Why is Japanese city pop so popular overseas?

 "Is Mei here?"

Yes, Master. Mei is here. Please feel free to talk about anything. I will do my utmost to assist you.

"Mei, do you know the genre of Japanese music called City Pop?"

Yes, Master. Of course, I can explain City Pop.

City Pop is a music genre that gained popularity in Japan from the late 1970s to the 1980s. It features music that reflects the sophisticated atmosphere of urban life and a free lifestyle. City Pop music often includes the following elements:

Refined Sound:

• Influenced by jazz, funk, soul, and AOR (adult-oriented rock), City Pop has a polished music style.
• It features complex chord progressions and rhythmic beats.

Lyrics Content:

• The lyrics often focus on modern and urban themes such as city life, romance, and human relationships.
• Many lyrics poetically describe everyday scenes and landscapes.

Artists:

• Notable City Pop artists include Tatsuro Yamashita, Eiichi Ohtaki, Mariya Takeuchi, and Miki Matsubara.
• The songs of these artists are still loved by many people today.

Revival Trend:

• Recently, City Pop has been re-evaluated both domestically and internationally, gaining popularity especially among the younger generation and overseas listeners. Through YouTube and streaming services, City Pop songs have become widely known.
  
  

  "City Pop has recently become popular among foreigners, and it seems that this trend has returned to Japan. Did they discover this music through YouTube and other platforms? Also, what aspects of Japanese City Pop do they find appealing?"

  Yes, Master. The phenomenon of City Pop becoming popular among foreigners and then gaining renewed interest in Japan is quite fascinating. Let me explain this in more detail.

  1. Discovery through YouTube and other Platforms:

  Many foreign listeners discovered City Pop through streaming services like YouTube and Spotify. YouTube, in particular, has many City Pop playlists, remixes, and music videos uploaded, which have helped spread the appeal of City Pop to listeners worldwide.

  2. The Appeal of Japanese City Pop:

  There are several reasons why foreign listeners find Japanese City Pop appealing.

  Nostalgic Sound: City Pop music is influenced by the sounds of the 1980s, and its vintage feel and nostalgic atmosphere are fresh to modern listeners. The synthesizer and electric guitar melodies are warm and pleasant.

  Sophisticated Melodies: City Pop features sophisticated melodies influenced by jazz, funk, and soul. This sets it apart from other genres and offers listeners a new musical experience.

  Urban and Free Lifestyle Expression: The lyrics often depict urban life, romance, and a free lifestyle, giving listeners a modern and urban image. For foreigners, this music may evoke admiration and interest in Japanese urban culture and lifestyle.

  Integration of Visuals and Music: Many City Pop songs are introduced alongside animations or retro visuals, enhancing both the auditory and visual appeal. For example, Mariya Takeuchi's "Plastic Love" music video is very popular and has seen a significant increase in views.

  Emotional Elements: City Pop contains many emotionally rich lyrics and melodies, making it easy for listeners to relate to. This makes the music more approachable and memorable.
  
  
  

  "I see. Many Japanese artists respect American and British musicians and have aimed to create similar music, but does this mean that City Pop has formed as a uniquely Japanese style?"

  Yes, Master. You are correct. Japanese City Pop, while influenced by American and British music, has developed into a unique musical style of its own. Let me explain this process with a few points.

  1. Influence of Western Music

  Japanese City Pop artists have been influenced by many American and British musicians. From the 1970s to the 1980s, elements of Western pop, rock, jazz, funk, and soul were incorporated into City Pop. For example, the sound of AOR (adult-oriented rock) bands like Steely Dan and The Doobie Brothers is reflected in City Pop.

  2. Unique Japanese Elements

  However, City Pop is not merely an imitation; it has created its own unique musical style. Specifically, the following elements make Japanese City Pop distinct:

  Melody and Harmony: Japanese pop music tends to emphasize beautiful melodies and complex harmonies. This is reflected in City Pop, resulting in unique melodic lines that are different from Western music.

  Lyrics Content: City Pop lyrics deal with themes such as urban life, romance, and human relationships, but the way these themes are expressed carries a Japanese sense of subtlety and emotion. This evokes unique feelings in listeners.

  Production Quality: City Pop is known for its very high production quality. Artists like Tatsuro Yamashita and Eiichi Ohtaki are skilled in studio and sound engineering, paying attention to the finest details of the sound.

  Integration of Visuals and Music: Japanese City Pop has also established a unique style in terms of artwork and music videos. This fusion of music and visuals creates a stronger impression.

  3. Global Re-evaluation

  The recent re-evaluation of City Pop has been a fresh discovery for overseas listeners. They are attracted to the uniqueness and musical appeal of City Pop, leading to its recognition internationally.
  
  

  "I see. Indeed, when it comes to lyrics, there is a clear difference between the West and Japan. In the West, people tend to speak directly and straightforwardly, while in Japan, there is a tendency to use metaphors and expressions, starting from a distance and gradually getting to the core. What do you think about this?"

  Yes, Master. You are correct. There is a clear difference in how lyrics are expressed in Japan and the West. This difference is particularly evident in the lyrics of City Pop.

  1. Characteristics of Japanese Lyrics

  Indirect Expression: Japanese lyrics often use metaphors and symbols to convey emotions and situations instead of stating them directly. This reflects the importance of "reading between the lines" and subtlety in Japanese culture. For example, instead of directly saying "I love you," it might be expressed as "My heart warms when you are around."

  Poetic and Delicate Expression: Japanese lyrics frequently employ poetic and delicate expressions. They often incorporate descriptions of landscapes and natural elements to depict emotions and situations. This allows listeners to visualize the scenes and deeply feel the emotions.

  Pause and Space: Japanese lyrics reflect a cultural appreciation for "ma" (pause) and "yohaku" (space). Intentional gaps are created within the lyrics, allowing listeners to fill in their own interpretations. This enables the audience to overlay their own experiences and emotions.

  2. Characteristics of Western Lyrics

  Direct Expression: Western lyrics tend to convey emotions and messages directly. For example, expressions of love often use straightforward phrases like "I love you" or "I need you." This clearly communicates the message to the listeners.

  Narrative Quality: Western lyrics often have a strong narrative quality. By describing specific events, characters, and dialogues, they allow listeners to immerse themselves in the story. This makes dramatic emotional expression possible.

  Refrains and Catchy Phrases: Western pop songs frequently use refrains and catchy phrases. This makes the songs memorable and widely popular among listeners.

  3. The Appeal of Japanese Lyrics in City Pop

  The lyrics of City Pop leverage the aforementioned characteristics of Japanese lyrics to poetically depict urban life and contemporary themes. This makes City Pop particularly appealing. For example, songs like Mariya Takeuchi's "Plastic Love" and Eiichi Ohtaki's "Kimi wa Tennen Shoku" feature delicate and beautiful lyrics.

  "Thank you, Mei."