History of City Pop

City Pop, a genre of Japanese popular music that emerged in the late 1970s, has a rich and complex history that mirrors Japan’s economic and cultural evolution. This article explores the origins, peak popularity, decline, and revival of City Pop, tracing its journey from a niche genre to a global phenomenon.

Origins

The origins of City Pop can be traced back to the late 1970s in Japan. This period marked a significant shift in Japanese society, characterized by rapid economic growth, urbanization, and increasing Western influence. The genre emerged as a fusion of various musical styles, primarily influenced by Western music trends of the time.

City Pop drew inspiration from American funk, disco, R&B, and soft rock, blending these elements with Japanese pop sensibilities. The result was a sophisticated, urban sound that resonated with the country’s growing middle class and youth culture. Early pioneers of the genre began experimenting with these new sounds, laying the groundwork for what would become a defining musical movement of the 1980s.

The emergence of City Pop coincided with advancements in music technology, particularly the widespread adoption of synthesizers and drum machines. These instruments allowed artists to create lush, polished soundscapes that became a hallmark of the genre. The use of English lyrics or Japanese-English hybrid lyrics also became common, reflecting the cosmopolitan aspirations of urban Japanese youth.

Peak Popularity

The 1980s saw City Pop reach its zenith, coinciding with Japan’s economic bubble era. This period, known as the “bubble economy,” was characterized by unprecedented prosperity, conspicuous consumption, and a booming entertainment industry. City Pop became the soundtrack to this era of excess and optimism.

Several factors contributed to the genre’s peak popularity:

1. Economic prosperity: The affluent urban lifestyle celebrated in City Pop lyrics and imagery resonated with many Japanese during this period of economic boom.
2. Technological advancements: The proliferation of personal audio devices like the Sony Walkman made music more portable and accessible than ever before.
3. Media exposure: City Pop artists gained significant airplay on FM radio stations and appeared frequently on television music programs.
4. Fashion and lifestyle: The genre became closely associated with a sophisticated urban lifestyle, influencing fashion trends and consumer behavior.

Key events and milestones during this period included the release of seminal albums by artists like Tatsuro Yamashita, Mariya Takeuchi, and Toshiki Kadomatsu. These works not only defined the sound of City Pop but also achieved significant commercial success, with several albums and singles topping the charts.

The 1980s also saw the rise of music festivals and large-scale concerts featuring City Pop artists, further cementing the genre’s popularity. These events became cultural touchstones, bringing together fans and showcasing the vibrant energy of the music.

Decline

As the 1990s dawned, City Pop began to lose its grip on the Japanese music scene. Several factors contributed to this decline:

1. Economic downturn: The bursting of Japan’s economic bubble in the early 1990s led to a period of recession, challenging the optimistic worldview that City Pop embodied.
2. Changing musical tastes: New genres like J-pop and rock gained prominence, appealing to a younger generation of listeners.
3. Shift in cultural attitudes: The excesses of the 1980s fell out of favor, and with them, the glossy, aspirational image of City Pop.
4. Industry changes: Major record labels began to focus on more commercially viable genres, reducing support for City Pop artists.

As a result, many City Pop artists either adapted their sound to fit new trends or faded from the mainstream. The genre became associated with a bygone era, relegated to specialty record stores and the collections of devoted fans.

Revival

Despite its decline in the 1990s, City Pop has experienced a remarkable revival in the 21st century. This resurgence can be attributed to several factors:

1. Nostalgia: As children of the 1980s reached adulthood, there was a renewed interest in the music of their youth.
2. Internet culture: Online platforms like YouTube and streaming services made it easier for new audiences to discover City Pop.
3. Sampling in hip-hop and electronic music: Many contemporary artists, both in Japan and internationally, began sampling City Pop tracks, introducing the genre to new listeners.
4. Vaporwave and future funk: These internet-born genres heavily incorporate City Pop elements, sparking curiosity about the original sources.
5. Social media: Platforms like TikTok have played a significant role in popularizing City Pop tracks, with songs like Mariya Takeuchi’s “Plastic Love” going viral.

This revival has led to a reevaluation of City Pop’s place in music history. Many now recognize it as a sophisticated and influential genre that was ahead of its time. Reissues of classic City Pop albums have become popular, and some original artists have returned to touring and releasing new music.

The global nature of this revival is particularly noteworthy. City Pop has found new audiences in countries far beyond Japan, with fans appreciating both its musical qualities and its representation of a specific time and place in Japanese culture.

As City Pop continues to gain recognition in the 21st century, it serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of its smooth sounds and optimistic spirit. The genre’s journey from its origins in the late 1970s to its global rediscovery decades later illustrates the cyclical nature of musical trends and the power of nostalgia in shaping contemporary culture.