Toshinobu Kubota Biography: Age, Net Worth, Siblings, Parents, Songs, Nationality, Instagram

Toshinobu Kubota, known as Toshi Kubota, is a Japanese singer-songwriter and music producer who pioneered Japanese R&B and soul.

His soulful hits, such as “La La La Love Song,” and his global success have made him a proud icon of Japan’s music scene, blending Western and Japanese styles with unmatched creativity.

Profile

• Full Name: Toshinobu Kubota
• Stage Name: Toshi Kubota, Funky Kubota, Kubojaa, King of J-Soul
• Born: July 24, 1962
• Age: 62 years old
• Birthplace: Shimizu-ku, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan
• Nationality: Japanese
• Occupation: Singer, Songwriter, Musician, Music Producer, Radio Personality, Actor
• Height: 170 cm
• Religion: Unknown
• Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Kubota
• Siblings: Unknown
• Spouse: Unnamed (M. 2004)
• Children: One
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $1,400,000 to $5,000,000

Early Life & Education

Toshinobu Kubota was born on July 24, 1962, in Shimizu-ku, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. Raised by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Kubota, he grew up in a modest family that nurtured his love for music.

His ethnicity is Japanese, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Japan, which he honors in his work. No information is available about his religion or siblings.

As a child, Toshi was inspired by Stevie Wonder’s Songs in the Key of Life, sparking his passion for soul and R&B.

He sang in preschool contests and played in bands during junior high, dreaming of bringing American soul to Japan, a vision that shaped his groundbreaking career.

Toshinobu Kubota studied economics at Komazawa University in Tokyo. During his college years, he performed at nightclubs, balancing his academic pursuits with his growing music career.

No further details about his education are publicly known, but his time at university marked the start of his musical journey.

Career

Toshi Kubota began his career in 1981, forming the band Hottentots at Komazawa University with Haneda Ichiro. In 1982, he won Best Vocalist at the Eastwest’82 contest, earning a record deal.

He debuted as a singer in 1986 with the single “Shitsui no Downtown,” followed by his album Shake It Paradise, which went platinum.

His fourth single, “Cry On Your Smile,” hit the top ten, and his 1989 album The Baddest sold over a million copies.

In 1993, he moved to New York, debuting as Toshi Kubota with the 1995 single “La La La Love Song,” a duet with Naomi Campbell that sold two million copies. Toshi appeared on Soul Train in 2004, a rare feat for a Japanese artist.

His albums, such as Bonga Wanga (1990), Neptune (1992), and Gold Skool (2011), blend R&B, soul, funk, and pop, influencing the development of Japanese hip-hop and soul.

He has produced six million-selling records and 33 Top 40 singles, composing for artists like Hiromi Iwasaki and Misia.

In 2025, he continues to perform and host a Tokyo FM radio show, Planet Flava, inspiring new talent.

Awards & Nominations

• 1982: Best Vocalist – Eastwest’82 Contest

Social Media

• Instagram handle: @toshinobu_kubota
• YouTube channel: 久保田利伸 Official YouTube Channel

Personal Life

Toshinobu Kubota, 62, married a Norwegian woman in October 2004, and they welcomed a son on December 24, 2004.

Standing at 170 cm tall, he lives in New York, where he moved in 1989 to pursue music. Toshi keeps his personal life private, focusing on his art and family.

His love for Japan shines through his music, which blends Western soul with Japanese flair, earning him nicknames like “King of J-Soul.”

Rumors of mixed Black heritage exist, but sources confirm that he is entirely Japanese, a testament to his universal appeal.

His radio show Planet Flava supports young artists, reflecting his commitment to Japan’s music scene.

Net Worth

Toshinobu Kubota’s net worth is estimated between $1,400,000 and $5,000,000.

His wealth comes from over 16 million record sales, including six million-selling albums, plus songwriting, producing, and his Tokyo FM radio show.

His global success makes him one of Japan’s richest artists, a proud achievement for a Shizuoka native.

Discography

• Shake It Paradise (Album, 1986) – Platinum
• Groovin’ (Album, 1987) – Platinum
• Such A Funky Thang! (Album, 1988) – Million
• The Baddest (Compilation, 1989) – Million
• Bonga Wanga (Album, 1990) – Million
• Kubojah: Parallel World I (Album, 1991)
• Neptune (Album, 1992)
• The Baddest II (Compilation, 1993)
• Bumpin’ Voyage (Album, 1995)
• Sunshine, Moonlight (Album, 1995) – English
• La La La Love Thang (Album, 1996) – Double Platinum
• Nothing But Your Love (Album, 2000) – English
• As One (Album, 2000)
• United Flow (Album, 2002)
• Time to Share (Album, 2004) – English
• For Real? (Album, 2006)
• Timeless Fly (Album, 2010)
• Gold Skool (Album, 2011)
• Love & Rain: Love Songs (Compilation, 2010)
• The Baddest: Hit Parade (Compilation, 2011) – Platinum
• Kubossa: Parallel World II (Album, 2013)
• L.O.K. (Album, 2015)
• 3周まわって素でLive!THE HOUSE PARTY! (Album, 2017)
• Beautiful People (Album, 2019)
• Nekomimi Senki: Akanekkusu (Film, 2008) – Actor
• Nekomimi Senki 2: Akanekkusu & Aobakkuru (Film, 2008) – Actor
• Flame of Recca (TV, 1997) – Theme Song Composition (ED1)
• H2 (TV, 1995) – Theme Song Composition, Lyrics, Performance (OP1)