The Underrated Side of Japanese Music: Beyond Pop and Rock

When people think of Japanese music, many immediately bring to mind pop (Jpop) and rock (Jrock) acts and shy away from acknowledging the country's profound and diverse contribution to punk music. Outside of the United States and possibly the United Kingdom, Japan is often perceived as the punk capital of the planet.

Japan's Punk Legacy

The punk history of Japan can be traced back to at least 1980 with bands like The Stalin, and extends to contemporary acts like Otoboke Beaver. This rich punk heritage includes a variety of bands such as:

Guitar Wolf Gasoline The Registrators Boredoms Melt Banana Shonen Knife Thee Michelle Gun Elephant Fifi the Mach III The Havenots The 5.6.7.8.'s

These bands, and many others, have been instrumental in shaping the punk scene and exploring its noisier and more experimental boundaries. Guitar Wolf is a standout in this genre, and Otoboke Beaver is one of the most recent favorites for fans of noise punk.

The Technicolor World of Jpop and Jrock

While the punk scene deserves its own spotlight, it's worth noting that Japan boasts a vibrant and complex music industry that goes beyond punk. Two genres that I can confidently discuss—because that's what I've mainly listened to—are Jpop and Jrock. Let's delve into why these genres are so integral to understanding the music scene in Japan.

Jpop: A Vibrant Spectrum

The pop music scene in Japan, known as Jpop, is a realm bursting with diversity and talent. Artists like Ayumi Hamasaki, Utada Hikaru, Perfume, Morning Musume, Namie Amuro, Koda Kumi, Exile, AKB48, and Arashi are household names in Japan. Their concerts are always packed, often in enormous venues.

The sheer size of these venues and the popularity of their artists highlight the extent to which the Japanese music industry has grown and flourished. These artists have attracted massive audiences both domestically and internationally. While they may not have the same international reach as Kpop groups or American artists, their popularity within Japan is undeniable.

The Jrock Scene: Beyond Popularity

Japanese rock, or Jrock, is another rich and multifaceted genre. It encompasses a wide range of subgenres and styles, from traditional to experimental, which makes it a fascinating area to explore. The establishment of Jrock in Japan is a testament to the country's vibrant and innovative music scene. Many Jrock bands and artists have achieved significant success both within and beyond the country's borders.

Despite the Jpop and Jrock industries' significant accomplishments, people often overlook the fact that Japan's music industry is a top player globally. According to the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry, Japan was the 2nd largest music market in the world in 2017, trailing only the United States. This underscores the fact that the Japanese music industry operates on a level playing field with other global producers, which is a remarkable achievement.

A Global Industry Hobbled by Choice

The success of Japanese artists in their home market is partly due to the fact that their music industry is self-sufficient. Unlike Kpop, which relies on robust international promotion and marketing, the Japanese music market isn't as heavily dependent on these external forces. Many Japanese artists focus their efforts on maintaining their popularity within Japan, where their fanbases are most engaged and committed.

While some Japanese artists and bands do choose to venture into international markets, it is often a more passive effort driven by personal interest and not necessarily a strategic business move. One Ok Rock, for example, has found success and enjoyment in breaking into the Western market. Yet, this is the exception rather than the rule.

Conclusion

The undervalued aspect of Japanese music, in my opinion, lies in its rich and varied genres, especially its punk scene. Beyond pop and rock, there is a wealth of talent and creativity that deserves more recognition. The success of the Japanese music industry within its home market is a testament to the quality and uniqueness of its output.

Whether it's the punk ethos of bands like Gasoline or the musical diversity of Jpop and Jrock, the success of Japanese artists and bands is a story of homegrown talent and innovation. The global music community would do well to value and appreciate the contributions of Japan's music industry, not just for the sake of the music itself, but for the rich cultural tapestry it adds to the world.

Keywords: Japanese punk, Japanese music industry, Jpop and Jrock