City pop music: The Golden Age of Japan Entertainment
Author: Eric Wang
Date: Oct 11, 2023
Introduction
City pop is a music genre that is defined as pop music that originated in Japan in the late thrived in 1980s. It's characterized by its fusion of pop, funk, jazz, and sometimes elements of electronic music. It catches the vibe of the city of Tokyo and its rhythm, it’s often associated with a feeling of relaxation. However, the core theme of City Pop is strongly related to Japan’s economic growth, and the history behind these songs reveals the truth of the fading of City Pop music.
Golden Age of Japan
In the post-World War II era, Japan was in chaos and confusion, it faced the failure of its invasion of China, the departure of religious belief in the emperor of Japan, and the nuclear bomb in Nagasaki and Hiroshima. At the end of 1945, Japan was no longer a strong country but rather being occupied by the US Army and General Douglas MacArthur.
Tomoko Aran (亞蘭知子)- Midnight Pretenders
Things turned the right track when the minister of Japan Shigeru Yoshida was elected (1946-1954), he promoted and proposed holding a stronger relationship with the US and focusing on the growth of the economy rather than military ambitions or foreign interventions. This marked the beginning of Japan's "Golden Age," a period that would later be renamed the "Bubble Economy" era.
By 1968 Japan had become the second-largest capitalist economy in the world. People are confident about the market and economy, even if they lose money, they will quickly gain back by buying any stock in the market or buying assets. Japanese companies acquired massive amounts of iconic American properties, including the Rockefeller Center, Columbia Pictures, Universal Pictures, and more.
In relation to City pop music, the Japanese were living in prosperity and fading the shadow of WWII, As the nation embraced consumerism and hedonism, hundreds of animations and movies flooded the market, painting visions of a future with high-tech, flying cars, and neon lights. The city pop’s vibrant, city-centric vibe is represented as a reflection of the era's optimism and wealth.
The Burst of Bubble Economy
It all ended with the bubble burst; Japan’s economy quickly turned into a recession. The cause of the recession was driven by a mix of factors, including high inflation, Excessive speculation, and borrowing, The banking crisis as asset values declined, and all of these added up and eventually caused the bubble to burst. Japan's economy never returned to the heights during the 1980s. Instead, the nation entered a prolonged period known as the "Lost Decade," for more than nearly 4 decades already.
浜田朱里--Sincerely
Cinema and animations have turned to a more somber tone revealing the depression of society, where Cyberpunk comes into place. The idea of a dystopia where the protagonist rebels against tycoons and the extreme gap between rich and poor, most times ends with death or accepting the reality. City pop was no longer popular, and there was never another golden age.
City Pop’s Rebirth
As the 21st century approached, City Pop music experienced a revival in popularity in the 2010s. Videos with city-pop music quickly spread around the internet, involving elements like Neon Lights, skyscrapers, Animation characters, and racing cars. It attracts the younger generation to resonate and immerse themselves in a period they have never experienced. Regarding the convenience of the internet, City Pop albums and songs found a global audience once again.
From my perspective, city-pop music is quite fascinating. Allowing me to experience a period I have never featured and am willing to dream about it. City Pop songs serve as a medium to connect our spirits, transporting us to the busy crossways of Tokyo Shibuya, wandering in the streets with neon light reflecting on the roads. It's a genuinely relaxing and comfortable experience to immerse oneself in the world of City Pop.
City pop music recommended:
-
Tomoko Aran (亞蘭知子)- Midnight Pretenders
-
浜田朱里—Sincerely
-
Anri(杏里) - Remember Summer Days
-
Mariya Takeuchi - Plastic Love
-
Mayonaka no Door - Stay with Me
Anri(杏里) - Remember Summer Days
Reference:
-
“City Pop Is Spreading around the World.” Web Japan, Web Japan, web-japan.org/trends/11_culture/pop202203_city-pop.html. Accessed 12 Oct. 2023.
-
“City Pop.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 1 Oct. 2023, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/City_pop.
-
Shiratsuka, Shigenori. “The Asset Price Bubble in Japan in the 1980s: Lessons for Financial and Macroeconomic Stability.” Bank of International Settlements, www.bis.org/publ/bppdf/bispap21e.pdf. Accessed 12 Oct. 2023.
-
“Showa Period.” Encyclopedia of Japan, Encyclopaedia Japan, doyouknowjapan.com/history/showa/. Accessed 12 Oct. 2023.
-
Hijino, Shigeki. “Economy of Japan.” Edited by Yasuo Masai, Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, inc., 17 Aug. 2023, www.britannica.com/money/topic/economy-of-Japan.