How Japanese City Pop Music Keeps Me Sane | Abroad in Japan STUDIO Almost Complete!
Added 2021-09-26 07:14:56 +0000 UTC
Before I get into it, I just want to say hello and welcome to everyone who’s recently joined the Abroad in Patreon!
The first part of today's post on City Pop music is a topic I actually discussed on Patreon earlier this year, but having recently updated the music playlists and with so many new faces, I thought it'd be great to re-share my thoughts on why City Pop music is so damn good.
- And how it's kept me sane over the last half decade.
(Stick around for the Abroad in Japan studio set designs!).
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It’s hard to believe there was point when City Pop wasn’t in my life, given I’ve listened to it pretty much every day for 5 years now.
I can’t remember the first time I discovered it, whether someone sent me a link or if I stumbled across it myself; an entire genre of forgotten music from the 80’s resurfacing online and quickly gaining popularity.
City pop (シティ・ポップ) took off in the late 70’s and become popular in the 80’s with the booming Japanese economy, an affluent middle class, and the rapid adoption of portable music players like the Sony Walkman.
For me I associate it with funk music and when I listen I feel as though I’ve been transported back to a disco in 1980’s Tokyo, where people were throwing money around and acting as though the good times would never end (before they abruptly did in the 90’s when the economy tanked and the last thing people wanted to listen to was upbeat music).
The song most enthusiasts cite as being their way into the genre is the song Plastic Love by Mariya Takeuchi: https://youtu.be/YoBwKfMluuo
Though for me it’s her husband Tatsuro Yamashita - referred to as the King of City Pop - who is the artist I find myself listening to the most, given his tracks feature more than any other across playlists and compilations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SfAdSzNHxs
It’s not just the funky upbeat tracks themselves that define the genre, but the animations and visuals that accompany the tracks on Youtube, pulling you through the screen and into the neon lit streets of Tokyo and Osaka, evoking nostalgia of a time where you never were.
The sensation is a strange one that’s hard to explain but in simple terms, but it feels like escaping to a different time, back to an idealistic 1980’s, which unsurprisingly is right up my street given my love for the cyberpunk genre and Blade Runner.
I actually realised the other day, that the Japanese City Pop playlist I’ve been building up over the years, was actually public! I thought it was private, until I noticed 60,000 viewers seem to have found it. It seems the whole world had access to my private stash of city pop!
But it's on here you’ll find amongst the best compilations on Youtube:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSOR9_iNzVflhOZwcM_mrHE0JX4gfmHUT
Here’s the thing though, as well as being nostalgic and pleasant to listen to I actually find I’m able to work better when listening to it!
Usually when I’m scripting, sitting at my desk or riding around trains, I’ll have it on in the background and I find I’m able to focus way better than when listening to English music. As well as being funky, upbeat chill out music, because it’s not sung in English, it’s far less invasive and doesn’t get in the way of my thoughts! Hopefully you’ll find the same.
But really half the fun of City Pop is just seeing what you can find on Youtube, as more and more creators create elaborate compilations, remixes and artwork to accompany the genre. City Pop may have died in the 90’s but it’s certainly back with a vengeance and I take pride in having had a small personal role in popularising it this last half decade through Abroad in Japan and numerous repostings across social media.
Check out the above playlist and read about it more on this fantastic article:
https://beardedgentlemenmusic.com/2017/08/23/japanese-city-pop-1980s/
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So this mock-up is a sneak peek of the main Abroad in Japan studio set that's currently being built by experienced carpenters and professional set designers somewhere in a warehouses near Tokyo!
I don't want to give too much away right now, but after 9 years of underwhelming backdrops, usually shot in the corner of my Japanese apartment, we're finally about to level up.
The set is designed by the 80's, Blade Runner, Cyberpunk and the movie Brazil and will hopefully be a gritty, brutal contrast to my upbeat, happy personality.
But I really wanted something built to professional grade, as I'm no craftsman when it comes to physical things and it was way out of my depth.
I might be about to shoot a drone shot and put some nice music over it, but building a living, breathing physical set with electronics and lighting would have been a disaster had I built it myself and stuck it together with PVA glue and hope.
It's the final piece of the puzzle though, as the studio itself is now more or less finished and next week I'll be shooting the first dedicated video inside, focussing on some wacky convenience store products.
It's been a long year on the road doing incredible things, but I'm looking forward to bringing Abroad in Japan back home indoors and striking up a better balance between indoor/scripted comedy content and the wackier more extreme travel content that we've enjoyed this year, full of horses, hotels and volcanoes.
A big thank you again for making this possible though guys! I look forward to surprising and amazing you all in a few weeks when it's finally finished and making you proud to be a part of Abroad in Japan!
As for me I'll be popping up again in the next few days like a cynical wack-a-mole to reveal an exciting upcoming project.
For now enjoy your Sunday and be sure to check out the City Pop music.
Chris
Comments
Oh and another recent favorite "Town"(Minako Yoshida). I listened to it every morning in my first month in University abroad in Norway >:3
Annine
2022-02-04 23:05:56 +0000 UTCI listened to city pop before it was cool >:D One of my favorite songs is "Airport Dance". I used to sing along to it when I was driving home after work, taking the longer route to drive in the setting sun light <3 City pop helps you romanticize your life innit<3
Annine
2022-02-04 23:03:31 +0000 UTCHave you found any city pop on vinyl yet? I love vinyl and would be interested in hearing if there's some good records available.
2021-10-11 15:01:38 +0000 UTCI am hoping you have a treasure chest of blade runner dress up items like a blade runner coat and other characters wigs etc for guests to your studio to choose from next to your set. Maybe an extra nerf gun to have a shoot out on youtube around the set?
Carol Denn
2021-10-09 14:13:01 +0000 UTCSince you started talking about City Pop a while ago, I've been really enjoying the mainstays of that genre, Tatsuro Yamashita, Tomoko Aran, Minako Yoshida, and of course, Tatsuro Yamashita and Mariya Takeuchi. Just watched an interesting retrospective of the troubled YouTube history of "Plastic Love": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9NdTD5ciVs.
Tim Szczesuil
2021-09-30 18:31:38 +0000 UTCGreat playlist, but nothing from the acclaimed, award winning group Earth, Wind & Ryotaro?
2021-09-28 00:37:33 +0000 UTCCity Pop has been one of my favorite genres for years now, always loved how relaxing and cheerful it sounds. Also, love the new bar set, can't wait to see it completed. might be interesting to do progress updates, as i'd imagine it would have to be partially built in the studio.
Artemis
2021-09-27 19:11:20 +0000 UTCoh man, that studio set looks AMAZING
Andrew Roque
2021-09-27 18:56:10 +0000 UTCAlso, I am eager to see your studio. Sounds like a style I would like.
Marcus Budde
2021-09-27 17:24:43 +0000 UTCI just skimmed that playlist, I did not see any song by Lynn Minmay (リン・ミンメイ, Rin Minmei). Please tell me I just missed it, otherwhise I would be very disappointed...
Marcus Budde
2021-09-27 17:24:03 +0000 UTCMy wife is now in labour and I’m watching Chris Broad to relax. Let is be a testament to his calming qualities.
2021-09-27 02:57:25 +0000 UTCCongratulations again on the studio. The concept art looks incredible. I can't wait to see it!
Dan L
2021-09-27 02:15:28 +0000 UTCOh man that set design looks incredible
Jake Valianes
2021-09-27 00:53:52 +0000 UTCI'm not sure what song I first listened to that introduced me to City Pop but Plastic Love is a good guess. I know it was one of the first if not THE first.
Astor Reinhardt
2021-09-26 23:23:31 +0000 UTCThank you Chris for introducing me to the amazing world of not only Japan, but its addictive City Pop music! 🥰 I also can’t listen to music in English without getting distracted, so this is a true gift! I am one of the few people here, I’m sure, who was blessed to be the perfect age during two key points in our world’s collective culture: I was 8 years old when Star Wars came out, and I was a teenager during the 1980s. I know, every adult always says that “their” era of music was the best, but there was just something so perfect about the 80s. And it wasn’t just the music, but also the movies, and just the happy, upbeat innocence of that time… But enough rambling! Thanks again for sharing your love of City Pop with us, and I look forward to seeing all your incredible videos in your new, cool studio!!!
2021-09-26 21:45:43 +0000 UTCThat set looks amazing! Looking forward to the first video with it. Thanks for sharing the playlist. One of my favourite city pop tracks is "Lullaby for Tokyo City" by "Awesome City Club" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPtCnECVGX4&list=RDFPtCnECVGX4). Always brings a smile to my face.
2021-09-26 20:19:44 +0000 UTCHey Chris, if you're interested, I have another artist you might want to take a look at. They're current, but producing in the same style as the songs here. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWfhLoV53Rwdc9WGw735IUg
coreymon77
2021-09-26 20:01:14 +0000 UTCDo you have a Spotify version of this playlist, by chance?
Froppuccino
2021-09-26 19:00:31 +0000 UTCThat set is going to be amazing. City Pop reminds me so much of Duran Duran, who have been my favorite band since the 80's...maybe that is why their popularity in Japan was always so strong, even back in the day.
wendy weems
2021-09-26 18:58:49 +0000 UTCThere’s actually a science behind why you’re more productive with City Pop than English music Chris. There was a scientific study but I’ll narrow down the finding. When we listen to music in our native language, for you and I being English, our brain will always try and give us the next line of the song. Thus we never really give full focus to the task we are doing. For me, I listen to lofi as there aren’t really lyrics and my brain won’t wonder. But I’ll definitely check out your playlist.
Cristian Jimenez
2021-09-26 16:52:58 +0000 UTCChris, look up Meiko Nakahara. Her 80s albums are golden. Best era of music!!
Rocket Four
2021-09-26 16:50:15 +0000 UTCHappy for you Chris! Can't wait to see the new set! :)
2021-09-26 15:25:55 +0000 UTCSuper excited to see the studio set! That’s going to be fun to see. And, of course, I love City Pop so I’m grateful for the playlist. I listen to it mostly when I need upbeat motivating music to clean the house to. 😆
Laura Beaumont
2021-09-26 15:24:53 +0000 UTCNice atmosophere in that mock-up. Like a little, cozy, private world. City Pop is my favorite choice of music while working ~.~
2021-09-26 14:44:46 +0000 UTCMost City Pop is unfortunately only on Youtube.
Aidan Board
2021-09-26 12:30:14 +0000 UTCChris you don’t have a Spotify version do you? (annoying non premium youtube .. gotta play it with screens on)
Nicolò Pittoni
2021-09-26 12:00:17 +0000 UTCChris, I have the exact same experience and love you have for City Pop, but for Synthwave/Chillwave. Have you checked that genre of music out? I think you'd love it just as much as CP, if not more - as it's literally 80's Cyberpunk-inspired synth music! (Also, the lack of lyrics makes it perfect for work - and the backgrounds/artwork are always amazing!) Here's a link to my playlist on YT if you or anyone else is interested. It'll pull you right into the rainy, neon-lit streets of an idyllic 80's retro future dream: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFb6m0vTvzD-eeIN0hdw53pjIzyU6ZGAR PS: I recommend starting with the one called "Departure" from Asthenic - that mix is pure fire. 🔥
2021-09-26 11:53:04 +0000 UTCThe set looks very cool! Can't wait to see the final product! Will people be able to cook there? Would be such a cool background for a ramen/noodle series (inviting chefさんs, of course 😉)
Saori RedFenyx
2021-09-26 11:32:39 +0000 UTCThe set mock up looks incredible. Pretty inspired.
2021-09-26 09:20:50 +0000 UTCI do the same thing, I listen to it almost every single day, and there's so much left to be discovered! if you haven't heard it please listen to toshiki kadomatsu's Ryoko, by far my most favourite song from him, also check this one out --Tomoko Kuwae - 別れのトﾞレス, if you need more you can look at the extensive playlist i have https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjK4kZvPM1lANe6nAfaADOETirItofiEM
2021-09-26 09:08:27 +0000 UTCRecently I’ve been listening to a lot of city pop on vinyl, it creates such a relaxing atmosphere, also your set design looks amazing I can’t wait to see it come to life. Keep up the good work. :)
2021-09-26 09:06:24 +0000 UTCThat mock up looks so good!! Can't wait to see it finished 😀 I listened to a podcast back in June about the relevance of City Pop in the Switched On Pop podcast but then forgot about it, time to give a go to your playlists 😊
2021-09-26 08:43:52 +0000 UTCI love city pop, and always enjoy hearing people mention it! On my last trip to Japan I went digging through second-hand record stores for old city pop records to take home :)
2021-09-26 08:40:03 +0000 UTCGreat. Looking forward seeing your studio when its finished! I remember the first video i Saw you in- It was when you were complaining about a hawk outside your Window. You have come a long way since then.
2021-09-26 08:38:57 +0000 UTCThat mock-up looks great!
2021-09-26 08:20:24 +0000 UTC>I can’t remember the first time I discovered it I do remember exactly how I discovered it. Actually, it was your video from the first Journey Across Japan, when you were sitting with Sharla under some F-15s flying and answered questions from the viewers. Actively listening to this ever since, and very glad that then I just went and listened to some Tatsuro Yamashita right away.
2021-09-26 08:09:16 +0000 UTCWow the sets gonna look amazing!
Caz T
2021-09-26 08:01:51 +0000 UTCHi chris, I'm having trouble writting in to the podcast. I'm writting to abroadinjapanpodcast@gmail.com and your logo comes up but I'm not getting an automated email saying that my email has gone through. Is the email changed or am I doing something wrong?
2021-09-26 07:44:44 +0000 UTCI never listen to English music, same symptom - makes it way more bearable :) The sketch looks fantastic! Looking forward to the videos!
Faenor
2021-09-26 07:43:26 +0000 UTCWell, its good to know you’ll be contrasting your bubbly personality! There’s only so much happiness and optimism a viewer can take.
2021-09-26 07:36:40 +0000 UTCBeat me to it. I was thinking “surely that’s not shitī poppu” 🤣. I’ll give it a try though…
David Clark
2021-09-26 07:24:54 +0000 UTCThat set design looks absolutely amazing. Can't wait to see it in a video.
Joey B
2021-09-26 07:22:36 +0000 UTCBly me thats look like something out of ordinary in a splendid way , Is Japan also effected by building materials value rise ? In UK it's going nuts all the materials going up .some of the builders has to even re-quote for the jobs .
2021-09-26 07:21:41 +0000 UTCAs an English speaker, I've always found the katakana for city pop to be a bit humorous, since it's directly "shitee poppu"
BRAKEL3SS
2021-09-26 07:20:57 +0000 UTCIf only the video where you tried all the alcohol could've been filmed on this amazing set! ... maybe try all the sake?
DanTheManWithThePants
2021-09-26 07:18:48 +0000 UTCAwesome article, Chris!! I recently received a record player for my birthday and am so keen to get some of this awesome genre on vinyl ♥️
Japandaman
2021-09-26 07:17:08 +0000 UTC
