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non-Japanese readers. The start of manga
Pop culture in Japan has band Dir en Grey, there is something for
undergone many changes has also ushered in the era of anime, which everyone in Japanese music.
over the years. Within the can be summarized as animated panels of Mainstream Japanese music genres
past decade, its once obscure manga with visual and audio effects. such as J-pop and J-rock are well known
pop culture has spread across for their unique and ever-evolving sounds.
the globe, with its influence Anime is definitely one of the most Each of them work together to make
especially obvious when well-known parts of pop culture in Japan, Japanese music overall cement itself a
scouring the online world. with its engrossing style and episodic place among the most innovative music
The extent of this reach format appealing to many young audiences scenes in the world. One thing’s for sure,
came unexpectedly. From worldwide. Many popular anime television fans of Japanese music are sure to continue
series such as “Dragon Ball Z” and “Sailor
Free; Boundless anime and manga to video Moon” are based on manga. This has growing over the coming years
games and music, Japanese It was distinctly identified by its upbeat
pop culture has become helped to increase the visibility of Japanese While we’re at it, I have to talk production and futuristic production,
increasingly popular around animation around the world. Anime in the about one specific genre in particular. making it stand out as an original Japanese
the globe, influencing fashion, music, film, modern world has matured enough that Japanese City Pop is a genre of Japanese music genre. [6]
and television. Nowadays, even the average there exist job opportunities in Japan to pop music that emerged around the late
layman would know a thing or two about earn a living creating anime scenes. 1970s and reached its peak in popularity In addition to the pop culture
anime or manga. during the 1980s. Music journalist Yukata referenced above, Japanese pop culture also
Japanese animated films such as Kimura had once described it simply as encompasses cuisine, cosplay, and karaoke.
“Howl’s Moving Castle” and “Spirited
The first known use of the word “urban pop music for those with urban It is a diverse and colorful culture that is
[5]
“manga” comes from the title of a picture Away” have won many film-related awards lifestyles”. Japanese City Pop songs often steadily evolving, and it is sure to fascinate
book, “Shiji no Yukikai”, written by Santō and praised by movie critics for their have catchy melodies, upbeat rhythms, and multiple generations of people on a global
[3][4]
Kyōden back in 1798. [1] Manga, which innovative storytelling. Both films were smooth vocals. The reason I am shining the scale. It is a testament to the ingenuity and
literally means “whimsical pictures”, wasn’t produced by the masterful Studio Ghibli. limelight on this genre, in particular, is that creativity of the Japanese people that will
widely used until around the 1980s and Many of their films are critically acclaimed it emerged during the post-war economic continue to influence and be influenced by
1990s, following Japan’s economic boom. by many and are considered the poster child boom era in Japan when cultural exports various other pop cultures in the world.
This period was also the golden age of of Japanese media and animation. Other entered the country and heavily influenced
manga. [2] 10 years ago, reading manga Japanese animated series such as “Attack on the musical scene at the time.
was considered a hobby, a niche that high Titan” and “My Hero Academia” are also
school students would indulge in during popular among the younger generation.
their spare time. References:
At this point of the article, I have
to bring up one of the industries that was
Nowadays, manga is more of a [1] Joey, “The History of Manga: Early Origins” Evolution in Japan from Word-
household name than anything, as popular impacted the most. The industry that I am Press, uploaded 25th December 2020
manga titles such as “Demon Slayer” and talking about is, of course, the music [2] “Manga: a brief history in 12 works” British Museum, published 5th December
“Jujutsu Kaisen” are appearing more and industry. Japanese music is known 2018
more in bookstores around the world. For to many for its unique [3] “Howl’s Moving Castle - Awards” IMDB
many people, manga has broken cultural blend of traditional and [4] “Spirited Away - Awards” IMDB
barriers, as many manga feature Japanese modern sounds. From [5] Rob Arcand, “The Guide to Getting Into City Pop, Tokyo’s Lush 80s Nightlife
mythology and history which provides a the energetic pop of the Soundtrack” Vice, published 25 January 2019
unique perspective on Japanese culture for idol musical group AKB48 to [6] Jihyun Lee, “Everything You Need to Know About Japanese City Pop”. Japan
38 the hard beats of the heavy metal Nakama 39
