Japanese popular culture has never failed to amaze, particularly in the better part of the last half a century. This is never more so than in their local popular music scene, which is not only strong in the country, but has been lapped up by fans all over the world. Their influence can no longer be denied, and should be readily embraced and studied.
Today, from manga to fashion, there is little that is untouched by Japanese popular culture. In music, one of the fastest global trends is that of the Japanese Visual Kei niche. Visual Kei originated from Japanese heavy metal, even though its origins emanated from western goth culture.
Fans of Visual Kei dress up in a mixture of loud or sinister looking outfits. They also deck themselves up in colorful makeup in various depictions of fantasy characters. It is not unlike the better known Japanese cosplay fashion, where followers often crowd Harajuku Bridge on Sunday afternoons.
Japanese hip hop has also grown in popularity and influence. Even established American hip hop artistes have taken to their unique stylings. It is now a common occurence for artistes of the genres from both sides of the Atlantic to come together and churn out hit singles. It is testimony to how the Japanese pop music culture has taken something outside their roots and turning it into one of their own.
Some of the famous Japanese pop musicians that have made a name for themselves beyond Japan are Ayumi Hamasaki, Mika Nakashima, Gackt and X Japan. The latter has left behind one of the largest worldwide musical legacies. X Japan are a heavy rock Visual Kei band that continues to have both new and old fans despite breaking up over a decade ago. Their legend is not unlike that of Kurt Cobain and Nirvana.
Fans have also provided a boost to the growth of Japanese pop music culture. Their devotion is simply, in one word, amazing. Their passion is reflected in the time and money spent digesting every morsel about the artistes' lives and music. Many fans also aspire to become just like the singers they idolise, which only keeps the scene growing continuously.
With continued success comes the ability to seek newer pastures. There was also greater willingness to try out new ideas that could expose the artistes to audiences other than their present fanbase. The unique appeal of the Japanese language has also attracted others into the culture and music.
There is no avoiding the wave of J Pop mania sweeping the world over. The willingness to experiment, culture that is unique to the country, and limitless imagination have come together to form a musical culture that is second to none. There is no sign of things slowing down, and it is set to become a regular fixture of mainstream pop culture. - 16003
Today, from manga to fashion, there is little that is untouched by Japanese popular culture. In music, one of the fastest global trends is that of the Japanese Visual Kei niche. Visual Kei originated from Japanese heavy metal, even though its origins emanated from western goth culture.
Fans of Visual Kei dress up in a mixture of loud or sinister looking outfits. They also deck themselves up in colorful makeup in various depictions of fantasy characters. It is not unlike the better known Japanese cosplay fashion, where followers often crowd Harajuku Bridge on Sunday afternoons.
Japanese hip hop has also grown in popularity and influence. Even established American hip hop artistes have taken to their unique stylings. It is now a common occurence for artistes of the genres from both sides of the Atlantic to come together and churn out hit singles. It is testimony to how the Japanese pop music culture has taken something outside their roots and turning it into one of their own.
Some of the famous Japanese pop musicians that have made a name for themselves beyond Japan are Ayumi Hamasaki, Mika Nakashima, Gackt and X Japan. The latter has left behind one of the largest worldwide musical legacies. X Japan are a heavy rock Visual Kei band that continues to have both new and old fans despite breaking up over a decade ago. Their legend is not unlike that of Kurt Cobain and Nirvana.
Fans have also provided a boost to the growth of Japanese pop music culture. Their devotion is simply, in one word, amazing. Their passion is reflected in the time and money spent digesting every morsel about the artistes' lives and music. Many fans also aspire to become just like the singers they idolise, which only keeps the scene growing continuously.
With continued success comes the ability to seek newer pastures. There was also greater willingness to try out new ideas that could expose the artistes to audiences other than their present fanbase. The unique appeal of the Japanese language has also attracted others into the culture and music.
There is no avoiding the wave of J Pop mania sweeping the world over. The willingness to experiment, culture that is unique to the country, and limitless imagination have come together to form a musical culture that is second to none. There is no sign of things slowing down, and it is set to become a regular fixture of mainstream pop culture. - 16003
About the Author:
Ken Oiishi is a Japanese pop music critic who enjoys experimental songs. He rates new artiste Hidemi Uematsu very highly, and recommends Hidemi's new single Dear My Friends for fans of the genre.
