Let’s take a wander through electro, hip-hop, rock and punk, from the 90’s to today.
One of my favourite aspects of Japanese music is how diverse it can be in genres. Different musical styles have developed and flourished in Japan over the past 30 years in particular, each with talented musicians honouring what has come before whilst perfecting their own craft using their own quirks.
Today’s edition takes a handful of songs from different spectrums of genre and explores the atmosphere and quirks that the artists brought to the table to amplify their commercial success.
“B-BOY イズム” (B-Boyism) by RHYMESTER
🎶 old school hip-hop 📍yokohama 🗓️ released on 25th may 1998
Rhymester is a legendary Japanese hip hop group formed in 1989, making them one of the country's oldest acts in the genre. The trio consists of the smooth rhymes of MCs Mummy-D and Utamaru, backed by the beats of DJ Jin. Pioneering a unique sound, they blend classic hip hop with R&B, soul, and even rock influences. This genre-bending approach has earned them respect not just from hip hop fans, but also from rock audiences in Japan. Rhymester's success is evident in their collaborations with prominent rock musicians and hit songs like "B-Boyism." They've even reached the prestigious stage of the Nippon Budokan venue, a testament to their long-lasting influence in Japanese music.
First released as a single before featuring on their 1999 album “Respect”, “B-Boyism” pays homage to breakdancing and its surrounding culture. The driving beat and ultra-sharp verses make for an ultra catchy head-bopper. The now iconic song evokes imagery of Japan’s forward-thinking and always confident urban and streetwear scenes, which continue to have an international influence to this day.
“Your Love” by Qrion
🎶 deep house, electronic📍sapporo 🗓️ released 29th october 2021
Qrion, real name Momiji Tsukada, is a rising star in electronic music. This Japanese DJ and producer, born in the snowy northern city of Sapporo, began crafting her own sounds in high school. Her music is known for its versatility, ranging from delicate house compositions with lo-fi beats to energetic dancefloor tracks. She has garnered recognition from tastemakers like BBC Radio 1 and released her debut album, "I Hope It Lasts Forever," in 2021 on the respected Anjunadeep house music label.
“Your Love" is the lead single from said 2021 debut. It's a bittersweet song that reflects on feelings of nostalgia and the emotions experienced during a life-changing move. The track incorporates dreamy melodies and a melancholic atmosphere, provided by layers of synthesisers. The overall atmosphere of the track is melancholic yet optimistic and it is beautifully arranged - a testament to the talent of the ever-growing Qrion.
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“Sasurai” (Wandering)by Tamio Okuda
🎶 rock📍hiroshima 🗓️ released on 18th march 1998
Tamio Okuda has worn multiple hats throughout his career. He started in 1986 as part of the rock band Unicorn, achieving success before their break-up in 1993. Okuda then launched a thriving solo career in 1994, where he truly blossomed, known for his songwriting and production skills. His solo work incorporates elements of rock, pop, and even touches of other styles, showcasing his creative versatility. He was ranked number 25 in HMV Japan’s list of Japan's top 100 musicians in 2003.
“Sasurai”, from his 5th solo album (1998’s Matatabi), speaks from the perspective of a vagrant or a wanderer, not being fixed in one place and being fluid in life. In turn, the lyrics hint at using this to cover memories of a past loved one. Despite its topic perhaps being perceived as a little cold, this song firmly carries the warmth and fuzziness of 90’s rock in its sound.
Okuda performed “Sasurai” for THE FIRST TAKE on YouTube a couple of years ago - check it out here.
“Chiisana Koi No Uta” (A Small Love Song) by MONGOL800
🎶 pop punk📍okinawa 🗓️ released on 16th september 2001
MONGOL800 is a three-piece punk rock band from the sunny southern island of Okinawa. Formed in 1998, they achieved unexpected mainstream success with their second album "MESSAGE" in 2001, despite minimal media attention. Their music blends melodic punk rock with pop influences, often featuring catchy hooks and strong vocals. The band's lyrics, sometimes described as poetic, touch on relatable themes and social issues. MONGOL800 remains active and influential in the Japanese music scene, consistently charting with their subsequent albums.
The third track on “MESSAGE” - “A Small Love Song" - became popular and has seen various cover applications in multimedia, including anime and dramas. The thick instrumentation contrasts the song’s sensitive lyrics, which describe how the singer wants this song only to reach his love and how “gentle songs change the world”.
An iconic song from a now legendary punk album.
“ Kanojo No Kamera” (Her Camera) by Shin Rizumu
🎶 indie pop📍kobe 🗓️ released on 31st august 2019
Shin Rizumu is a rising star in Japanese music. This singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and record producer, born in 1997, blends genres like Japanese indie, jazz, and J-Pop to create a unique sound. He released their debut album "NEW RHYTHM" in 2014 and have been steadily building a fanbase since then.
“Her Camera” is not just cheerful in tone via its beautiful instrumentation - the songs lyrics are an interesting subject matter. Rizumu outlines, using the metaphor of a perspective of life being seen through the lens of a camera, how one can never truly see life through the same view as a partner. It references an attempt to guess what the other person is thinking and why they act or react in certain ways. The song concludes with Rizumu asking the questions “Can you see it through the lens?”.
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.