Being the second largest music market in the world, Japanese music companies seldom seek out international fame. Instead, they focus on physical sales and in-person experiences to make their product ultra-exclusive for the home audience.
However, this doesn’t mean Japanese artists don’t have the ambition to pursue recognition overseas. Some artists have even left their agencies at the peak of their careers due to strong disagreements on targeting a global audience. Seeing this strong desire to branch out, some labels are loosening the reins.
While J-pop is still fairly niche in America, it’s not completely unknown. For instance, Coachella and Lollapalooza this year both had Japanese groups performing. Artists who provide music for anime often garner enough of an audience to hold concert tours in the United States. Even if you’re not into Japanese music, you may have heard YOASOBI’s ‘Idol’ or BABYMETAL’s ‘Gimme Chocolate!!’.
J-pop’s growth overseas has encouraged some labels to allow their music on streaming services such as Spotify or Apple Music. Wanna ride the wave? Here are some artists you can add to your playlist…
Kenshi Yonezu / Hachi
Yonezu first began making music at the age of fifteen. As he entered his later teenage years, he began releasing music using the synthetic voice software Vocaloid under the alias “Hachi.” Yonezu utilized Vocaloid from 2008 to 2013, briefly returning in 2017, before he began performing with his own voice. When using his voice, he decided to perform using his real name instead of the alias. While many were sad to see him graduate from using Vocaloid, Yonezu’s success only continued.
Under the name Hachi, Yonezu released the song ‘Matryoshka’. The song became popular overseas, leading to many cosplayers dressing up like the characters in the music video. The vocals in the song, made in the earlier years of the Hatsune Miku and Megpoid voicebanks, have a distinct robotic sound that complements the chaotic music.
The song is believed to be about a girl descending into madness, and the sound perfectly captures it. It is widely considered to be one of the most famous Vocaloid songs.
Now releasing music under his own name, Yonezu continues to explore different styles of music. But while he may release more emotionally driven ballads, he still has songs with that distinctly chaotic feeling behind them.
For instance, his song ‘RED OUT’ will make your heart race like a horror movie when you watch the music video. Because of his increasing popularity, his more recent music videos even have an option for English subtitles!
DAOKO / QUBIT
A rapper and singer, Daoko first gained popularity when she was fifteen, in 2012. In Japan, she found success early in her career but gained international attention after collaborating with music producer and DJ TeddyLoid for the project ‘ME!ME!ME!’ and ‘GIRL’ in 2014.
With her voice catching the attention of many, Daoko also collaborated with artists like m-flo and Kenshi Yonezu. TeddyLoid liked working with her so much, they even went back in for another round! Listening to Daoko’s music will transport you to a different world. Her song ‘Kakete Ageru’ makes me feel as though I’m floating on a cloud in a dream. Her light and airy vocals bring a cheerfulness to the calming tune.
In 2023, Daoko became the lead vocalist for the group QUBIT and began working with the group to further develop their sound alongside her solo artist work. While the sound is a departure from her original dreamy tunes, the song ‘Beautiful Days’ showcases her voice in a new way. The song is more pop-rock in genre and features a more abrasive sound. It’s not bad by any means but it certainly took me off guard!
Maximum the Hormone
Image source: Maximum the Hormone
Maximum the Hormone is a band like no other. Their music rides the line between pop-punk and alternative metal, often leaning toward the latter. The band members take turns as lead vocalists, creating unique feelings for each song. Formed in 1997, the band is best known in America for providing songs for the anime series Death Note. MTH has been called “funk metal” or “groove metal” by its peers due to its experimental sound. The music takes from pop, ska, screamo, hip-hop, and more.
Their music videos are often tongue in cheek, and when asked about the meaning of their band name they say it means whatever you want it to mean.
The first song I remember hearing from them was ‘ChuChu Lovely MuniMuni MuraMura PrinPrin Boron Nururu ReroRero,’ which is a great song to show people who claim to “listen to anything.” Their music from 2007 to today hasn’t changed much, but that isn’t a bad thing. They continue to have fun both in music and concept with their 2023 song ‘Koino America,’ which is delightfully insane and perfect for working out.
IMP.
The seven-member group was originally formed under STARTO Entertainment in 2020 as “IMPACTors”. They left the agency to join TOBE, a new talent agency started by a senior idol from STARTO. Fans were initially concerned about the group’s future under new leadership, but those worries disappeared with the group’s strong online presence. TOBE plans on taking their stars worldwide.
Having changed agencies before putting out any music as a group, there doesn’t seem to be any traces of IMPACTors on streaming. But luckily for us, TOBE isn’t as shy about sharing and has uploaded IMP.’s music to streaming services! Not only are they giving us music videos with the option for English subtitles like their song ‘I Got It,’ but they’re giving us dance practice videos! Who doesn’t love to see some beautiful men dancing in sync? Check out their dance practice with the song ‘SWITCHing.’
Ayaka Sasaki / Momoiro Clover Z
Best known by her stage name Aarin, Sasaki is a founding member of the female idol group Momoiro Clover Z. Having been practically raised in front of the camera, Sasaki is a top-class idol when it comes to performing.
While she is a prominent member of the group, Sasaki does also have her solo work. For instance, she has her own concert celebration called Ayaka Nation which is a concert for Aarin, about Aarin, and by Aarin. Introducing herself as the “sexy and ever playful” idol, there is no heart she can’t capture.
That being said, female idols aren’t allowed to have boyfriends… so she became her own! In the fun and upbeat song ‘My Cherry Pie,’ Aarin puts on a male persona who romances her female persona. I showed this performance in an LGBT studies class once and everyone was captured by Aarin’s charm regardless of their gender or sexuality! Still not convinced? Check out the song ‘BUTTOBI!,’ an upbeat song that will brighten your day accompanied by a cute video of the MomoClo girls playing a video game.
Not quite ready to jump into Japanese music just yet? Check out this article about new music you can listen to in English!
