City Pop, a genre that emerged in the late 1970s and peaked during the 1980s in Japan, holds a unique place in the country’s music history. This genre, characterized by its smooth blend of jazz, funk, R&B, and pop with a distinctively urban feel, continues to influence the contemporary music scene both within Japan and internationally. Its sounds capture a nostalgic yet modern essence, resonating deeply with listeners worldwide. The resurgence of City Pop in recent years, especially in digital spaces, has revitalized interest in this genre and its impact on Japan’s music culture. Here, we will explore the influence of City Pop on Japan’s music scene, from its origins to its contemporary relevance.
The Origins of City Pop
The emergence of City Pop can be traced back to Japan’s post-war economic boom in the 1960s and 1970s. As Japan modernized rapidly, the country’s cities, especially Tokyo, transformed into vibrant, cosmopolitan hubs. This urban expansion played a crucial role in shaping the music of the era, as Japanese artists began to adopt Western musical influences. The post-WWII era also saw the rise of consumer culture and technological advancements, such as the cassette tape and the Walkman, which allowed music to be shared and consumed more easily.
City Pop, as a genre, was a reflection of this new urban lifestyle. It blended the American-influenced sounds of disco, funk, and jazz with traditional Japanese pop music, creating a smooth, polished, and often dreamy soundscape. Artists like Tatsuro Yamashita, Mariya Takeuchi, and Yumi Matsutoya became synonymous with the genre, contributing to its rise in popularity.
The genre’s name, “City Pop,” itself evokes the image of an urban, modern life — the “city” being a symbol of Japan’s booming economy and global connections. The lyrics often dealt with themes of romance, city living, and nighttime escapades, encapsulating a sense of urban sophistication and leisure. The genre’s upbeat, danceable tunes were a stark contrast to the more traditional music forms in Japan at the time, offering an alternative for a younger, more cosmopolitan audience.
The Golden Age of City Pop (1980s)
During the 1980s, City Pop reached its peak, becoming the soundtrack to Japan’s high-growth economy. The genre’s appeal lay in its versatility, offering a mix of slow ballads, mid-tempo tunes, and lively dance numbers. Key figures like Tatsuro Yamashita, who released the iconic album For You in 1982, and Mariya Takeuchi, whose hit song “Plastic Love” became an anthem for the genre, solidified City Pop as an influential part of the music landscape.
The 1980s was also a period when Japan’s music production industry was at its height. Music studios were equipped with state-of-the-art technology, and the production value of City Pop was incredibly high. The genre benefited from the skilled work of arrangers and producers who blended live instrumentation with electronic elements, creating a smooth and polished sound that was ahead of its time.
City Pop’s lyrics often reflected the experiences of Japan’s growing middle class. As the country embraced its newfound affluence, the music spoke to a sense of carefree living, romantic escapism, and an almost hedonistic enjoyment of urban life. This upbeat yet introspective atmosphere captured the essence of the time and made City Pop a defining soundtrack for the 1980s.
However, by the late 1980s and early 1990s, City Pop’s popularity began to fade. This decline was partly due to the bursting of Japan’s economic bubble and the shift in musical tastes, with the rise of grunge and other genres making it harder for City Pop to maintain its dominance. Despite its decline, the genre’s influence never fully disappeared.
The Resurgence of City Pop
In recent years, there has been a surprising resurgence of interest in City Pop, particularly in the West. The genre has gained new life thanks to online platforms like YouTube, where rare City Pop tracks and albums have been rediscovered by a global audience. Songs like Mariya Takeuchi’s “Plastic Love,” which was released in 1984, have gone viral on platforms like YouTube, garnering millions of views and introducing a new generation to the sounds of 1980s Japan.
This resurgence is also linked to the growing trend of nostalgia for 1980s aesthetics and music. As people worldwide embrace retro styles, City Pop has found a place in playlists, Instagram stories, and even video games. The genre’s smooth, feel-good vibe fits perfectly into the modern digital landscape, where the search for a nostalgic, carefree sound is in high demand.
Moreover, the genre’s return has coincided with the rise of Japanese culture in the global zeitgeist. The increasing popularity of anime, Japanese fashion, and Japanese cuisine has led to a broader cultural curiosity about Japan. As a result, Western listeners have begun to explore genres like City Pop as part of their deeper engagement with Japanese culture. Notably, artists outside Japan, such as the Filipino band Ben&Ben and American producers like Macross 82-99, have embraced City Pop, incorporating its influence into their own work.
City Pop’s resurgence can also be attributed to its timelessness. The genre’s fusion of various musical styles, including jazz, funk, and pop, has allowed it to remain relevant in the face of changing musical trends. The sleek, polished production values and melodic hooks of City Pop continue to resonate with contemporary listeners, proving the genre’s lasting appeal.
The Influence of City Pop on Japan’s Music Scene Today
The impact of City Pop on Japan’s contemporary music scene is undeniable. Many modern Japanese artists cite City Pop as an influence, drawing inspiration from its unique blend of styles and its seamless integration of Western musical elements with Japanese sensibilities. Modern J-Pop has embraced the smooth production techniques and melodic structures that defined City Pop, while incorporating contemporary themes and sounds.
Artists like Aimer, King Gnu, and Kenshi Yonezu have all embraced elements of City Pop in their music. Aimer, in particular, has experimented with the genre’s smooth and lush production style, while King Gnu has infused City Pop’s funk influences into their own genre-blending sound. Kenshi Yonezu’s tracks, with their jazz-infused undertones and catchy melodies, also reflect the genre’s lasting influence.
The resurgence of City Pop has also led to the creation of new sub-genres, such as future funk, which combines elements of City Pop with modern electronic dance music. This genre, popularized by artists like Yung Bae and Saint Pepsi, uses samples from classic City Pop tracks to create new, upbeat electronic renditions. These artists continue to introduce the genre to young audiences worldwide, blending the old with the new in innovative ways.
Moreover, the nostalgia surrounding City Pop has led to a revival of vinyl records and cassette tapes. Collectors and music enthusiasts seek out rare, original City Pop albums, and some artists have even released their own music on vinyl in homage to the format’s popularity during the genre’s heyday. This movement has led to a niche yet dedicated market for City Pop memorabilia, cementing the genre’s status as an important part of Japan’s musical legacy.
Conclusion
City Pop’s influence on Japan’s music scene is a testament to its ability to transcend time and cultural boundaries. From its origins in the late 1970s and 1980s, to its modern resurgence, the genre has had a lasting impact on both Japanese and global music. It not only shaped the sound of its time but also continues to inspire contemporary artists, both within Japan and internationally.
As City Pop’s influence continues to grow, it is clear that the genre’s blend of nostalgia, urban sophistication, and musical innovation will continue to resonate with new generations of listeners. The smooth, catchy rhythms and dreamy melodies of City Pop are here to stay, firmly etched into the soundtrack of Japan’s modern music scene.