As the spring’s cherry blossoms bloom, let’s explore J-Pop at its most passionate and reflective.
As personified by the transience of Japan’s cherry blossoms (Sakura), life is full of beautiful but fundamentally impermanent moments.
The following J-pop hits use their 3-4 minute run times combined emotionally heavy lyrics with thunderous choruses to freeze powerful moments and emotions in time.
Many of the following tracks are popular across Japan and beyond but no less iconic. I’m sure there will be one or two that hook you in!
“Ai o Komete Hanataba o” (A Bouquet of Love) by Superfly
🎶 pop rock 📍ehime 🗓️ released on 4th april 2007
Superfly is a powerhouse Japanese act that started in 2003, though their official debut as we know it today came in 2007. Led by the electrifying vocals of Shiho Ochi, their music is a captivating blend of pop and rock, known for catchy melodies and Ochi's impressive vocal range. Superfly has become a major force in the Japanese music scene, achieving incredible success with multiple albums reaching platinum status (their first 4 studio albums!).
With their hit "Ai o Komete Hanataba o", Ochi's powerful vocals take center stage, soaring over a dynamic instrumental track. The song starts with a gentle piano melody that sets the mood for reflection. This is then complemented by the gorgeous string movement. Guitars add texture and depth, with catchy riffs that build towards the song's powerful choruses. Despite the emotional weight of the lyrics, which feature a couple revisiting familiar location and reminiscing, the overall feel is optimistic and hopeful, thanks to the driving tempo and Ochi's energetic vocals.
“Summer Connection” by Taeko Onuki
🎶 city pop📍tokyo 🗓️ released 25th july 1977
A legendary Japanese singer-songwriter, Taeko Onuki rose to fame in the 1970s. Though initially part of the short-lived but influential band Sugar Babe, her true legacy lies in her solo career. Pioneering the "city pop" genre, she blends J-Pop, smooth jazz, and rock to create sophisticated soundscapes. Despite initial commercial struggles, her work gained critical acclaim for its innovation and her captivating vocals, particularly amongst city pop’s new found online fame in recent years. Onuki remains active today, collaborating with renowned artists and even hosting her own radio show!
Onuki’s album 1977, Sunshower, is a genre-bending masterpiece that blends J-pop, smooth jazz, and rock. Despite initial commercial disappointment, it's become a cult classic praised for its catchy melodies, innovative arrangements, and Onuki's smooth vocals. My favourite track is their album’s opener, Summer Connection, an optimistically fond ode to summer memories and romance. Onuki’s vocals, coupled with the delicate smooth jazz instrumental arranged by Ryuichi Sakamoto makes for a beautiful song.
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“Sakura” by Ketsumeishi
🎶 pop, hip-hop📍tokyo 🗓️ released on 29th june 2005
Bubbly 4-piece Ketsumeishi bring sunshine and good vibes with their music. Formed in 1993, they blend pop and hip-hop with reggae influences, creating catchy tunes that often feature themes of love, nature, and peace. Their charismatic performances and feel-good lyrics have earned them massive popularity in Japan, with several chart-topping hits.
The most famous of said hits is most likely “Sakura”, a worthy celebration of the beautiful cherry blossoms of the country’s iconic Spring season. “Sakura” blends a number of different styles and genres to form a bright and catchy tune - intertwined acoustic guitar and piano meets passionately delivered rap verse. However, the catchy dopamine struck chorus is what sticks with you most.
“Michi Teyu Ku” (Overflowing) by Fuji Kaze
🎶 pop, rnb📍okayama 🗓️ released on 14th march 2024
Fuji Kaze, one of Japan’s most popular young singer-songwriters of the moment, is known for his impressive piano skills and soulful vocals. Kaze blends pop with elements of jazz, R&B, and even traditional Japanese music. This has garnered him a massive national and international fanbases. He found fame through YouTube covers before captivating audiences with his original music. Much of his catalouge features positive lyrics that touch on themes of love, life, and self-belief.
His new single “Michi Teyu Ku" (Overflowing) is a bittersweet ballad that reflects on the passage of time and the impermanence of things. The piano melody sets a melancholic tone as the lyrics describe fading memories and the bittersweet acceptance that cherished moments eventually come to an end. Despite the nostalgia, the song isn't purely sad. The soulful vocals and occasional upbeat tempo convey a sense of hope and resilience. The title "Michi Teyu Ku" translates to "overflowing," which could symbolize the overflowing emotions of the past or the overflowing experiences of life's journey. Ultimately, the song encourages embracing the present and looking forward to future connections, even as we acknowledge the impermanence of the past.
“Stand By You” by OFFICIAL HIGE DANDISM
🎶 pop rock📍shimane 🗓️ released on 31st august 2019
Hige Dandism, or Higedan for short, is a Japanese pop-rock band known for their ability to blend catchy tunes with relatable lyrics that tug at the heartstrings. Formed in 2012, they skyrocketed to fame after signing with a major label in 2018. Their sound combines pop accessibility with a rock edge, creating high-energy live shows and mega-hits like "Pretender."
All four members of Higedan are multi-instrumentalists, contributing to the band's rich and dynamic sound. Lead vocalist Satoshi Fujihara is not only a singer but also plays piano, percussion, and keyboards. While primarily pop-rock, Higedan aLao isn't afraid to experiment with other genres. You might hear elements of soul, jazz, and even funk influences sprinkled throughout their music.
Whilst the band went on hiatus in 2023 to allow Fujihara to recover from a vocal cord polyp, Higedan remains a cherished band in the Japanese music scene.
2019’s “Stand By You” is my favourite song from their extensive collection of chart-fillers. An uplifting pop-rock ballad, the lyrics express unwavering devotion and support for a loved one. Despite its tender and intricate piano melody and sensitive lyrics, the song builds to powerful choruses, showcasing Higedan's signature blend of catchy melodies and emotional depth.
Thank you for reading! I hope you discovered some music you may have liked in this edition.
If you have any thoughts on how I can improve this newsletter and your experience with it, please get in touch at themusicofjapan@gmail.com.
I’m definitely a fan of this music. Until I heard the music from your last post I had no idea what was happening in today’s music in Japan.