained as a pastor. He lived a long and full life, touching many with his unique voice, and perhaps just as many with his kindness and warmth. Arigatou Kosaka san!”
And ending off with a snippet from his own website, “In 1978, he founded the gospel label Mikutam Records. He presides over seminars and events centered on gospel music activities. To date, he has produced over 50 gospel albums and has performed in Japan and all over the world. Since April 2012, he has been producing and broadcasting a 60-minute gospel music program “Tadashi Kosaka’s ONEBODY” on 23 community FM stations in the Tohoku region. A variety of people appear and support the guest talk.”
29. Asiah
Youtube | Spotify | Linktree
Asiah is an artist that I have seen around. I struggled to find or confirm her profiles, but thankfully someone recommended her with a link. No bios, but I was informed she is the daughter of Chu Kosaka, and she has done some songs and an album with him.
30. Makoto Iwabuchi (岩渕まこと)
Youtube | Spotify
I had a struggle finding anything about Makoto, only an older video of a church performance, and then a full album named “Paradise” with Chu Kosaka above, but it makes sense as his releases date back to the 1980s!I then managed to find her Spotify profile with his Japanese name. I was informed that Makato and his wife has turned many of Tomohiro Hoshino’s poems into songs as well.
31. Sakura Yamakawa (?)
Youtube | Spotify
According to her Youtube channel, “I’m a pastor’s kid, the eldest daughter of a family of 14. This channel has a videos of worship songs, vlog, dance, and cooking too ✨ I hope you enjoy it! 😌 All glory to God!”. On her channel, she has many videos featuring “Hallelujah Youth” (as she attends Hallelujah Church) whom she sings and dances with. She has also shared the lyrics and chords in the description of some of her videos! She doesn’t appear to use her kanji anywhere online, but I would assume it would be “山川 桜”
32. Hillsong 日本語 (“Japan”)
Youtube | Spotify
If you are actually looking for Japanese versions of Hillsong’s discography, this group makes official covers! Their videos on Youtube includes the lyrics with beautiful visuals. They only have a handful of songs right now, but I’m sure they’ll release more in the future!
33. Megumi Nakasone (仲宗根めぐみ)
Youtube | Website
According to her website, Megumi was “Born in Hokkaido. She grew up in the church from an early age and was baptized in the fifth grade. At the age of 20, she participated in KHOP’s lead runner schooling in Korea and learned about the House of Prayer for three months. After returning to Japan, she served as a full-time staff member at the Canaan House of Prayer for seven years. She started composing original praises, and in March 2019, she released her first solo CD. In addition, she is active in the production of praise CDs, YouTube, and as a piano and vocalist for the worship band “Togami Warship”.”
34. SHIN A.K.A. MAMIYA
Genre: Hip Hop, R&B, EDM
Youtube | Spotify
SHIN a.k.a MAMIYA is a Japanese Christian Hiphop & EDM musical artist. He is also a dancer and DJ. I couldn’t find a detailed biography anywhere. He does have a couple websites (linked on Youtube and Facebook) but the link said the site was ‘forbidden’ ;_____; So I have added a few more videos so you can get a fuller picture of what he does and sounds like!
35. Lauren Horii (堀井ローレン)
Genre: Various
Youtube | Spotify | Linktree | Website
According to her website biography, “Lauren was born in Tokyo as the oldest daughter of Rev. Arthur Hollands and Carolyn Hollands. When she was still young she started booking club events around Shibuya and Roppongi and started writing music for K-POP groups such as Shinhwa and was singing for artists like TERIYAKI BOYZ®.”
“Upon graduating high school she moved to New York City to further her education in music tech but she soon moved to Hawaii to attend Bible College. She attended New Hope Oahu where she served on the music team and got to sing back up for singers such as Anthony Evans, Linda McCrary Fisher and Tommy Walker.”
“After graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Worship and the Arts she came back to Japan in hopes to serve her home church as a volunteer music director, but when she bumped in to an old friend in the busy streets of Tokyo, her career as a songwriter unexpectedly started. She has written many songs for J-POP and K-POP artists such as TWICE, MAMAMOO, AAA and more. When a video she uploaded on YouTube for a friend who was wanting a Japanese translation for 10000 Reasons gained audiences from around the world she was discovered by Hillsong’s translation team and was invited to translate for their Japanese Album.”
“Between supporting her bassist husband Keiichi Horii and caring for her two young children, Lauren enjoys making music and visiting churches to worship and share her testimony.”
36. Encounter Worship
(エンカウンター賛美集会)
Youtube | Linktree | Website
I stumbled across this small channel and found some beautiful covers and worship sessions. When looking up their biography on their website, I found out that Lauren Horii mentioned right above created the group and noticed that she appears in some live videos.
Here’s what Lauren wrote on their bio: “In the Bible’s Psalms, King David wrote, “God dwells in praise.” God is very close to us when we play and sing praise music. Impressions, convictions, and changes are engraved in our hearts that cannot be erased simply by being emotionally excited. The same thing may not happen every time, but I do everything for God, including singing.”
“I feel like my life has gradually changed since I decided to do it. It was a very nice change. And when I thought about what I could do to use my enjoyment of music and the gift of singing more for God, This praise meeting “Encounter” was born. A place where you can praise without being bound by time or form. You can raise your hands, sit, dance, or lie down. I hope that it will become a place where you can feel free to worship naturally.”
37. Yoko Naito (内藤容子)
Here is an older gospel artists that has made a splash as I can see that many other Youtubers have covered her music. Se doesn’t seem to have his own channel or Spotify, but you can certainly find clips of his performances if you use her Japanese name (内藤容子) on Youtube.
38. Misa Kamiyama (神山みさ)
Genre: Gospel Folk
Youtube (Personal/Topic) | Spotify | Website
According to her website, Misa is known as a Gospel folk singer. She was born and raised in a pastor’s family and was exposed to hymns at a very young age. In 1998, she moved to Tokyo after winning the Grand Prix at the Mos Burger contest. She belonged to a music agency (currently MS ENTERTEINMENT) for eight years, and started performing at live houses and on the streets.
Her dream was to perform at Budokan, so she successfully held solo live performances at Shibuya O-WEST, Duo Music exchange, and on the streets for 117 days. She ranked #1 in the popularity poll nationwide on TV Asahi’s music program and has also been a long-time AM radio personality in Tochigi Prefecture.
Since then, she has released various albums to commemorate her 10th anniversary and to support disaster areas after the 2011 earthquake. In 2015, she worked with Brazilian producer Roberto Legonacci and released their first hymn cover. In 2020, the album “Gospel Folk Singer” was released to commemorate the 20th anniversary of their activities. She is active throughout Japan and occasionally overseas (Korea, America, Brazil, Europe, etc.).
39. Yohanna Sanicola
Youtube (Personal/Topic) | Spotify
According to her Youtube description, “This is Yohanna Sanicola, a christian singer and song writer. I was born and raised in Okinawa, Japan. This channel is to upload mainly my original songs and cover songs in Japanese, English and Korean♪”
40. I.Ary
Youtube | Spotify | Website
I came across this artist’s name a few times on my search via collabs and lists**, but trying to look her up was near impossible since many bigger artists have the same or similar name. Thankfully, I was able to locate her Spotify through Samuell Soung’s similar artists, then then some keywords to find a Youtube channel. I’m not sure if the channel I found is official, and I couldn’t even find a topic channel, but hopefully it was worth the search for you all! And for your own searches, it is an I (eye), not an L!
According to her website, “I.Ary composes heartwarming lyrics and melodies based on the theme of love, and captivates with her sweet and sad voice. Under the influence of his parents, who are pastors at a church, she started listening to gospel at a young age, and music became a part of his life from the time she could remember.
After graduating from high school, she studied abroad at a music college in South Korea, performed in SHOW CASE locally, debuted on CD, and experienced various activities. After graduating, she returned to Japan and is actively engaged in activities such as performing live performances, participating in and releasing compilation albums, and singing in the chorus. She released her “Dear Mama” in 2011. The album “Life is…” was released in October 2014.
As she has overcome pain and trials, she experienced God’s love even more deeply, encountering God who works in weakness once again, and continue to sing and evangelize through praise and testimony in order to convey that joy, hope, and fulfillment, love, and grace. There is no doubt that you will be healed by her heartful, delicate, clear and warm singing voice! She is a Christian artist with a lot of charm.”