Why Japanese City Pop becomes Popular

You might recognize that picture above. Or at least seen the picture somewhere else. Some of you maybe have ever heard the song associated with that picture. Some of you maybe already play that song inside your head now. But have you ever wondered? How a genre from almost half a decade ago suddenly made its rise and even gained more audience. How a genre that came from a single country, shakes the whole internet and becomes popular even among young listeners around the world, 40 years later?

What is the origin of this genre?

Japanese City Pop is a music genre that emerged in the late 1970s in Japan and became popular throughout the 1980s. The combination of various musical genres such as funk, R&B, jazz, and pop characterize this genre. The origin of the term “City Pop” itself was pinned by a Japanese music critic and radio DJ, Yasufumi Amatatsu. It’s because of the subtle urban atmosphere combined with a pop-jazzy sound. Gives you a unique experience when listening to it.

But if want to talk about its origin, then we need to go back way further to the 1960s. Japan’s industrial development at that time led to rapid economic growth and created massive urbanization. Therefore, a new way of life like recreation, consumerism, and Western-style entertainment began to emerge in the city. Influenced Japanese culture and lifestyle, including music. That’s why when you hear a song from this genre, you would feel the beat of some cosmopolitan sound with upbeat lyrics. It’s like celebrating the joy and excitement of city life in that era.

The 1980s became an important year for this genre. Haruomi Hosono, Taeko Ohnuki, and Tatsuro Yamashita were some of the musicians who became pioneers of Japanese city pop music development at that time. Generating and popularizing city pop songs with a distinctive sound and a new feel. Followed by other artists such as Mariya Takeuchi, Miki Matsubara, and Anri. The genre became a new wave. New songs kept popping up. Albums were increasingly sold. The City Pop has been accepted, as a gift from a cultural mix, that blessed their ears. Before drowned and replaced by the other waves that come years later.

When did it becomes popular again?

But later in the mid of 2010s, Mariya Takeuchi’s song “Plastic Love”, which that released in 1984, went viral on YouTube. Followed by other songs such as “Stay with Me” by “Miki Matsubara” and “Midnight Pretenders” by Tomoko Aran. These songs suddenly became hits among the Western audience, despite the language barrier. And surprisingly, these songs became hits among young people too. They kept falling into the rabbit hole. Song by song was rediscovered. At this point, they finally realized, that they might have discovered a time capsule. A treasure from 40 years ago. And thus, Japanese City Pop emerged to the surface.

This great discovery certainly does not stop at being just a discovery. City Pop-inspired playlists and radio stations quickly appeared on YouTube and streaming services such as Spotify and Apple Music, helping to introduce this genre to a wider audience. Remixes and covers of city pop songs were popping up on YouTube and other platforms. Inspiring new musicians in their song styles like Yung Bae and Yumi Zouma. Even The Weeknd is using a sample from a Japanese city pop song, Midnight Pretenders from Tomoko Aran, for their song, Out of Time. Moreover, new genres like vaporwave or future funk were also born, inspired by this genre. Japanese city pop not only just emerged, but also created a new wave in the current generation.

So why exactly this genre is suddenly popular again?

There are several factors that are believed to be the reasons why this genre is gaining popularity again.

1. Accessibility

Thanks to the internet, you can almost find everything by just a type on the keyboard. Everything is connected. Everything becomes accessible. People can access and upload whatever they want or love on the internet. And as long as it’s uploaded on the internet, people can access it. The discovery of this genre itself was also because someone uploaded it on YouTube and Soundcloud. You can safely assume that the scenario was, some people were in love with this genre, and they decided to share it with the world by uploading the song on the internet. And then, some people discovered it. They tried to listen and they enjoy it. Then they decided to share this feeling of excitement with other people too. That’s how this genre gained back its stage again. This also brings us to the next factor of why this thing becomes popular again.

Everything tends to be viral in this age. And whatever is viral, tends to become a trend. This was also believed to be the case why this genre is popular again. Because there are so many people getting interested in this genre, people who know nothing about it would become attracted to what is happening. Platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok helped the spread becomes larger. While platforms like YouTube, Soundcloud, Spotify, and Apple Music give us accessibility. Combining these two powers with a feature called “Share”, it’s almost like fishing with a large net. Covers and remixes from various artists also become part of its spread. Thus, this is answering the question of why these songs gained a new audience among youngsters. But still doesn’t fully answer how this genre is become accepted by most people nowadays.

3. The Unique and Catchy Melodies

Now, this is the main factor of why this thing is happening. I mean let’s be honest. The music itself is interesting! Japanese city pop is known for its catchy melodies and a distinct sound that sets it apart from other musical genres. It often features smooth vocals, elaborate instrumentals, and a mix of different musical styles, such as jazz, funk, and pop, which are often incorporated with the element of city life. The songs are upbeat and easy to listen to. Making them enjoyable for a wide range of people. Unique but it’s enjoyable. Feel old and nostalgic, yet at the same time, it feels refreshing to hear. You can’t help but vibing and feel nostalgic whenever you hear this music. This brings us to the next factor.

4. Retro Aesthetic

Not only the music itself. Fashion, design, and the overall aesthetic of the 1980s are currently experiencing a resurgence in popularity, especially among young people. They love the feeling of nostalgia and the romanticism behind it. They love the aesthetic. And that’s why Japanese City Pop is easily accepted by people. This genre is perfectly capturing the glamorous, carefree lifestyle and a sense of optimism about the future vibes of that era. Even younger listeners can grasp the feeling and make their own moment of nostalgia too. Even if they don’t really understand the language itself, they still can feel and vibe to the music. In fact, it’s adding a unique color to the music instead. Like icing on top of a cupcake. Also, there is one more reason why the Japanese language is not an obstacle to its spread.

5. Cultural Interest of Japan

Japanese culture, art, and media are gaining popularity around the world. Whether it’s music, food, movie, or even anime. So, it’s not really hard for Japanese city pop to mingle in the middle. People who are already attracted to Japanese culture would instantly check out this music. Because it is just one aspect of this cultural appeal. Combined with the revival of retro aesthetics it is a great combo for reintroducing this music genre. But even if people are not really into Japanese culture, the four factors above would still manage to get people into this genre.

These factors have all contributed to the widespread love and appreciation of Japanese city pop to this day.

Does this hype also happen in Japan itself?

Japanese city pop is also experiencing a resurgence in popularity in Japan. Many of the original artists from the 1980s continued to perform and release music, and their songs found new fans among a younger audience. Additionally, a new generation of Japanese artists has emerged who are influenced by urban pop and are incorporating its sound and style into their music. There are also a number of city pop-themed events and concerts held in Japan, including the annual “Tokyo City Pop” festival, which celebrates the genre and its heritage. So while the genre’s popularity has spread beyond Japan, it remains an important part of the country’s music scene and cultural heritage.

Conclusion

Younger generations in Japan and elsewhere seem to have a positive view of Japanese city pop. Many young people are attracted by the genre’s smooth and upbeat sound, as well as its distinctive style and aesthetic. Additionally, some younger musicians and producers incorporate elements of city pop into their own music, indicating that the genre continues to inspire and influence new artists. There is also a growing interest among young people in retro and vintage culture, which has helped fuel a revival of interest in Japanese city pop. Overall, it seems that the genre’s appeal is not limited to a certain age group, and has found a new generation of fans who appreciate its unique sound and style.