Tatsuro Yamashita: The Maestro of City Pop

Introduction

Tatsuro Yamashita, occasionally referred to as Tatsu Yamashita or Tats Yamashita, is a name that resonates with the golden era of Japanese music. Born on February 4, 1953, in Ikebukuro, Toshima, Tokyo, Japan, Yamashita is a renowned singer-songwriter and record producer who has left an indelible mark on the Japanese music industry.

Early Life and Career

Despite hailing from a family with no music background, Yamashita discovered his passion for music at a young age. His journey into the world of music began in the early 1970s as a member of the band Sugar Babe. The band, which included musicians Taeko Onuki and Kunio Muramatsu, released their only album, “Songs,” in 1975.

After the group disbanded in 1976, Yamashita launched his solo career, signing to RCA and releasing the album “Circus Town” the same year. He also teamed up with Eiichi Ohtaki, the producer of Sugar Babe, and Sugar Babe member Ginji Ito to release “Niagara Triangle Vol. 1,” which was cited by MTV as one of the finest collaborative efforts of that period.

Rise to Stardom

Yamashita’s rise to stardom was gradual but steady. His 1979 award-winning album “Moonglow” gained only moderate success. However, his 1980 song “Ride on Time” reached №3 on the Japanese Oricon chart, and the album of the same name topped the chart subsequently. This success propelled him to stardom.

The King of City Pop

Yamashita is often referred to as the “king” of city pop, a genre of popular music that originated in Japan in the 1980s and 70s. His music has been regarded as a symbol of Japanese outdoor music, as represented by “Ride on Time” and “For You” in the early 1980s.

His most well-known song is “Christmas Eve,” a best-selling song released in Japan in the 1980s. It has appeared on the Japanese charts for over 35 consecutive years. He is also known for his collaborations with his wife Mariya Takeuchi on many songs, including “Plastic Love”.

Legacy and Influence

Tatsuro Yamashita’s influence on the Japanese music industry is undeniable. He is considered a major contributor to Japanese music and is ranked by HMV Japan as the sixth among the top 100 Japanese Artists. His songs have been an integral part of the City Pop genre since the 70s and 80s, and his music has had a lasting impact.

As a solo artist, Yamashita has released 13 original studio albums, five cover albums, two live albums, multiple compilations, and over 50 singles. He is the most commercially successful Japanese male solo recording artist in the history of the Japanese album chart, selling approximately 9 million albums in total.

Yamashita approaches his music with the conviction and repetition of skill similar to a craftsman or tradesman. His creations are never groundbreaking in their approach; he stays within the boundaries of what is real and popular. His middle of the road comfort would — if attempted by anybody other than himself — likely be bland. But he somehow, for him, this comfort is the source of the beauty of his music.

Work for TV Commercials

Yamashita’s music has also been featured in numerous TV commercials, further cementing his influence in Japanese pop culture. Some of his notable commercial appearances include a 1979 Coca-Cola commercial and a Maxell commercial featuring his hit song “Ride on Time”.

A compilation of commercials featuring both Yamashita and his wife, Mariya Takeuchi, showcases a wide range of their music used in advertising. From soft drinks like Mitsuya Cider to confectioneries like Fujiya Heart Chocolate, their music has been used to promote various products, further demonstrating the broad appeal and enduring popularity of their music.

In conclusion, Tatsuro Yamashita’s legacy extends beyond his extensive discography and successful career in the music industry. His influence can be felt in the enduring popularity of the City Pop genre, his impact on Japanese pop culture, and his music’s ubiquitous presence in media and advertising.

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