Japanese Folk

Japanese folk music, or "Min'yō," is an eclectic blend of traditional and contemporary sounds infusing Japan's rich cultural tapestry with modern sensibilities. This genre often features acoustic instruments like the shamisen, koto, and shakuhachi, while modern Japanese folk may include guitars and pianos, embodying a more Western folk influence. Artists like Eigo Kawashima and Iruka channel the narrative spirit of classic Min'yō, telling stories of everyday life, nature, and the human condition with distinctive melodicism and lyrical introspection. The Folk Crusaders and Moonriders, meanwhile, bring a vibrant, sometimes countercultural energy, bridging the gap between the old and the new. Japanese folk is a genre that maintains its traditional roots while embracing the evolving landscape of music, resonating with audiences seeking both authenticity and innovation.

Latest Japanese Folk Release
undefined album image
2024 Sada Masashi Concert Tour"51"
Album - 24 Tracks - Released July 9, 2025
Top Artists Spotify Logo
Ichiko Aoba
Yumi Arai
Chiharu Matsuyama
Humbert Humbert
Chippoke Ohashi
Yumi Kimura
Top Playlists
The Sound of J-Acoustic 2 Japanese Folk artists
The Sound of Ryūkyū Ongaku 2 Japanese Folk artists
weird girl music 1 Japanese Folk artist
The Sound of Japanese Indie Folk 1 Japanese Folk artist
The Sound of Japanese Bedroom Pop 1 Japanese Folk artist
Pitchfork's Best New Music 1 Japanese Folk artist

RecentMusic users are tracking 42 Japanese Folk artists for new releases, and have access to the full timeline of 827 releases .

Join them and feed your new music addiction, and add the Japanese Folk artists you love!

Get Started Browse Arists
  1. July 9, 2025
  2. June 6
  3. June 2
  4. May 14
  5. May 5
  6. April 25
  7. April 22
  8. April 18
  9. March 25
  10. February 28
  11. February 28
  12. February 26
  13. February 12
  14. February 7
  15. February 6
  16. January 29
  17. January 22
  18. January 22
  19. January 17
  20. January 8
  21. December 30, 2024
  22. December 18
  23. December 12
  24. November 27
  25. November 22
  26. November 22
  27. November 20
  28. November 20
  29. November 16
  30. November 13
  31. November 13
  32. November 6
  33. October 25
  34. October 25
  35. October 18
  36. October 16
  37. October 4
  38. September 18
  39. September 4
  40. August 22
  1. June 2, 2025
  2. April 22
  3. March 25
  4. February 26
  5. February 7
  6. February 6
  7. January 22
  8. January 8
  9. December 30, 2024
  10. December 18
  11. December 12
  12. November 22
  13. November 22
  14. November 16
  15. November 13
  16. November 13
  17. November 6
  18. October 25
  19. October 18
  20. October 4