This single book has nurtured Japanese music fans! To commemorate its 30th anniversary, the definitive guide to soul music is newly released! A new edition of the beloved long seller (11th printing) is here, featuring 11 playlists = a total of 448 songs. The design and text layout have also been completely revamped. Peter Barakan, familiar from FM programs like "Barakan Beat" and "Weekend Sunshine," as well as NHK World's "Japanology," discusses the history of American soul music and its stars, from gospel to hip-hop. This book has been supported by many musicians and listeners, becoming a long seller. This 30th-anniversary edition includes a newly selected playlist of 448 songs by the author for each chapter, created on the streaming service Spotify, with a link QR code and newly written commentary, making it an expanded and revised edition. With hip-hop now mainstream in the music world, young listeners are showing renewed interest in the history of black music, making this the perfect introductory book. ※ This book is a revised new edition of "Soul's Journey" released by our company in 2008. This year marks the 30th anniversary since the original Shinchosha Bunko edition was released in 1989.