City Pop Chronicles: A Musical Odyssey Through Japan’s Genre

In the vast landscape of musical genres, there’s a hidden gem waiting to captivate your senses – City Pop. Like a treasure being unearthed, it gained popularity again for its sense of nostalgia and funky retro vibes on the internet. It still grows to this day.

Originating in 1970s Japan, this genre effortlessly blends elements of jazz, funk, and pop, creating a sonic tapestry that transports you to the bustling streets of Tokyo. Even though part of the population has never been to Japan or have never heard any music from the genre before, it still took a lot of people’s attention with its synths and upbeat tone.

The Start of City Pop

What started the birth of the new genre links to the rapid urbanization and growing economy of Japan in the 70s. At the time, Japan had the second largest economy in the world at the time. Considering that World War II just ended, the Japanese were truly blessed with progress. The genre’s roots can be traced back to the fusion of Western influences with the traditional Japanese pop music of the time, resulting in a distinctive sound that resonated with the urban lifestyle. Anime also played a big role in its popularity.

Its creators sought to encapsulate the energy and complexity of city life in their music. How everyone was so excited to get a taste of anything western. From food, to various products, to clothing, and electronics. Though for the musicians, they were dying to hear the music of America.

The Complexities of City Pop

Wouldn’t you know that the people who innovated the genre were a band called “Happy End”? This folk-rock band was considered to be the foundation of City Pop. The genre took the structural intricacies of American soft rock, infusing it with the soulful rhythms of Southern R&B and the energetic beats of Northern Soul. This amalgamation, paired with jazz fusion elements, resulted in a captivating auditory experience that resonated not only with Japanese audiences but would eventually find a global following.

As its popularity grew, many more artists started doing City Pop too. 

From The Ground Up

Of course some things just go out of style. City Pop faded from everyone’s radios, stereos, and Walkmans. In the early 90s, Japan was experiencing its recession. The economy was going down, even everyone’s need for the uplifting beat of the genre. Not only did the recession lower its popularity rate, but other music genres were also starting to become even more popular than its predecessor. Pop Idols and Rock Bands have made their entrance to the country.

Fast forward a few decades, in the late 2010s, did it start to get popular again. Only this time, it’s become world wide thanks to the internet and Youtube. At the time, Lo-Fi music was all around the world. City Pop having some shared elements and sound to Lo-Fi, started being recommended to viewers alike. I can say that this was also how I discovered the genre.

Fast forward a little more and TikTok appears on the web. The short form video sharing app spreads the highlights of City Pop songs all across the internet. Another factor that never left the genre’s side was Anime. Today, many choose to use old anime to perfectly accompany its dreamy sound. Anime like City Hunter and Sailor Moon are only few that are used for City Pop’s visualization.

The Artists of City Pop

Here are some of the names of City Pop artists and their wonderful works during their time.

Miki Matsubara – “Stay With Me”

• Miki Matsubara’s soulful ballad “Stay With Me” captivates with its emotional depth and poetic lyrics. Matsubara’s vocals, paired with the song’s lush instrumentation, create a nostalgic yet timeless piece that resonates with listeners across generations.

Mariya Takeuchi – “Plastic Love”

• Mariya Takeuchi left an indelible mark with “Plastic Love.” The song’s mesmerizing blend of synth-pop and funk, coupled with Takeuchi’s velvety vocals, epitomizes the genre’s allure. “Plastic Love” has gained global recognition, becoming a symbol of City Pop’s timeless appeal.

Tatsuro Yamashita – “Ride on Time”

• Tatsuro Yamashita, often crowned the “King of City Pop,” is a maestro in crafting smooth, sophisticated tunes. “Ride on Time” stands out as a masterpiece, showcasing Yamashita’s ability to blend elements of jazz, R&B, and pop seamlessly.

Anri – “Remember Summer Days”

• Anri has crafted a legacy with her captivating vocals and melodic compositions. “Lady Sunshine” stands as a testament to Anri’s artistry and her ability to encapsulate the vibrant spirit of City Pop. 

Junko Ohashi – “Telephone Number”

• One of Junko Ohashi’s standout tracks, “Telephone Number,” is a City Pop classic. Released in 1984, the song encapsulates the genre’s essence with its infectious melody and Ohashi’s expressive vocals. 

Meiko Nakahara – “Fantasy”

• “Fantasy” is a standout track in Meiko Nakahara’s discography and is a quintessential City Pop gem, featuring her expressive vocals over a lush arrangement. The combination of dreamy melodies and Nakahara’s emotive delivery transports listeners to a world of fantasy, making it a beloved piece within the City Pop repertoire.

Click this for more City Pop songs you can listen to.

You might be skeptical about listening to these Japanese artist’s songs because you don’t understand and speak the language. However, that is not enough for us to not feel what the artist wants to make us feel through the music. Music, in general, transcends language.