City pop music is a genre that originated in Japan and was influenced by Western pop. It combines elements from jazz and R&B, as well as traditional Japanese instruments and folk music.
Notable Artists
Kyu Sakamoto
This is a Japanese singer-songwriter who was popular in the 1960s and 1970s. He is best known for his international hit song “Sukiyaki,” which topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1963 and has sold over 13 million records worldwide. The single also reached number one on several other countries’ charts, including Australia, Canada, Germany, and New Zealand.
Seiko Matsuda
This is another notable artist, who is known for being the first Japanese female artist to write and produce her own material. Matsuda’s 1984 album City Pop on Toshiba EMI Records was a breakthrough in Japan’s music industry, which had previously been dominated by male artists.
Yukio Hashi
This is a Japanese singer-songwriter who had a string of hits during the late 1960s and early 1970s. He is best known for his international hit single “Kimi Janakya Dame Mitai” (You Look Like You Won’t Let Me Go), which topped the charts in Japan and reached number four on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1971.
The City Pop Sound
City pop is a genre of music that incorporates elements of Western pop music with Japanese vocals and instruments. The term “city pop” was coined by Ryuichi Sakamoto, who released his first song in this genre in 1976.
City Pop songs often feature Western instruments such as the electric guitar and synthesizer, but may also include traditional Japanese instruments such as taiko drums or shamisen guitars.
The use of Western instruments in City Pop songs can be traced back to the early 20th century, when many American jazz musicians traveled to Japan during their tours because they were fascinated by its culture and lifestyle.
The Influence of City Pop Music on Other Genres
City Pop has had a huge influence on other genres. In Japan, this genre was one of the main influences for J-Pop music, which is now one of the most popular genres in Asia. This style of music uses elements from American pop and R&B as well as electronic beats and techno sounds to create upbeat dance tracks that can be enjoyed by all ages.
K-Pop groups like Girls’ Generation have also been influenced by City Pop artists like Hikaru Utada or Ayumi Hamasaki. The band’s songs often feature catchy melodies with strong vocals backed up by electronic beats or guitar riffs–a combination that creates an upbeat sound perfect for dancing along too!
Music in the Digital Age
This is a genre that has grown in popularity over the last decade, thanks to the availability of music online and the use of social media. Streaming services have also helped city pop artists reach new audiences around the world.
The Future of Subgenre
City pop is a genre that originated in Japan and has seen continued popularity there. It’s also gained an audience outside its home country, especially among Western listeners who enjoy the style’s upbeat sound and catchy melodies.
While city pop may not be as well known in the world as other genres like rock or hip-hop – it still has an impact on music around the world, including other genres that have borrowed elements from this style.
Conclusion
City Pop is a genre of music that has been popularized in Japan since the 1960s. It combines elements of jazz and pop with traditional Japanese music, creating a unique sound that has influenced many artists over time.
While it is not as well known outside of Asia, City Pop has become an important part of Japan’s culture and continues to influence new generations of musicians today.
