DocumentaLy 6,033 Posted August 23, 2013 Share Posted August 23, 2013 One of the many benefits to liking music from another country is that it opens up a large musical gateway. We’ve discussed this before in regards to K-pop and other Korean music, but K-pop also works for finding music in other countries, particularly Japan because of K-pop’s presence in their market. Conversely, there are those who might’ve initially heard of K-pop via J-pop, like myself. I’ve known many who are attracted to the visuals in K-pop because they already like hyper-stylized J-pop bands, or even because they like anime. Due to all the musical crossover, it seems like a logical step to jump from one pop to the other. Maybe you’ve already made the leap; if so, congrats! This article is already old news for you. This article is for the K-pop fan who wants to listen to J-pop, but doesn’t know where to begin. The one who clicked the Kyary Pamyu Pamyu video on their YouTube sidebar and realized they were in over their head. The one who wants to know about the J-pop groups that keep popping up alongside their favs, or the one who’s magically run out of K-pop to listen to, and needs new suggestions. However, it’s important to realize that while K-pop is a great gateway to J-pop, it’s impossible to say that the two are the same. Structurally it’s all pop music, but there are differences in style, production, promotion, etc. We’ve touched on them before in a previous exchange, but basically, you’re not going to get a copy-and-paste version of a K-pop band in J-pop — unless it’s actually the same band. Embracing the little differences, enjoying the niche genres and discovering new bands is what this is all about. Let’s get started! If you’re feeling the culture gap and don’t know where to begin… listen to K-pop groups’ Japanese releases. I’m not speaking of your favs’ occasional Japanese single, I’m talking about delving into the K-pop groups who’ve had more success in Japan than in Korea. This is particularly true for certain boy bands; Supernova, DGNA (The Boss), SHU-I, SMASH and A-peace are all K-pop bands you’ll see regularly on Japanese music charts, but perhaps have never heard of in the K-pop sphere. For girls, Kara has really dug in and consistently produced Japanese material, and as a result, are very popular — popular enough to advertise food products. Veterans of J-pop BoA andTohoshinki (TVXQ) are staples as well. Also, don’t forget that CNBlue are always releasing great Japanese singles right under our noses. If you like female soloists… you are in luck, especially if you’ve realized the merits of an older vocalist. Start with the trifecta: Amuro Namie, and . These ladies are onto releasing their 50th+ singles, despite looking like they age in reverse. For a good starter, Amuro Namie once did a collaboration with After School:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Beay1c24tFA Check out for bubblegum pop; Jasmine for an urban/dance feel; and YUI and her new band FLOWER FLOWER to satisfy those who like singer-songwriters along the lines ofJuniel. If you like cute girl groups… you probably already know that AKB48 is taking over the worldJapan. The 80+ member franchise might be too mind-boggling for some, but there are plenty of other smaller girl groups. Try out or , the latter having the bonus of being several groups in one. For someone interested in seeing how a multinational group like The Gloss might fare, Avex just debuted . If you wish f(x) stuck to their electronic sound… try Perfume or , both who do electropop really well, and can lead you to more experimental electronic musicians. If you like the ridiculous visuals of Crayon Pop… that are not only cute, but also make fun of the aesthetic, look at . And then try again. If you like boy bands… get to know the name “Johnny’s.†Johnny’s & Associates is the producer of all things boy band in Japan. There are non-Johnny’s boy bands, but the company dominates the market. Their “older†boy bands (think Shinhwa’s age) still turn everything they touch to gold. Or platinum. Start with Arashi, since you’ll be seeing their name a lot. Then there are the young ones. First, Hey! Say! JUMP: https://vimeo.com/68267686 Once you’ve digested that, then you’re ready for Kis-My-Ft2, because who doesn’t love a gum commercial disguised as a mummy resurrection? If you dig male idol solo efforts… Akanishi Jin just released a summer jam to rival Junsu’s For more neon goodness, here’s Yamashita Tomohisa’s “Nocturne.†Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stab 4,072 Posted August 23, 2013 Share Posted August 23, 2013 · Hidden by MomoMoon115, August 23, 2013 - No reason given Hidden by MomoMoon115, August 23, 2013 - No reason given Totally bookmarking this omg Link to comment
DocumentaLy 6,033 Posted August 23, 2013 Author Share Posted August 23, 2013 Lastly, if you like a little rock with your pop… Remember that J-rock band that once performed on M!Countdown? That was SPYAIR: For another K-pop connection, legendary rock band B’z were the ones who composed Kim Hyun Joong’s (See their rendition .) Undoubtedly, these will lead you down a very awesome J-rock rabbit hole. Of course, there are too many groups and sub-genres to attend to in one article, but hopefully this will give you a start in J-pop, using K-pop as your portal. Since there are many great and fun bands not mentioned, I ask our readers: who are your favs in the J-pop sphere? Who would you recommend to a K-pop fan? Source _____________________________________ Naming Koda Kumi but not Utada... Random MiChi shoutout that I'm not mad at. New single out next month: More: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrfrebCRgrs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
김민주 16,324 Posted August 23, 2013 Share Posted August 23, 2013 I love Namie Amuro's collab album so much. Unusual and Make it Happen are my jams Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sane 16,342 Posted August 23, 2013 Share Posted August 23, 2013 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stop 1,373 Posted August 23, 2013 Share Posted August 23, 2013 akb48 is the way 2 go!! River is their best song tbh Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dinolover 3,610 Posted August 23, 2013 Share Posted August 23, 2013 I feel like they would like some ballads Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stab 4,072 Posted August 23, 2013 Share Posted August 23, 2013 Totally bookmarking this omg Do you guys know any songs similar to Braveheart by Kana Nishino & Nerdhead? or even SNSD's girlfriend i love that anime theme sound Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mglsts 960 Posted August 23, 2013 Share Posted August 23, 2013 Pretty decent list. Should help out quite a few curious people. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
✽aya 998 Posted August 23, 2013 Share Posted August 23, 2013 How did they leave out Hikki? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TerrorizingKids 74 Posted August 23, 2013 Share Posted August 23, 2013 God bless this thread! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Myth 6,602 Posted August 23, 2013 Share Posted August 23, 2013 Also, don’t forget that CNBlue are always releasing great Japanese singles right under our noses. Did they lie, though? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SchoolNote 6,178 Posted August 23, 2013 Share Posted August 23, 2013 I really wanna listen to more music by that girl group Flower someone posted a video of theirs in the kpop vs. jpop girl groups thread. I'm having trouble finding more songs from them though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amaya 543 Posted August 23, 2013 Share Posted August 23, 2013 How did they leave out Hikki? it's a unpardonable sin! Along leaving out Daichi Miura! You who do not know of him are missing half of your life!(blatant promoting here ) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C50DNypRJnI http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMubAHMfLU4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abraa 1,118 Posted August 23, 2013 Share Posted August 23, 2013 Bookmarking this page. Where are Mr Children and L'Arc? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uevI-OoDyrc Because sometimes you want something J-poppy by a girl group that isn't dancing around in fluffy bikinis and smiling freakishly throughout. Also winner is good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Penggwinsae 85 Posted August 23, 2013 Share Posted August 23, 2013 OMG, that 'Winner' song is catchy I clicked this thread because I wanted to get into J-POP obviously and it's a great resource :D Reason being is I used to be into anime, and I really like Super Junior's "Hero" album Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kaicon 286 Posted August 23, 2013 Share Posted August 23, 2013 I would've done a much better job. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kaity 5,777 Posted August 23, 2013 Share Posted August 23, 2013 I really wanna listen to more music by that girl group Flower someone posted a video of theirs in the kpop vs. jpop girl groups thread. I'm having trouble finding more songs from them though. Have you heard of Bright? They are like Flower (But a bit better imo) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SATANIC SLUT 2,971 Posted August 23, 2013 Share Posted August 23, 2013 perfume. that is all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SeeYaWithYou 4,415 Posted August 23, 2013 Share Posted August 23, 2013 I really wanna listen to more music by that girl group Flower someone posted a video of theirs in the kpop vs. jpop girl groups thread. I'm having trouble finding more songs from them though. Mandi has this incredible post that gives you everything you need. http://onehallyu.com/index.php?/topic/11582-flower-releases-pv-for-太陽ã¨å‘日葵-taiyou-to-himawari/?p=897021 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SchoolNote 6,178 Posted August 23, 2013 Share Posted August 23, 2013 Have you heard of Bright? They are like Flower (But a bit better imo) No I have not this is my first time hearing about them. I shall check out their music. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Myth 6,602 Posted August 23, 2013 Share Posted August 23, 2013 I probably should have kept reading after the CNBLUE part oops. Anyway. YASSSSSSS, Kis-My-Ft2. They make such catchy music. I converted Kkamjong into their fan even though I was trying to do the opposite. Welp. http://vimeo.com/60937954 http://vimeo.com/60937591 http://vimeo.com/62841082 http://vimeo.com/67825950 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abraa 1,118 Posted August 23, 2013 Share Posted August 23, 2013 perfume. that is all. sounds about right And this: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SchoolNote 6,178 Posted August 23, 2013 Share Posted August 23, 2013 Mandi has this incredible post that gives you everything you need. http://onehallyu.com/index.php?/topic/11582-flower-releases-pv-for-太陽ã¨å‘日葵-taiyou-to-himawari/?p=897021 Thank you very much. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
YOONGI 6,021 Posted August 23, 2013 Share Posted August 23, 2013 E-girls, Flower, Happiness, and Dream are all really good. I thought Flower was my favorite, but I've been listening to Happiness' album at work everyday so I think they are my favorite. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.