Japanese City Pop
Lately, I’ve found myself completely obsessed with City Pop. City Pop is the soundtrack of a particular moment in Japan during the late '70s and '80s—a fusion of funk, jazz, pop, and disco, with a touch of synth-driven, new-wave elegance that makes it feel both timeless and futuristic.
The genre was originally born out of the cultural boom in Tokyo, where rapid urbanization and Western influences created a new cultural identity. As Japan’s economy surged after World War II, especially in the late '70s and early '80s, the country experienced a period of rapid modernization. Tokyo, in particular, became a thriving metropolis, with glitzy nightlife, high-rise buildings, and a new sense of sophistication. The economic boom also brought with it Western pop culture—everything from rock to disco to jazz—shaping a new musical landscape. City Pop was the perfect blend of these influences, a genre that reflected the luxury and excitement of urban life during that time. It mirrored Tokyo's transformation into a global cultural hub, filled with neon lights, glamorous vibes, and a sense of endless possibility. The genre became the soundtrack of Tokyo's thriving nightlife, where people sought both escapism and sophistication after long workdays.
There’s something about the moodiness and smoothness of City Pop that feels both decadent and carefree—a perfect blend of sophistication and escapism. It evokes images of neon-lit nights, driving through the city’s brightly lit streets, and escaping into a world of excess. In a way, City Pop represents the height of Japan’s economic prosperity, when the city felt like the center of the world—a place where anything seemed possible.
One of the things that drew me in is the way it blends funk grooves with electronic elements and catchy melodies, all wrapped up in smooth, lush production. Artists like Tatsuro Yamashita, Mariya Takeuchi, and Anri became my go-to soundtrack as I dove deeper into the genre. Yamashita, often referred to as the “king of City Pop,” created some of the genre’s most iconic tracks, while Takeuchi’s "Plastic Love" has become a standout, even decades after its release. These artists, among others, captured the essence of a vibrant, carefree time with their atmospheric music, which had the ability to transport you to those neon-lit nights in Tokyo. Their tracks feel timeless, blending jazz-infused melodies with funky bass lines and synthesized rhythms that still sound fresh today.
What’s fascinating is how City Pop has found a resurgence in recent years, especially through platforms like YouTube and Spotify. It’s like discovering a forgotten gem and finding out that others are just as obsessed. The genre’s lush, cinematic feel has captured the imaginations of younger generations who didn’t experience its original heyday but can still appreciate its cool, smooth energy. It’s incredible how digital platforms have allowed City Pop to reach a global audience, with fans across the world now immersed in this uniquely Japanese sound. It feels like a little window into a different time and place, and I’m hooked.
This revival of City Pop is a testament to how music has a way of transcending time and place, making its way back into the cultural consciousness when the world is ready to embrace it again. What’s even more exciting is that many new artists are incorporating City Pop influences into their own music, blending the genre's retro charm with modern sensibilities. The genre continues to evolve, keeping its timeless allure while remaining as relevant as ever