The basic information about Japanese City Pop Music
Japanese City Pop, a genre that blossomed in the late 1970s and reached its zenith during the 1980s, has experienced a remarkable renaissance in recent years. This sophisticated fusion of Western pop, jazz, funk, and R&B with distinctly Japanese sensibilities has captivated audiences worldwide, transcending both cultural and temporal boundaries. This comprehensive exploration delves deep into the rich tapestry of City Pop, offering insights that may be less accessible to non-Japanese speaking enthusiasts.
Origins and Evolution
The roots of City Pop can be traced back to the economic miracle of post-war Japan, particularly in bustling urban centers like Tokyo and Osaka. As Japan’s economy soared to unprecedented heights, a new generation of young, affluent urbanites emerged, yearning for a musical backdrop that mirrored their cosmopolitan aspirations and experiences.
The Birth of a Genre
Interestingly, the term “City Pop” (シティ・ポップ) wasn’t widely used during the genre’s heyday. It gained popularity retrospectively, encompassing a broad spectrum of sophisticated, urban-themed pop music produced in Japan during this era. The genre drew heavy influence from American soft rock, AOR (Adult Oriented Rock), funk, and fusion jazz, creating a unique sound that was distinctly Japanese yet globally appealing.
Key factors contributing to City Pop’s development include:
1. Technological Advancements: The introduction of cutting-edge synthesizers and recording equipment allowed for more polished and complex productions. Instruments like the Yamaha DX7, Roland Juno-60, and the Fender Rhodes electric piano became staples of the City Pop sound.
2. Cultural Exchange: Increased exposure to Western music and culture profoundly influenced Japanese musicians. Many artists traveled abroad, particularly to the United States, absorbing influences from the thriving music scenes in cities like Los Angeles and New York.
3. Economic Prosperity: Japan’s economic miracle provided the backdrop for a new urban lifestyle that City Pop sought to soundtrack. The affluence of the era allowed for bigger production budgets and a receptive audience eager for sophisticated, high-quality music.
4. Urban Migration: The rapid urbanization of Japan led to a concentration of young people in cities, creating a demand for music that reflected their new lifestyles and experiences.
Notable Pioneers and Innovators
Several artists played crucial roles in shaping the City Pop sound, each bringing their unique influences and styles to the genre:
1. Tatsuro Yamashita (山下達郎): Often hailed as the “King of City Pop,” Yamashita’s 1980 album “Ride on Time” is considered a cornerstone of the genre. His sophisticated arrangements, smooth vocals, and masterful songwriting set the gold standard for City Pop. Yamashita’s influence extends beyond his own recordings; he has written and produced for numerous other artists, shaping the sound of Japanese popular music for decades.
2. Mariya Takeuchi (竹内まりや): Her song “Plastic Love” has become an iconic City Pop track, especially following its viral resurgence in the 2010s. Takeuchi’s blend of catchy melodies and urban themes epitomizes the City Pop aesthetic. Her 1984 album “Variety” is considered a classic of the genre, showcasing her versatility as both a songwriter and performer.
3. Haruomi Hosono (細野晴臣): A founding member of the influential electronic music group Yellow Magic Orchestra, Hosono’s solo work significantly influenced City Pop’s development. His 1978 album “Pacific” is considered a precursor to the City Pop sound, blending exotica, electronic music, and pop in a way that would define the genre. Hosono’s experimental approach and diverse musical interests helped push City Pop in new and exciting directions.
4. Eiichi Ohtaki (大瀧詠一): As a member of the folk-rock band Happy End and through his solo work, Ohtaki played a crucial role in bridging the gap between folk rock and City Pop. His 1981 album “A Long Vacation” is a landmark in the genre, perfectly capturing the breezy, carefree spirit of City Pop. Ohtaki’s attention to detail in production and arrangement set new standards for pop music in Japan.
5. Taeko Ohnuki (大貫妙子): Her sophisticated jazz-influenced pop set new standards for female artists in the genre. Albums like “Sunshower” (1977) and “Mignonne” (1978) are considered classics, showcasing Ohnuki’s unique vocal style and innovative arrangements. Her collaboration with renowned arranger Ryuichi Sakamoto on these albums helped define the lush, sophisticated sound of City Pop.
6. Toshiki Kadomatsu (角松敏生): Known for his guitar skills and smooth production style, Kadomatsu’s albums like “After 5 Clash” (1984) and “Sea Is A Lady” (1987) are quintessential City Pop. His music often incorporated elements of funk and boogie, adding a danceable groove to the City Pop formula.
7. Hiroshi Sato (佐藤博): A keyboard virtuoso, Sato’s albums “Orient” (1979) and “Awakening” (1982) are revered for their innovative use of synthesizers and fusion of electronic and acoustic sounds. His work helped push City Pop in a more electronic direction, influencing future generations of Japanese electronic musicians.
Musical Characteristics
City Pop is characterized by its lush, polished sound and sophisticated production techniques. The genre’s musical DNA is a complex fusion of various elements:
1. Synthesizers: Instruments like the Yamaha DX7, Roland Juno-60, and Sequential Circuits Prophet-5 were extensively used, creating the genre’s signature smooth, electronic textures. These synths provided the lush pads and shimmering leads that became hallmarks of the City Pop sound.
2. Electric Guitars: Often featuring clean, chorus-heavy tones reminiscent of American West Coast rock. Guitarists like Tsunehide Matsuki and Char became known for their distinctive styles that blended jazz fusion techniques with pop sensibilities.
3. Sophisticated Chord Progressions: Borrowing from jazz and fusion, City Pop often employs complex harmonic structures. The use of extended chords (7ths, 9ths, 11ths) and intricate chord substitutions became a defining feature of the genre.
4. Groove-oriented Rhythms: Influenced by funk and disco, many City Pop tracks feature prominent basslines and syncopated drum patterns. The rhythm sections often incorporated elements of Latin and Caribbean music, adding to the genre’s cosmopolitan feel.
5. Horn Sections: Many City Pop tracks incorporate brass instruments, adding a layer of sophistication to the arrangements. The influence of big band jazz and soul music is evident in the use of horn sections.
6. Fender Rhodes and Electric Pianos: The warm, mellow tones of electric pianos, particularly the Fender Rhodes, became a staple of City Pop, providing both rhythmic support and melodic embellishments.
7. Studio Production: City Pop is known for its high production values. Producers like Tatsuro Yamashita and Eiichi Ohtaki were known for their meticulous attention to detail in the studio, often spending months perfecting a single album.
Lyrical Themes
City Pop lyrics often revolve around urban life, romance, and a sense of escapism. Common themes include:
- The excitement and challenges of city living, capturing the energy of Japan’s booming metropolises
- Romantic encounters and heartbreaks, often set against the backdrop of urban nightlife
- Nostalgia for simpler times, reflecting a longing for the past even as Japan rapidly modernized
- Dreams of tropical getaways, echoing the increased travel opportunities for Japanese citizens during the economic boom
- The bittersweet nature of youth and the passage of time, a recurring theme in many City Pop classics
These themes were often complemented by album artwork featuring idealized urban landscapes or tropical scenes, further emphasizing the music’s aspirational quality. Artists like Hiroshi Nagai became famous for their City Pop album covers, creating a visual aesthetic that was inseparable from the music itself.
The Golden Age: 1980s
The 1980s saw City Pop reach its commercial and creative zenith, coinciding with Japan’s bubble economy era. This period of unprecedented economic prosperity allowed for lavish production budgets and a receptive audience eager for sophisticated, cosmopolitan music.
Commercial Success and Cultural Impact
Albums like Tatsuro Yamashita’s “For You” (1982) and Mariya Takeuchi’s “Variety” (1984) achieved massive success, with the latter selling over a million copies. City Pop became the soundtrack to Japan’s economic boom, embodying the optimism and excess of the time.
The influence of City Pop extended beyond music into various aspects of Japanese popular culture:
1. Fashion: The sophisticated, urban image of City Pop artists influenced fashion trends, promoting a more cosmopolitan style. Brands like JUN and SHIPS drew inspiration from the City Pop aesthetic, creating clothing lines that embodied the genre’s sleek, modern sensibility.
2. Advertising: Many City Pop artists lent their music and image to commercial campaigns, further embedding the genre in popular culture. Companies like Suntory and Japan Airlines frequently used City Pop in their advertisements, associating their brands with the genre’s sophisticated image.
3. Visual Arts: Album covers and music videos associated with City Pop often featured distinctive artwork, influencing graphic design trends. Artists like Hiroshi Nagai and Eizin Suzuki became renowned for their City Pop-inspired illustrations, creating a visual language that was inseparable from the music.
4. Lifestyle: City Pop promoted an idealized urban lifestyle, influencing everything from interior design to leisure activities. The genre’s association with a cosmopolitan lifestyle led to the popularity of wine bars, jazz cafes, and other sophisticated urban hangouts.
5. Television and Film: City Pop frequently appeared in Japanese TV dramas and films of the era, further cementing its place in popular culture. Shows like “Tokyo Love Story” used City Pop as background music, helping to define the sound of 1980s Japanese media.
Notable Artists and Albums
Some key figures and releases from City Pop’s golden age include:
1. Tatsuro Yamashita: “Ride on Time” (1980), “For You” (1982), “Big Wave” (1984)
2. Mariya Takeuchi: “Variety” (1984), “Request” (1987)
3. Taeko Ohnuki: “Sunshower” (1977), “Mignonne” (1978)
4. Miki Matsubara: “Stay With Me” (1979)
5. Anri: “Timely!!” (1983), “Heaven Beach” (1982)
6. Toshiki Kadomatsu: “After 5 Clash” (1984), “Sea Is A Lady” (1987)
7. Hiroshi Sato: “Orient” (1979), “Awakening” (1982)
8. Momoko Kikuchi: “Adventure” (1986)
9. Yurie Kokubu: “Relief 72 Hours” (1982)
10. Junko Ohashi: “Magical” (1984)
These artists and their works defined the sound and aesthetic of City Pop, influencing countless musicians in Japan and beyond.
The Decline and Underground Appreciation
As Japan’s economic bubble burst in the early 1990s, City Pop’s optimistic tone began to feel out of step with the times. The genre gradually faded from mainstream popularity, replaced by other forms of J-pop and rock. Several factors contributed to this decline:
1. Economic Downturn: The collapse of Japan’s bubble economy led to a more somber national mood, making City Pop’s optimistic themes feel out of touch.
2. Changing Musical Tastes: The rise of genres like dance music and hip-hop in Japan led to shifting preferences among younger listeners.
3. Industry Changes: Major labels began to focus on more easily marketable pop acts, leaving less room for the sophisticated arrangements of City Pop.
However, even as it faded from the mainstream, City Pop found a dedicated niche audience. In Japan, the genre continued to be appreciated by music enthusiasts and collectors. Internationally, particularly in the West, record collectors and DJs began to discover and appreciate these forgotten gems from Japan’s musical past.
This underground appreciation kept City Pop alive through the 1990s and 2000s. Specialty record stores in Japan, like Face Records in Tokyo, became havens for City Pop enthusiasts, preserving and promoting the genre’s legacy.
The Unexpected Revival
In the mid-2010s, City Pop experienced an unexpected revival, largely driven by internet culture:
1. YouTube Algorithms: The platform’s recommendation system began surfacing City Pop tracks to users, exposing a new generation to the genre. Videos featuring City Pop tracks, often accompanied by anime-style visuals or cityscapes, gained millions of views.
2. Vaporwave Connection: The vaporwave genre, which often sampled City Pop tracks, helped introduce the music to a wider audience. Vaporwave artists like Macintosh Plus (Vektroid) used City Pop samples in their work, creating a bridge between the 1980s genre and contemporary electronic music.
3. Viral Hits: Songs like Mariya Takeuchi’s “Plastic Love” gained millions of views on YouTube, sparking renewed interest in City Pop. The song’s unexpected virality led to increased interest in other City Pop artists and albums.
4. Streaming Platforms: As streaming services expanded their catalogs to include more Japanese music, City Pop became more accessible to international listeners.
This online resurgence led to a broader appreciation of City Pop globally:
- Reissues of classic albums became popular among vinyl enthusiasts, with labels like Light in the Attic releasing carefully curated City Pop compilations.
- Contemporary artists began incorporating City Pop elements into their music, both in Japan and internationally.
- Music festivals and events dedicated to City Pop emerged in various countries, celebrating the genre’s enduring appeal.
City Pop’s Influence on Modern Music
Contemporary Japanese Artists
Many current Japanese musicians draw inspiration from City Pop, either by directly referencing the genre or incorporating its elements into their sound:
1. Suchmos: This band’s blend of jazz, funk, and rock draws clear inspiration from City Pop’s sophisticated arrangements. Their hit song “STAY TUNE” echoes the smooth, laid-back vibe of classic City Pop.
2. Yogee New Waves: Their dreamy, retro-tinged sound echoes the more mellow side of City Pop. Albums like “WAVES” showcase their ability to blend nostalgic elements with contemporary production.
3. Hitomitoi: Her music consciously evokes the City Pop era while adding contemporary production touches. Songs like “Dive” could easily fit alongside classics from the 1980s.
4. Awesome City Club: This band’s name itself is a nod to City Pop, and their music incorporates many elements of the genre, updated for a modern audience.
5. Takeuchi Miyu: A former member of the idol group AKB48, Takeuchi has embraced City Pop influences in her solo work, showcasing the genre’s enduring appeal to younger artists.
International Impact
City Pop’s influence has extended far beyond Japan, inspiring musicians and producers around the world:
1. Korean City Pop: Artists like Yubin, Baek Yerin, and YUKIKA have embraced City Pop aesthetics, creating a Korean variant of the genre. This has led to a City Pop revival in Korea, with both new productions and reissues of classic Korean City Pop gaining popularity.
2. Western Artists: Musicians such as Mac DeMarco, Thundercat, and Toro y Moi have cited City Pop as an influence on their work. The genre’s sophisticated chord progressions and smooth production have found their way into various strands of contemporary indie and electronic music.
3. Sample Culture: City Pop tracks continue to be sampled in hip-hop and electronic music worldwide. Producers like Tyler, the Creator and Kaytranada have incorporated City Pop elements into their music, introducing the genre’s sounds to new audiences.
4. Vaporwave and Future Funk: These internet-born genres heavily sample and reference City Pop, creating new contexts for the music and introducing it to younger listeners.
Unique Aspects of City Pop
For non-Japanese speaking fans, there are several interesting aspects of City Pop that might not be immediately apparent:
1. Studio Musicians: Many City Pop recordings featured a rotating cast of highly skilled studio musicians, creating a tight-knit community of players who appeared on numerous albums. Musicians like guitarist Tsunehide Matsuki and bassist Akira Okazawa became legends in their own right, contributing to countless City Pop classics.
2. Record Label Influence: Companies like Air Records, founded by Haruomi Hosono, played a crucial role in nurturing City Pop talent and shaping the genre’s sound. These labels often had a distinct “house sound” that influenced the production of their releases.
3. Regional Variations: While Tokyo was the center of City Pop, other cities like Osaka and Fukuoka developed their own distinct takes on the genre. Osaka-based artists like Anri and Tomoko Aran brought a slightly different flavor to City Pop, often incorporating more elements of funk and R&B.
4. TV Tie-ins: Many City Pop artists composed theme songs for popular TV shows and commercials, further embedding the genre in Japanese popular culture. For example, Tatsuro Yamashita’s “Ride on Time” was used as the theme for a popular drama, significantly boosting its popularity.
5. Concept Albums: Some City Pop albums were elaborate concept pieces, telling stories or exploring themes across an entire record. Eiichi Ohtaki’s “A Long Vacation” is a prime example, with each song representing a different aspect of an idealized summer holiday.
6. Collaborations with International Artists: Many City Pop artists collaborated with international musicians, bringing new influences into the genre. For instance, Tatsuro Yamashita worked with American saxophonist Tom Scott, while Haruomi Hosono collaborated with various international electronic musicians.
7. Influence of Japanese Traditional Music: While City Pop is heavily influenced by Western music, some artists incorporated elements of traditional Japanese music into their work. This fusion created a unique sound that was distinctly Japanese yet globally appealing.
8. Live House Culture: Small music venues called “live houses” played a crucial role in the development of City Pop, providing spaces for artists to perform and experiment with their sound before larger audiences.
The Production Process of City Pop
The creation of City Pop music was often a meticulous and expensive process, reflecting the economic prosperity of the era:
1. High-End Studios: Many City Pop albums were recorded in state-of-the-art studios, using the latest technology available. Studios like Alfa and Sound City were known for their cutting-edge equipment and became go-to locations for City Pop recordings.
2. Session Musicians: Top-tier session musicians were often employed, bringing their expertise to the recordings. These musicians, many of whom had jazz backgrounds, contributed to the sophisticated sound of City Pop.
3. Extensive Rehearsals: Unlike today’s often quick recording processes, City Pop productions often involved extensive rehearsals before recording began. This allowed for tight performances and intricate arrangements.
4. Analog Recording: Most City Pop was recorded on analog tape, contributing to the warm, rich sound that characterizes the genre. Engineers like Seigen Ono became known for their skill in capturing the perfect City Pop sound.
5. Post-Production: Mixing and mastering were given great attention, with some albums taking months to complete. The goal was often to create a sound that was both pristine and warm, suitable for high-end audio systems.
City Pop’s Global Resurgence: A Deeper Look
The recent global revival of City Pop is a fascinating phenomenon that merits closer examination:
1. Nostalgia Factor: For many listeners, particularly in Asia, City Pop evokes nostalgia for a period of economic optimism and cultural confidence. This nostalgia extends even to younger listeners who didn’t experience the era firsthand.
2. Aesthetic Appeal: The visual aesthetic associated with City Pop — pastel colors, retro-futuristic cityscapes, and tropical imagery — has found new appreciation in the internet age, particularly on platforms like Tumblr and Instagram.
3. Sample Culture: The use of City Pop samples in vaporwave and future funk has introduced the genre to a new generation of producers and listeners. This has led to a cycle of discovery, where listeners seek out the original tracks after hearing samples.
4. Vinyl Revival: The global resurgence of vinyl as a format has benefited City Pop, with many classic albums being reissued on high-quality vinyl pressings. This has allowed a new generation to experience the music as it was originally intended.
5. Cultural Exchange: As interest in Japanese culture has grown globally, City Pop has become a gateway for many into the broader world of Japanese music and culture.
The Future of City Pop
As City Pop continues to gain global recognition, its influence on contemporary music is likely to grow. While it may never recapture its 1980s commercial peak, the genre’s sophisticated sound and nostalgic appeal ensure its place in the pantheon of influential music styles.
1. New Interpretations: Contemporary artists are likely to continue drawing inspiration from City Pop, creating new music that blends the genre’s classic elements with modern production techniques.
2. Global Fusion: As City Pop gains popularity internationally, we may see more fusion between City Pop and other regional genres, creating new and exciting hybrid styles.
3. Archival Releases: With renewed interest in the genre, it’s likely that more obscure City Pop releases will be reissued, allowing fans to discover hidden gems from the era.
4. Academic Interest: City Pop is beginning to attract scholarly attention as a significant cultural phenomenon, which may lead to a deeper understanding of its place in music history.
5. Influence on Pop Culture: The aesthetic and ethos of City Pop may continue to influence not just music, but also fashion, design, and other areas of popular culture.
How to compose Japanese City Pop music
The most commonly used instruments in Japanese City Pop are electric guitars, e-piano like Fender Rhodes, Synths like Yamaha DX7, brass, horns, bass and drums. However, any type of instrument can be used as long as it fits the overall style of the music.
The chord progressions used in Japanese City Pop
I covered 5 chord progressions that are used very often in City Pop!
The melodies used in Japanese City Pop
Japanese City Pop melodies are often catchy and easy to sing along to. They often make use of repetition to create a sense of familiarity for listeners.
Conclusion
Japanese City Pop represents more than just a musical genre; it’s a cultural phenomenon that bridges past and present, East and West. Its journey from 1980s Japan to global appreciation in the 2020s is a testament to the universal language of music and the enduring appeal of well-crafted, emotionally resonant songs.
The resurgence of City Pop demonstrates the power of the internet in reviving and recontextualizing music from the past. It serves as a reminder that great music, regardless of its origin or era, has the potential to find new audiences and inspire future generations of artists.
As new listeners discover City Pop and its related genres, they’re not just encountering a style of music, but a window into a specific time and place — the optimism, sophistication, and creativity of 1980s Japan. Yet, the music’s themes of urban life, romance, and the search for meaning in a rapidly changing world remain as relevant today as they were when the songs were first recorded.
The story of City Pop is still being written. As it continues to evolve and influence new generations of musicians and listeners worldwide, City Pop stands as a shining example of how music can transcend its original context to become a truly global phenomenon. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to the genre, the world of City Pop offers a rich, rewarding musical journey — one that continues to surprise, delight, and inspire.
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