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.
This global influence is not restricted to music. Fashion, films and even food, have seen some Japanese flair and invention. One of the most stunning cultures has been that of Japanese Visual Kei. An intoxicating blend of music and fashion, the gothic sphere of Visual Kei has a hardcore following both in Japan and many western countries.
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.
Major wester music styles have not been spared. Rhythm and blues have seen a growing number of Japanese popular artistes who have adopted it as their own. Many of them have scored award winning singles and albums, while branching out into other fields like acting. There are also increasing collaboration between both Asian and Western artistes within the genre.
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.
Japanese pop music owes a lot of its success to the fans. Without their fanatical support, the scene might not have survived and prospered. As it grew and financial resources became stronger, the artistes were able to branch out to overseas markets. This helped to spread the ever increasing influence that they now have in many other countries.
Despite the almost blind devotion from fans at times, Japanese pop artistes rarely rest on their laurels. They have no qualms about fusing global music styles with their own. This results in fresh musical ideas that astound followers and fellow musicians worldwide.
With a mixture of originality, uniqueness and a growing fanbase, Japanese popular music culture is likely to grow stronger. There is strong national pride too in their own art forms, with music being paid particular attention. While saying that it will dominate the world would be an overstatement, it might not be surprising to see more Japanese pop music becoming more common in the most far reaching places. - 16492
This global influence is not restricted to music. Fashion, films and even food, have seen some Japanese flair and invention. One of the most stunning cultures has been that of Japanese Visual Kei. An intoxicating blend of music and fashion, the gothic sphere of Visual Kei has a hardcore following both in Japan and many western countries.
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.
Major wester music styles have not been spared. Rhythm and blues have seen a growing number of Japanese popular artistes who have adopted it as their own. Many of them have scored award winning singles and albums, while branching out into other fields like acting. There are also increasing collaboration between both Asian and Western artistes within the genre.
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.
Japanese pop music owes a lot of its success to the fans. Without their fanatical support, the scene might not have survived and prospered. As it grew and financial resources became stronger, the artistes were able to branch out to overseas markets. This helped to spread the ever increasing influence that they now have in many other countries.
Despite the almost blind devotion from fans at times, Japanese pop artistes rarely rest on their laurels. They have no qualms about fusing global music styles with their own. This results in fresh musical ideas that astound followers and fellow musicians worldwide.
With a mixture of originality, uniqueness and a growing fanbase, Japanese popular music culture is likely to grow stronger. There is strong national pride too in their own art forms, with music being paid particular attention. While saying that it will dominate the world would be an overstatement, it might not be surprising to see more Japanese pop music becoming more common in the most far reaching places. - 16492
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.
