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!~
81. LOVE DIVINE
Genre: Male Chorus
Youtube | Spotify | Facebook | Website
This is a newer group with only a handful of singles out, but I have no doubt they would make more since they are comprised of other dedicates gospel artists on this list. Their intro on their website reads, “Hello everyone, this is LOVE DIVINE! We are a male chorus group made up of four gospel artists active in LA, Nagoya, Tokyo, and Osaka. The members are Shinya Fujinami, LOVEHIM, Samuell Soung, and Joshua Uehara. The group name “LOVE DIVINE” represents the “magnificence of God’s love.”
82. Oak Praise Project
a.k.a. Kenta’s Worship Corner
Youtube | Instagram
I came across Kenta’s channel in the past but he only had 1 or 2 videos and they were both covers. Since then, he has uploaded more regularly and has even done collabs with other artists. No originals at the moment, but I want to support all serious Japanese Christian musicians and help them connect with each other as well.
83. Motoaki Yasutake (安武玄晃)
Genre: Gospel, Jazz, Blues
Youtube | Spotify | Facebook | Website
Motoaki Yasutake is a famous saxophonist with over a decade of work and various album releases in that time. He has done many stage performances performing instrumental gospel music and has collaborated or been featured with other Christian singers on this list.
84. Immanuel Worship Channel
A.K.A. Igreja Pentecostal Emanuel
Genre: Various
Youtube
This channel belongs to the Immanuel Pentecostal Church in Okinawa Prefecture. They have over 500 videos on their channel, most of which are 20-25 minute videos of their praise & worship song service. The songs are in Japanese and they have lyrics on the screen. The audio is high quality and they even include various angles of the musicians playing, so I think it’s a great channel to play if you want to have a service yourself or with a small home church, or even just play in the background while you get some chores done.
85. NCM2 Choir
(New Christian Music Ministry)
Youtube | Spotify | Website
According to their website bio “NCM2 CHOIR (New Christian Music Ministry) is a Japanese-American CCM choir that began thirty-nine years ago in Los Angeles. Singers are drawn from various Protestant churches in the area. The choir has performed mission concerts throughout Japan and Hawaii, as well as in local Japanese-American communities.”
86. O&Dan
Genre: Jpop
Youtube | Spotify
I stumbled across this channel thanks to their Christmas song showing up on the Sambi website which is a great place to find lyrics and chords for more popular songs. The intro for the channel reads “This is a music channel made by young creative Christians to encourage young people in difficult life situations,” so I wasn’t sure if the other tracks were just generic positive Jpop songs, but luckily, most do intend to extend the gospel message and God’s love to the nation. I love that they all have beautiful anime graphics and stories alongside it. I also appreciate that they have English subtitles available! There’s just over 10 songs on the channel but here’s to more in the future!
87. Miura Sammy (みうらさみ)
Youtube | Spotify | Instagram | Website
I noticed that O&Dan above has produced a few tracks with this artist, and while her Spotify doesn’t have too many tracks, her Youtube channel actually has hundreds of videos and other original songs. She also has a very active social media presence. Her Youtube bio reads “Hi, I’m a Japanese Christian YouTuber. I preach the gospel and sing an original song to the people who have the desire of suicide. Thank you for your prayers and support”.
88. JPCC Worship x LIVE SOUND HOUSE (ライブチャーチユース)
Youtube (JPCC / Live Sound House) | Live Church Website | JPCC Spotify
According to Live Sound House’s Youtube channel, “Live Sound House is a youth group of the live church Sunza in Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture. Our activities center on the Bible, which loves God and loves people. Live Sound House is based on Psalm 47:1, “Clap your hands, all you peoples, and cry out for joy to God. This is a worship group that believes in the Word of God and praises the name of Jesus with joy.
Live Sound House covers some Western CCM songs, but they also have some originals on their channel. They are associated with Live Church, and on their church’s website, I noticed that they have done 15 lyric music videos in collaboration with JPCC, which is the local worship team of Jakarta Praise Community Church, Indonesia.
89. Ichimoku Gospel Church (一麦ゴスペルチャーチ)
Youtube | Website
While not an original artist, I wanted to include this church/group as they have covered many Japanese songs, and even have videos with lyrics and chords on screen, so it can be a valuable resource for musicians.
According to their website, “Ichimoku Gospel Church is a Protestant church that is very much into gospel music. Gospel music is the words of the Bible put into song. Listening to, singing, and living the words of the Bible fills people’s hearts and gives them strength! If you love music, are in trouble, or feel tired, please come to our church. We look forward to seeing you.”
90. CGN Japan
Youtube | Facebook | Website
CGN (Christian Global Network) is a broadcasting station specializing in missionary education that broadcasts a wealth of biblical and spiritual content in Japanese 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We produce a rich variety of Christian content, including worship, Word seminars, devotions (QT), culture, programs for children/youth, special roundtables, news reports, and seminars. This is a national network broadcast featuring over 2,000 pastors from all over Japan.
While they aren’t a music artist or channel in itself, they do have bible story songs for kids, some features of artists, worship dances with mirrored versions and tutorials, and news of Christian artists around Japan! Their services are catered towards a Japanese audience, so you won’t find English subtitles on their content.
91. OVMC Worship Team
Youtube | Spotify | Website
“OVMC Tsuda Christian Church Worship Team. The worship team of a Christian church in Tsuda-cho, Sanuki City, Kagawa Prefecture. They pray for the blessing of the local community and offer praise for God’s kingdom to be brought to this land.”
92. Sumito Tomiyasu (富安 純人)
Youtube (Personal / Topic) | Spotify | Website
According to his website “Sumito Tomiyasu was born in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture. He started writing original hymns when he was in high school, and while serving as a worship leader at his home church, he also sings gospel on the street and at live performances. He was a finalist in the G-POP Contest 2020. In September 2020, he released his first original hymn album, “Promise.” In November 2023, he will release his self-produced second album, “Koromo.” He is a gospel artist who conveys the power of the gospel not only through music but also through photography.”
93. Living Praise (リビングプレイズ)
Youtube (Topic) | Spotify | Website
If you’re looking for clean recordings of translated hymns, this group probably has the biggest collection around. As I was listening to a few of their most popular videos from Youtube to add here, I recognized all of them. Looks like Spotify has their English names so keep that in mind when searching between the two.
94. Euodia (ユーオーディア)
Youtube | Spotify | Website
“Euodia” means “best fragrance” in Greek, and is a word used in the Bible to describe “the scent of Christ.” “We are the fragrance of Christ to God” (2 Corinthians 2:15). Euodia, a general incorporated association, was established by Japanese Christian classical musicians for the purpose of praise, evangelism, and nurturing.”
“Starting from a small gathering called the “Gathering of Christian Musicians” in 1988, Euodia Orchestra and Chorus was born two years later in 1990, with headquarters in Tokyo and branches in Osaka, Okinawa, Sendai, and Honolulu. is completed. In 2004, Euodia Academy” was established to train music evangelists and church music ministers, as well as music education for children, and in 2005, “Euodia Music Mission Center” was opened in Bangkok, Thailand. Euodia’s ministry of praise and evangelism now extends not only to Japan but throughout the world.”
“The Euodia Ensemble was formed in 1988 for the purpose of music ministry. Cl. Hiroshi Yanase, Vn. Izumi Ninagawa, Miho Kudo, Vla. Nobuharu Murakami, Vc. Tomoko Inoue, and Pf. Sawako Yanase are all active in Japan and abroad as soloists and music evangelists. He has released 12 CDs so far. The AK Euodia Foundation, which dispatches this ensemble around the world, was established in Bangkok in 2005, and the Euodia World Music Mission Tour began. To date, they have performed 100 times around the world. Euodia, a praise group of Japanese Christian musicians, began with these six members.”
“The Euodia Orchestra/Ensemble is Japan’s first orchestra and choir formed by Christian musicians in 1990. Every year, members from all over the country and overseas gather to hold an “Evening in Praise of Euodia.” New original praise songs are created each year for this worship evening. The Bible says, “The Lord dwells in praise (Psalm 22),” and we glorify God in the praise we offer with one heart in the name of Christ.”
95. Encounter TYO (エンカウンター東京)
Youtube | Spotify | Instagram
According to their Youtube bio “Encounter TYO is a worship ministry born from the heart of Tokyo Japan.
Originally founded in 2014 as an interdenominational worship service, Encounter TYO has blossomed into a community of believers desiring people in Japan to encounter God through worship. Whether you’re in Tokyo or thousands of miles away, you’re invited to be a part of this musical movement.”
96. Cherish (チェリッシュ)
Youtube (Personal / Topic) | Spotify
97. Kanade Ishihara (石原奏)
Youtube (Personal / Topic) | Spotify | Instagram
98. GOSPEL SMITH
Genre: Jazz/Funk/Fusion
Youtube (Personal / Topic) | Spotify | Instagram
According to their artist profile, GOSPEL SMITH is “a 5-member gospel band that goes beyond the box, playing powerful yet delicate pop music led by vocalist Kotoha. From songs with a serious atmosphere to odd time signatures and chill songs, they create music that penetrates into all kinds of gaps in life and lives with people.”
99. Jolly Polly
Genre: Jpop
Youtube | Spotify | Instagram
Jolly Polly (Miyashiro Nichidome Joel Sizuo) makes modern sounding music that has pop, jrock, hip hop, and even some funk vibes in it.
100. Yuto Torimasu
Genre: Jpop / Funk
Youtube | Spotify
According to his Artist bio, “Born on March 28, 1991. He was exposed to church music and gospel music from an early age. He started playing acoustic guitar at the age of 20 and began composing music a year later. She always seeks out where true love is and what her worth is, and delivers her simple words and the hope she has found.”
101. Osamui Jordan
Genre: Hip Hop, Rap
Youtube | Spotify | Linktree
102. J.Rio (ジェイリオ)
A.K.A. Joseph Rio
Youtube | Spotify | Instagram
J.Rio is a young (2005) singer-songwriter from the Kanto region. He has his own releases, and is also working with Magnify Tokyo and Encounter TYO.
103. Ko & Saori
Genre: Rock
Youtube | Spotify
According to their Youtube biography, “We are musicians from Kyushu Japan, living in USA. Ko and Saori were born and raised in Kyusyu- Japan, and didn’t meet each other until they met in TN (USA) around 2016 when they discovered that they both were musicians. They wanted to make a music album for their family and friends to show them that “they are loved.” They made their first album “Sakura to Jesus to Watashi” (桜とジーザスと私. iIn 2020, ”Do You Like The Stars”(星は好きですか)in 2022, and still continually making music for Japan with their faith. These 2 non-profit albums produced by Ko and their main focus is suicide prevention in Japan.
104. Sambi Hayashi (林賛美)
A.K.A. Aika and Sambi
Youtube | Spotify | Website
105. Miura Maiko (みうら まいこ)
Youtube | Website | Instagram
Miura Maiko is a singer songwriter from Nagoya. She plays piano, guitar, and ukulele.
106. Taizo Jinnouchi (陣内大蔵)
Genre: Various
Here’s an older Japanese Christian artist that I stumbled across. He has released 5 albums since 1997. He definitely has a range of styles in his songs, and has even done some jazzy covers of English hymns like Amazing Grace. With the little sample and research I did, I can’t guarantee that every song is Christian based, but someone mentioned him on Reddit, he’s definitely a Christian (he’s even a protestant pastor!), and I heard ‘kami’ in the Christmas song below, so I’ll give his music the benefit of the doubt.
Youtube (Personal / Topic) | Spotify | Website
107. Yona Ishikawa (石川ヨナ)
Youtube | Spotify
I couldn’t find a biography about her, but she has recorded a couple songs with J-metal band, Imari Tones. This blog also shared a bit of her background which indicates that she suffered from depression and lived as a hikkokomori (shut-in), but she now lives to share her experience and let others know that God can transform lives, as He did when he lifted her out of her state of depression and isolation. She worte a book called “Start Again” (in Japanese only) about her experience.