Hatsumi Shibata is free soulish...this album
(1975) was produced by Yuji Ohno...fiyah

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X43eMCZ4HZM

Spectrum is a jazz funk band along the lines
of EWF. This one is off their 2nd album (1979?)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78TWZ8WrDK4

Hosono Haruomi (YMO fame): personally my favorite japanese
musician and probably in my top 5 all-time...he
can do and has done almost every genre...this is
off his solo debut 1973..has some folky rock leanings
but still funky

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMu1AAS-Pe4