For the past three decades, Japan has been a major influence in the world of popular culture. This is especially true in music, where constant artistic evolution has kept their scene fresh. Some might even argue that there are many traces of it in other major music genres, from mainstream pop music, to classical stylings of the world.
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.
While heavy metal music is a staple of Visual Kei, fans of the genre are also known for their outlandish dressing. This is in accordance to what their favorite bands or artistes promote through their own getup. Imagine cosplay and heavy metal leather in an eclectic mix, and you will get what Visual Kei is all about.
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.
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.
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. - 16463
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.
While heavy metal music is a staple of Visual Kei, fans of the genre are also known for their outlandish dressing. This is in accordance to what their favorite bands or artistes promote through their own getup. Imagine cosplay and heavy metal leather in an eclectic mix, and you will get what Visual Kei is all about.
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.
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.
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. - 16463
About the Author:
Ken Oiishi is a music critic specializing in Japanese pop culture. His latest playlists have Hidemi Uematsu as his artist of the year in Japan, with Hidemi's new single Trauma topping the charts.
