Tracing its lineage to James Brown, Zainichi Funk—an in-Japan funk band that proclaims itself “a new era of deep funk”—will embark on a Billboard Live tour visiting two cities. Formed in 2007 around Hamaken (Kenta Hamano), the trombonist from SAKEROCK, Zainichi Funk debuted in 2010 with their first album, ZAINICHI FUNK. In 2024, in their 17th year, guitarist Ryohiko Aogi departed amid much regret, but the band pressed on in a new lineup featuring Kei Koganemaru. Their 2024 Billboard Live Tokyo performance drew attention for a collaboration with Masayuki Suzuki, the “King of Love Songs.” And in April 2025, a Yokohama show was realized. This time, their first Osaka show has also been announced, and a premium club performance that will intoxicate the audience with sublime soul and funk will finally cross East and West. Don’t miss this precious, year-end headlining performance.