In modern times, we've witnessed the evolution of music with a rich historical tapestry. Among the notable genres is Japan's City Pop. With its catchy tunes and vibrant rhythms, City Pop has left an indelible mark on Japanese culture and the world. Iconic tracks like Matsubara Miki's Stay with Me and Takeuchi Mariya's Plastic Love have quickly become favorites among today's music enthusiasts. Today, let's delve into the genre that once captivated the masses!
Even if you listen to an entire City Pop playlist on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and SoundCloud, or read all the related information on Wikipedia, it’s challenging to summarize and accurately define the melodies sharing the same origins. To truly capture the essence of this genre, which is both vintage and modern, we need to explore three essential elements: Origin Context, Influence, and Popularity.
The Birth of City Pop
City Pop is a music genre that originated in Japan during the 1970s. However, it lacks a precise definition. Initially, this genre was considered a subcategory of “New Music,” which was influenced by Western culture, music, and art. With societal advancements and the growing importance of science and technology, the demand for spiritual values also increased. This era saw a diversity of genres and musical styles connected to the socio-economic development of the time, such as AOR, R&B, Soft Rock, Funk, and Boogie. City Pop is also linked to the new technologies of this period, like the Walkman, cars equipped with cassette players, and various electronic musical instruments.
In the 1970s in America, following the "Counter-culture" wave, many young people, disillusioned with reality, sought ways to escape. Disco music emerged with the mission of liberating people from the harsh social realities of the time, offering moments of joy and dance in nightclubs, temporarily forgetting societal issues. Disco created a cultural and musical wave worldwide, though its lifespan was relatively short. In Japan, Disco was a significant inspiration and is considered a precursor to the City Pop genre.
After World War II, Japan experienced an economic boom, becoming the second-largest economic power in the world at that time. It was in this historical context that City Pop was born. The people of the "land of the rising sun" benefited from the post-war economic explosion and the allure of consumerism. The trend of consuming luxurious, expensive goods—taking inspiration from America—spanned clothing, food, travel, and nightlife music culture.
Cultural and artistic development flourished alongside this economic growth. The rise of Sony, with its standout sound systems installed in cars, marked a significant technological advancement. Japanese music responded to this trend and public taste by birthing the City Pop genre, reflecting the opulent and vibrant lifestyle of the era.
The Popularity of City Pop in Popular Culture
The golden era of City Pop reached its peak in the 1980s. Japanese music talents such as Tatsuro Yamashita, Toshiki Kadomatsu, and Miki Matsubara, with their melodies ingrained in the minds of modern music enthusiasts, were considered the "giants" of the City Pop genre. Among them, Yamashita was known at the time as the "King of City Pop." However, after the 1980s, the genre fell out of favor, with the Japanese public deeming it cheesy, boring, and lacking distinction. City Pop regained its position in the 2010s, with the explosive growth of the Internet revolution, music forums, and blogs about Japan's nostalgic music being popularized worldwide. Surely, at this moment, we have all let ourselves be swept away by the vibrant tunes of Plastic Love or the endless romantic and sentimental playlists on YouTube.
Although inspired by Western music, City Pop has retained the unique characteristics of Japanese culture. This genre has become a "bridge" perfectly linking Eastern and Western influences. Many young people abroad enjoy City Pop because it is relatively new yet also nostalgic. Most of the music that the younger generation knows from the 70s and 80s is through their parents' experiences.
City Pop serves as a way for foreigners to forge new connections with the beautiful memories of Japanese culture from their youth. This is a significant reason why Westerners are so captivated by City Pop—it feels like a forgotten memory has resurfaced. The appreciation for this cultural exchange creates a flourishing connection that brings together different generations from both Japan and the West.
The Influence of City Pop on Art
City Pop is not only as lively melodies but as a cultural icon in Japanese society and globally. This genre has deeply inspired art forms such as fashion, architecture, and cinema in modern culture.
Fashion
Fashion inspired by City Pop features vibrant colors, bold patterns, and futuristic designs. From jackets to neon accessories, City Pop aesthetics symbolize a celebration of individuality and eclectic expression reflecting the spirit of the era.
One of the most iconic aspects of City Pop fashion is its bold use of color. Neon shades, pastels, and metallics dominate the palette, bringing a vibrant, energetic feel to the streets of past decades. From brightly colored tracksuits to sequined dresses, City Pop fashion aims to stand out and make a statement.
City Pop fashion may have originated in the 1980s, but its influence is still felt today. From the runways of Tokyo Fashion Week to the streets of Harajuku and the four major fashion capitals of the world, the echo of City Pop aesthetics can be seen in contemporary fashion trends worldwide.
Fashion inspired by City Pop features vibrant colors, bold patterns, and futuristic designs. From jackets to neon accessories, City Pop aesthetics symbolize a celebration of individuality and eclectic expression reflecting the spirit of the era. One of the most iconic aspects of City Pop fashion is its bold use of color. Neon shades, pastels, and metallics dominate the palette, bringing a vibrant, energetic feel to the streets of past decades. From brightly colored tracksuits to sequined dresses, City Pop fashion aims to stand out and make a statement.
Cinema
Japanese City Pop music has also made its mark on the world of film and television. From iconic movie soundtracks to memorable music videos, City Pop has provided the soundtrack for countless films, TV shows, and commercials. Whether it's the upbeat tunes of Tatsuro Yamashita in a romantic comedy or the haunting synths of Mariya Takeuchi in a crime thriller, City Pop's influence is evident.
In particular, nostalgic childhood memories of anime films like "Cat’s Eyes," "Kimagure Orange Road," and "City Hunter" are filled with these evocative melodies. In recent years, City Pop has experienced a resurgence in popular culture, with its nostalgic sound and appeal making it a favorite choice for filmmakers.
Architecture
Even in the field of architecture, the influence of City Pop is clearly visible. In cities like Tokyo and Osaka, where neon lights and skyscrapers from the 1980s still stand tall, the legacy of City Pop continues to thrive. From futuristic office buildings and shopping centers to retro-inspired cafes and nightclubs, the architecture of these cities reflects the dynamic energy of the City Pop era.
Conclusion
Music touches us emotionally, where words alone can't.
Can you imagine your life without music? It seems almost impossible. Music – melodies – are not just a rich emotional balm but also a bridge that connects people. Once a dominating genre in the hearts of Japanese audiences, City Pop has gone through phases of decline and nearly lost its appeal in the music landscape.
Today, City Pop is resurging powerfully, reshaping modern music and pioneering the global spread of Japanese music culture. City Pop is the "cutting point" between different cultures, inspiring many artists and singers worldwide.