In the late 1970s, Japan welcomed a new sound that would shift the country into a new musical direction. City Pop, as it would come to be known, meshed everything from Funk and Disco to Soft Rock and Boogie and was born out of the economic and cultural boom the country was undergoing at large at the time. One where people with a bit of money could afford high fashion and new technology such as Sony Walkmans and stereos. Japan was the world’s second-biggest economy by the dawn of the 1980s, and City Pop was its soundtrack, spreading across Asia at that time. And while the music might sound Western in its make-up, it stayed the course in its first era and has recently seen a revival in the continent and beyond in the modern day.
To celebrate City Pop’s staying power, we’ve searched our platforms to share some of our favorite mixes from the genre. If you’re new to City Pop, these mixes are for you.
The Vinyl Factory – VF Live x Aloha Got Soul: Japanese City Pop with DJ Notoya
You can always count on The Vinyl Factory to serve amazing vibes across its programming. They tapped into City Pop with their VF Live x Aloha Got Soul series. In the first installment, Japanese DJ Notoya holds our hand through the sound that originated in his country of birth. The result is some seriously smooth vibrations that will brighten your day.
DJ Shingen – City Pop Mix
Japanese selector DJ Shingen blessed us with 27 tracks of greatness. Some will transport you to the dancefloor with how infectious they are. Others will tempt you to sing at yourself in the mirror. Either way, you’re in for an enjoyable ride!
Van Paugam – City Pop
Chicago-based Van Paugam pays tribute with a selection of funky selections that you can play in your car on a drive around the town. Or while you’re preparing for a night on the town to get you in the mood. With tracks by the likes of Tomoko Aran, Momoko Kikuchi, Cosmos, Minako Yoshida, Junko Ohashi and more, you get the full range of just how fun and addictive the genre is.
Pleumgile – Hear Me Out Vol 2: City Pop & Synth Pop
Japan are the creators of City Pop, but the sound traveled to other parts of Asia to great effect. Over in Thailand, the scene was alive and well, as shown by Pleugmile’s tribute mix. One thing to note is the vocal range of the singers featured – some incredible melodies are on show! On top of the generally heavenly vibrations.
Stamp The Wax – A Brief History of Indonesian AOR, City Pop and Boogie Mixed By Munir
Music historians Stamp The Wax (STW) left no stone unturned when exploring City Pop from the nation of Indonesia. A country whose musical growth has been firmly connected with its political and economic development. STW recruited Indonesian musician and DJ Munir to showcase the wide range of the country’s modern music scene. His mix explores not only City Pop, but more local flavors in equal measure.
Palak Paneer FM – City Pop Vinyl Mix #4 With DJ Tadokoro
Back in Japan, local radio station Palak Paneer did things a little differently with their tribute, created using vinyl records. This mix comes from DJ Tadokoro, and starts with angelic musical arrangements that show City Pop has such a wide range of versatility. Whether it be more dance-worthy records or smoother, Jazz-like tracks.
DJありがとう (DJ Arigato) – きっと春に負けてしまう (I’m Sure I’ll Lose In The Spring)
DJ Arigato opens up his mix with a track that almost sounds like The Beatles in their heyday, which shows that City Pop artists really understand how to make a popular record. The music evolves into more Rock-inspired ballads and guitar-led music for an altogether different showing of Japanese talent.
Mellow Blush – 80-90s Korean City Pop
South Korea is Japan’s next door neighbor on the world map, so it’s no surprise that City Pop found its way and became a premiere sound. Transmitting from Seoul, Mellow Blush provides a picture of the country’s scene, with lush instrumental music blending in with vocalled records so delicate you might shed a tear.