An Overview of Japanese Popular Music

Welcome to the vibrant world of Japanese pop music! J-pop is a genre that seamlessly blends traditional sounds with modern influences, creating a rich and dynamic musical landscape. Over the past century, J-pop has evolved through various styles, from the soulful enka ballads and rockabilly rhythms of the mid-20th century to the polished idol pop and futuristic digital beats of today. Icons like Hibari Misora, Hikaru Utada, and Namie Amuro have shaped the genre, each bringing their unique style and pushing musical boundaries. J-pop is more than just music; it’s a cultural phenomenon that reflects Japan’s history, creativity, and innovation.

In this article, we'll take you on a journey through the key sub-genres of J-pop, highlighting the most influential songs that have defined each era. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or a newcomer, get ready to explore the captivating evolution of Japanese pop music and discover why it continues to enchant audiences worldwide.

1920s-1940s: Enka and Ryūkōka

Enka and Ryūkōka were the predominant styles during this period. Ryūkōka emerged in the 1920s and 1930s, influenced by Western music such as jazz and blues, but adapted to Japanese tastes. It featured sentimental ballads and often had melancholic themes, reflecting the hardships of life in pre-war and wartime Japan. Instruments included traditional Japanese ones like the shamisen, but Western instruments like the violin and guitar were also incorporated. 

1. "Tokyo Ondo" by Shoji Taro (1933) - A popular ryūkōka song that blends Western and traditional Japanese elements.

2. "Aozora" by Ichiro Fujiyama (1936) - One of the defining songs of the ryūkōka era.

3. "Ringo no Uta" by Michiko Namiki (1945) - A post-war hit that became a symbol of recovery and hope.

Enka evolved from ryūkōka and gained popularity in the post-war era. It is characterized by its sorrowful, nostalgic lyrics and melodramatic singing style, often invoking themes of lost love and longing. Enka singers typically perform in traditional Japanese attire, and the music incorporates traditional scales and instruments, giving it a distinctly Japanese feel. 

1. "Yawara" by Hibari Misora (1948) - This song established Misora as a significant figure in enka and Japanese music as a whole.

2. "Kawa no Nagare no Yō ni" by Hibari Misora (1989) - Although released later, this song is a quintessential enka ballad.

3. "Kanashii Sake" by Keiko Fuji (1970) - Reflects the classic enka themes of sorrow and longing.

1950s-1960s: Rockabilly, Kayōkyoku, and Group Sounds

In the post-war years, Japanese music saw the rise of Rockabilly and Kayōkyoku. Rockabilly was part of the broader rock ‘n’ roll movement and was characterized by its energetic rhythms and guitar-driven sound. Japanese rockabilly artists often emulated American rock ‘n’ roll icons like Elvis Presley, bringing a youthful, rebellious spirit to the Japanese music scene.

1. "One Way Ticket" by Masaaki Hirao (1958) - A cover of Elvis Presley's hit that ignited the rockabilly craze in Japan.

2. "Oh! Carol"** by Mickey Curtis (1959) - Another early rockabilly hit that helped popularize the genre.

3. “Diana" by Keijiro Yamashita (1958) - An influential rockabilly song showcasing the genre’s energy and style.

Kayōkyoku can be seen as the Japanese equivalent of Western pop music, blending traditional Japanese music with Western pop and jazz influences. It was the dominant form of Japanese pop music from the 1950s through the 1980s. Kayōkyoku songs often featured catchy melodies and orchestral arrangements, and the genre produced many enduring hits. 

1. "Ue o Muite Arukō" (Sukiyaki) by Kyu Sakamoto (1961) - An international hit that brought Japanese pop to the world stage.

2. "Tokyo Boogie Woogie" by Shizuko Kasagi (1947) - One of the earliest hits blending American and Japanese musical styles.

3. "Blue Light Yokohama" by Ayumi Ishida (1968) - A classic kayōkyoku song that remains popular.

Group Sounds (Gurūpu Saunzu) emerged in the mid-1960s, influenced by British Invasion bands like The Beatles. Group Sounds bands typically consisted of young men playing electric guitars, bass, and drums, and their music was characterized by its upbeat rock and pop sound. This era marked the beginning of the Japanese band’s scene and laid the groundwork for future rock and pop groups. 

1. "Koi no Fuga" by The Peanuts (1967) - A hit song that became emblematic of the Group Sounds era.

2. "Somehow, Somehow" by The Spiders (1966) - One of the defining songs of the Group Sounds movement.

3. "Emerald no Densetsu" by The Tempters (1968) - Another popular Group Sounds song that captured the spirit of the 1960s.

1970s: Folk Rock, New Music, and City Pop

The 1970s were a transformative decade with the rise of Folk Rock Music, New Music, and City Pop. Folk Rock Music became popular among Japanese youth, characterized by its acoustic sound and socially conscious lyrics. Artists like Takuro Yoshida and Yosui Inoue sang about personal and political themes, resonating with a generation seeking change.

1. “悲しくてやりきれない” by The Folk Crusaider (1968) - 

2. "Toki no Sugiyuku Mama ni" by Kenji Sawada (1975) - A folk-rock classic that became hugely popular.

3. "Kazari Janai no yo Namida wa" by Akina Nakamori (1984) - A folk-influenced pop song with a strong emotional core.

“天使が恋をおぼえたら” by Pink Pickles ピンク・ピクルス (1971) - A lovely female folk duet with a full orchestral arrangement.

New Music was a term used to describe a more polished, introspective form of pop music that emerged in the mid-1970s. It incorporated elements of rock, folk, and jazz, and was often more sophisticated and reflective than previous pop styles. Artists like Yumi Matsutoya (Yuming) and Tatsuro Yamashita were key figures in this genre, producing music that captured the urban experience. 

1. "Rouge no Dengon" by Yumi Matsutoya (1975) - A defining song of the New Music era.

2. "RIDE ON TIME" by Tatsuro Yamashita (1980) - A hit that perfectly captures the essence of the genre.

3. "Yume no Tsuzuki" by Mariya Takeuchi (1979) - A beloved New Music track that remains influential.

City Pop emerged towards the late 1970s and blossomed in the 80s, blending elements of jazz, funk, and R&B with smooth pop melodies. It reflected the economic boom and cosmopolitan lifestyle of urban Japan, often featuring polished production and lyrics about love, leisure, and city life. This genre enjoyed a resurgence in popularity in the 2010s, both in Japan and internationally. 

1. "Plastic Love" by Mariya Takeuchi (1984) - An iconic city pop song that has seen a resurgence in popularity.

2. "Windy Lady" by Tatsuro Yamashita (1976) - A smooth, jazzy city pop track.

3. "Stay With Me" by Miki Matsubara (1980) - A city pop classic with enduring appeal.

1980s: Idol Pop and Techno Pop

The 1980s were defined by the rise of Idol Pop and Techno Pop. Idol Pop centered around young, charismatic performers (idols) who were heavily promoted by talent agencies. These idols often had a clean, wholesome image, and their music was catchy and easy to sing along to. Seiko Matsuda and Akina Nakamori were among the most prominent idols of this era, setting the template for future idol groups. 

1. "Akai Sweet Pea" by Seiko Matsuda (1982) - One of Seiko Matsuda’s signature songs.

2. "Kazari Janai no yo Namida wa" by Akina Nakamori (1984) - A powerful idol pop song with depth.

3. "Valentine Kiss" by Sayuri Kokushō (1986) - A quintessential 80s idol pop hit.

Techno Pop (or Synthpop) was heavily influenced by electronic music pioneers like Yellow Magic Orchestra (YMO). This genre utilized synthesizers, drum machines, and digital production techniques to create futuristic, danceable tracks. YMO’s innovative approach not only influenced Japanese pop but also left a lasting impact on global electronic music. 

1. "Rydeen" by Yellow Magic Orchestra (1979) - A groundbreaking track in the techno pop genre.

2. "Polyrhythm" by Perfume (2007) - A more recent hit that showcases the lasting influence of techno pop.

3. "Behind the Mask" by Yellow Magic Orchestra (1979) - Another classic YMO track that has been widely influential.

1990s: J-Pop, Visual Kei, and Shibuya-kei

The 1990s saw the explosion of J-Pop, a broad term that encompasses a variety of contemporary Japanese pop music styles. This era marked the full flowering of Japan’s commercial pop industry, with artists like Namie Amuro, Hikaru Utada, and Ayumi Hamasaki becoming major stars. J-Pop was characterized by its polished production, catchy melodies, and a blend of various genres, including R&B, dance, and rock. Some of the most popular J-Pop songs include “Automatic” by Hikaru Utada, “Can You Celebrate?” by Namie Amuro, and “M” by Ayumi Hamasaki.

1. "Automatic" by Hikaru Utada (1998) - A defining song of late 90s J-pop.

2. "Can You Celebrate?" by Namie Amuro (1997) - One of the best-selling singles in Japanese history.

3. "M" by Ayumi Hamasaki (2000) - A major hit that cemented Hamasaki's status in J-pop.

Visual Kei emerged as a sub-genre of rock that emphasized flamboyant visuals, elaborate costumes, and dramatic performances. Bands like X Japan and L’Arc~en~Ciel were pioneers of this movement, which combined heavy metal and glam rock influences with unique Japanese aesthetics.

1. "Kurenai" by X Japan (1989) - A signature song of the visual kei movement.

2. "Flower" by L'Arc~en~Ciel (1996) - A popular visual kei track that helped define the genre.

3. "Illuminati" by Malice Mizer (1998) - An influential song in the visual kei scene.

Shibuya-kei was a stylish, eclectic genre that originated in Tokyo’s Shibuya district. It mixed elements of pop, jazz, bossa nova, and electronic music, often with a retro or lounge-like feel. Artists like Pizzicato Five and Cornelius were key figures in this genre, which enjoyed both critical acclaim and a dedicated following. 

1. "Sweet Soul Revue" by Pizzicato Five (1993) - A quintessential Shibuya-kei song.

2. "Star Fruits Surf Rider" by Cornelius (1997) - A track that exemplifies the eclectic nature of Shibuya-kei.

3. "Magic Carpet Ride" by Fantastic Plastic Machine (1998) - Another key song in the Shibuya-kei genre.

2000s: Idol Group Dominance and Hip-Hop

The 2000s were characterized by the dominance of Idol Groups and the rise of Japanese Hip-Hop. Idol Groups like Morning Musume, Arashi, and AKB48 became incredibly popular, driven by their extensive media presence, fan engagement strategies, and the production of catchy, upbeat songs. AKB48, in particular, revolutionized the idol industry with their “idols you can meet” concept, which included regular live performances and meet-and-greet events. 

1. "Love Machine" by Morning Musume (1999) - A massive hit that defined the idol group boom.

2. "A・RA・SHI" by Arashi (1999) - The debut single that catapulted Arashi to stardom.

3. "Heavy Rotation" by AKB48 (2010) - One of AKB48’s most iconic songs.

Japanese Hip-Hop began to gain mainstream popularity in the 2000s, with artists like Rip Slyme, Zeebra, and m-flo bringing the genre to a wider audience. Japanese hip-hop often blended Western hip-hop influences with Japanese cultural elements, addressing themes ranging from urban life to personal experiences. The genre’s growth reflected the increasing globalization of Japanese music and the incorporation of diverse musical styles. 

1. "FUNKASTIC" by Rip Slyme (2001) - A defining song of the Japanese hip-hop scene.

2. "Shiroi Yami no Naka" by Zeebra (1997) - A key track that helped bring hip-hop to a mainstream audience in Japan.

3. "Come Again" by m-flo (2001) - A crossover hit that blends hip-hop with pop and electronic music.

2010s-2020s: Digital Pop, Vocaloid, and Genre Blending

In the 2010s and 2020s, Japanese music continued to evolve with the rise of Digital Pop, Vocaloid, and extensive Genre Blending. Digital Pop artists like Kyary Pamyu Pamyu and Perfume embraced cutting-edge technology in their music and performances, creating a futuristic, highly produced sound. Their work often featured catchy electronic beats, quirky visuals, and a strong emphasis on fashion and aesthetics. 

1. "PonPonPon" by Kyary Pamyu Pamyu (2011) - A viral hit that showcases the quirky, colorful style of digital pop.

2. "Polyrhythm" by Perfume (2007) - A standout track that has become a digital pop anthem.

3. "Future Pop" by Perfume (2018) - A recent hit that continues Perfume's legacy in digital pop.

Vocaloid technology, particularly the virtual idol Hatsune Miku, revolutionized music production by allowing creators to synthesize singing voices using software. Vocaloid music spans various genres and has a dedicated fanbase both in Japan and internationally, demonstrating the potential of digital innovation in music.

1. "World is Mine" by Hatsune Miku (2008) - One of the most popular Vocaloid songs.

2. "Senbonzakura" by Hatsune Miku (2011) - A highly influential song within the Vocaloid community.

3. "Rolling Girl" by Hatsune Miku (2009) - Another iconic Vocaloid track with a strong fan following.

Genre Blending became more pronounced, with artists like Kenshi Yonezu and Babymetal combining elements from different musical styles to create unique sounds. Yonezu’s music blends pop, rock, and electronic influences, while Babymetal’s fusion of idol pop with heavy metal created a new genre entirely. This period also saw a growing international interest in J-pop and Japanese culture, facilitated by the internet and global streaming platforms. 

1. "Lemon" by Kenshi Yonezu (2018) - A hit song that blends pop, rock, and electronic elements.

2. "Gimme Chocolate!!" by Babymetal (2014) - A song that exemplifies Babymetal’s unique blend of idol pop and heavy metal.

3. "Paprika" by Kenshi Yonezu (2018) - A song that combines pop with traditional Japanese musical elements.

A World of Music to Explore

Japanese pop music has evolved through numerous sub-genres, each reflecting the cultural and social changes of its time. From the traditional enka and ryūkōka of the early 20th century to the innovative digital pop and Vocaloid music of today, each decade has brought new sounds and styles that have contributed to the rich tapestry of J-pop. The ability of Japanese artists to blend influences from both East and West, while continually innovating, has ensured that J-pop remains a dynamic and influential force in the global music scene. The songs listed in this article not only define their respective genres but also reflect the evolution and diversity of Japanese pop music over the decades.