City Pop and the Influence of Visual Media: Exploring Music Videos, Album Artwork, and Fashion
Japanese City Pop isn’t just about the music — it’s also about the visual aesthetic that accompanied the genre during its heyday in the 1970s and 1980s. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the influence of visual media on City Pop, exploring the role of music videos, album artwork, and fashion in shaping the genre’s iconic image.
1. Music Videos as Visual Spectacles
During the City Pop era, music videos played a crucial role in promoting artists and their music, providing a visual complement to the soundscape of the genre. City Pop music videos often featured elaborate sets, colorful costumes, and choreographed dance routines, creating visual spectacles that captivated audiences and reinforced the upbeat and glamorous image of the genre. Artists like Tatsuro Yamashita and Mariya Takeuchi became known for their stylish and sophisticated music videos, which helped to elevate their status as icons of the City Pop scene.
2. Album Artwork as Iconic Imagery
Album artwork played an equally important role in shaping the visual identity of City Pop. From sleek and minimalist designs to bold and colorful illustrations, City Pop album covers captured the essence of the genre’s sound and aesthetic, drawing listeners in with their striking imagery and attention to detail. Iconic album covers, such as Tatsuro Yamashita’s “Ride on Time” and Mariya Takeuchi’s “Variety,” became synonymous with the City Pop era, serving as enduring symbols of its cultural legacy.
3. Fashion as a Reflection of Style Trends
City Pop fashion was as much a part of the genre’s visual identity as its music and album artwork. Artists and fans alike embraced bold colors, flashy accessories, and avant-garde hairstyles, creating a fashion-forward aesthetic that reflected the urban lifestyle of City Pop’s heyday. From oversized blazers and statement sunglasses to neon-colored jumpsuits and platform shoes, City Pop fashion pushed the boundaries of style and self-expression, inspiring generations of fashionistas and trendsetters around the world.
4. Enduring Influence and Contemporary Revival
While the City Pop era may have come to an end, its influence on visual media continues to resonate in contemporary culture. Artists and filmmakers draw inspiration from the glamorous aesthetics of City Pop music videos and album artwork, incorporating elements of the genre’s visual identity into their own work. Fashion designers and stylists also look to City Pop fashion for inspiration, reimagining its bold colors and retro silhouettes for modern audiences. As a result, City Pop’s visual legacy lives on in the digital age, proving that iconic imagery never goes out of style.
I blend City Pop elements with modern music influences, creating what I call Neo City Pop! Take a listen and let me know what you think! :)
