An Intro to CITY POP

[@gagiestan]

I'd argue that Timely by Anri is one of the best city pop albums. It is energetic, bubbly, funky, and just a joy to listen to. I by chance picked it up on vinyl when looking for new city pop albums to listen to, and it ended up being one of, if not my favorite city pop album. I highly recommend it to anyone that enjoys city pop, or good music in general.

[@sourcherry23]

Agreed on this, it's one of my favorites as well. And it has the Cat's Eye theme for the first track. Loved it!

[@Stevem]

We have a winnerrrrrrrrrrrrr

[@redactado266]

thats a weird way to write ´I can't stop the lonliness´ ;)

[@Stevem]

Honorable mentions to matsutoya yum for her albums kathmandu and dawn purple

[@rotaryryosuke1552]

I agree! My favorite album of all time!

[@kpgohan]

Junko Yagami is underappreciated. Her communication album was pretty good imo

[@lunado9107]

Exactly

[@tbroski2573]

Bay City is a masterpiece.

[@afghaninurrma6617]

thanks for your recommendation

[@stevengallanter665]

Ms. Yagami did lots of good stuff in addition to "Bay City" and "Purple Town." She lives in the U.S. and has a Facebook page.

[@PETBOY]

In fact, Citipop has weak originality. Honestly, it's copy music, but that's good. Currently, Japanese weird girl idol music is even more original.

[@MinkDaddy]

Tatsuro is my man! I just barely got into City Pop and seriously love this genre, and I love how it's taking off. I would have never guessed it either. I love oldies, and it's awesome to watch people seeing the light. Nice video!

[@Stevem]

Cheers, I hope the comment section and video will give you more artists to look into there's plenty of great ones

[@jacobdesign1987]

Ryuchi Sakamoto - "Yeah, he was a big deal back in the day" Hahaha, what a massive understatement. He's ones of the most important Japanese musicians of the last 50 years and still producing popular albums now. I look forward to a video on him though.

[@Stevem]

Jacob Taylor i was half joking I had also called ymo the most influential Japanese band of all time , the documentary on him was playing in my area recently but I had to pass to finish the plasticlove vid

[@SkipRogersJr]

Massive understatement...

[@dreamstone00]

Junko Ohashi's "MAGICAL" exists, you know?

[@DoggmaticProductions]

For me Kiyotaka Sugiyama & Omega Tribe are the epitome of city pop and are so talented... And still perform live together. There's not one meh song in their discography. Another Summer id probably their best...Mayonaka No Screen Board is my fave track of theirs.

[@andrzejczarnecki7858]

I really recommend album Pocket Park by Miki Matsubara. This album started my journey with City Pop and I just love Miki's smooth voice.

[@qwteb]

Stay with me is also a pop classic in japan.

[@stevengallanter665]

@@qwteb "It's So Creamy" and "Jazzy Night" tell the story of a romantic encounter.

[@mechajay3358]

There's some Magical about City Pop Genre that really has more and more people seeking them out.

[@primarysuspect5636]

Angel Touch by Cindy is very underrated aswell.

[@TonymanCS]

Since those way too famous I would like to propose "The Lesser Known Top 5" 5. Shambara- Shambara (feat. Kaoru Akimoto and Yurie Kokubu) 4. Yuko Imai- DO AWAY 3. Keiko Kimura- Style 2. Kenjiro Sakiya- DIFFERENCE 1. Narumin & Etsu (aka Hiroshi Narumi and Etsuko Yamakawa)- THRU TRAFFIC Some of the tracks, especially Kenjiro's "difference in time", sound incredibly contemporary and catchy. The more you dive into this time relic, the more gems you find.

[@hussamm24]

My all time favorite is Tomoko Aran's Last Goodbye

[@Galaxymaxis]

I would maybe add Tomoko Aran's album Fuyu Kukan, it has one of the goldest city-pop pieces like I'm in love and Midnight Pretenders, and there are some more experimental tracks like Hannaya, and of course the cover of the album is like definition of city-pop art.

[@ferahgotheassasin]

Amazing album!

[@sourcherry23]

Finally, an awesome list to get started to city pop. I would love to recommend some as well: Yurie Kokubu - Relief 72 Hours, Tomoko Aran ‎- Fuyü-Kükan, Junko Ohashi ‎- Magical, Junko Yagami ‎- Full Moon, Momoko Kikuchi ‎- Adventure. Subscribed!

[@Stevem]

Raffy Rillo thank you those are all good choices any particular ones you want to hold up for the fifth place

[@TheGaymos]

Love Trip is probably one of my favorite albums of all time

[@Nescium]

4Pac agree

[@ashitaka9230]

For me it's the album who make me start listen to city pop

[@stylecouncil]

yep

[@ezersriah1539]

SAMMMEE TRUE LEGEND

[@collinbeal]

My favorite city pop albums after hearing dozens

[@tyronehasanopiniondealwith3703]

Damn man I love your channel! I feel a lot of people sleep on Japanese music in general I think Japanese modern music can blow up only if they were more open with their artist. But then again they may loose their originality if that happens.

[@Stevem]

Thanks dude! Who knows it's possible that it's more of a marketing issue as Korean Pop music is starting to break through in the West

[@dasmysteryman12]

I want (some of) the songs from these albums to be featured on the 2020 Tokyo Olympics opening ceremony the way British pop music was featured in the 2012 ceremony.

[@Sqwivig]

I love me some Tatsuro Yamashita! His voice is heavenly 😍 ❤ His album FOR YOU is fucking amazing 👏

[@seanduncan1752]

Toshiki Kadomatsu.....After 5 Clash.....opened the whole Genre up for me.... just an incredible musician... The Groove on "Step into the Light", the bass on "Never Touch Again"....the album is a masterpiece. The horn section and instrumentation throughout... guy is still making new music. The real deal.

[@Sqwivig]

Toshiki Kadomatsu is honestly better than Tatsuro Yamashita. Yeah, I said it! (I LOVE Tasturo too btw) After 5 Clash is honestly the best album I've ever heard. The song "Step Into the Light" is so goddamn funky and amazing I love it!

[@juandavidgiraldo518]

@@Sqwivig and remember "if you wanna dance Tonight If you wanna do it baby Tonight" Not only these songs, his jazz fission is spectacular and I listen it every time I can

[@ignaciorodriguez6442]

My favorite albums are "After 5th clash" and "Ride on time". CITY POP FOREVER

[@Sqwivig]

YEEEESSSS!! Toshiki Kadomatsu's "After 5 Clash" is literally my favorite city pop album since getting into the genre! His song Step Into the Light is so funky I almost can't stand it! It is just sooooo fucking good!

[@ignaciorodriguez6442]

@@Sqwivig totally agree! And Never Touch Again is so fun. It was my firts album too 😊

[@LampkinTwins]

Yurie Kokubu Relief 72 Hours is IMO one of the best City Pop albums of all time. Loved your selection btw.

[@SwimmerPrince]

I first stumbled upon the genre back in 2011 when I accidentally downloaded Anri's 1990 album Mind Cruisin' was totally hooked on that music. Then begun to explore Tatsuro Yamashita (whose songs I have heard and liked before) and Toshiki Kadomatsu from the same source of download, Didn't know the genre was called but listened to the songs sporadically over the years . . . until early last year when I finally fully absorbed into CITY POP. Life has never been the same.

[@Stevem]

I'm a big fan of the genre and I hope more people keep discovering it.

[@roytheboy7057]

another great vid on city pop! thanks my dude

[@Stevem]

No problem hope you found something from it you like

[@mariasierra6501]

Hello!. I discovered city pop a few months ago and it amazes me. For me the best is Junko Ohashi and Miki Matsubara, they are just wonderful. Greetings from Spain!. Nice video.

[@Stevem]

Those are great choices and I hope this new discovering is bringing you plenty of joy

[@faberyfabbar4625]

España necesita URGENTEMENTE un garito dedicado al City Pop. Y algún chaval pinchando future funk.

[@mariasierra6501]

@@Stevem for sure! Thanks! Nice channel 🌈🔝

[@mariasierra6501]

@@faberyfabbar4625 Y tanto!. Si no es por estos canales de KZbin yo ni lo conocería y es un género magnífico!.

[@Houlgravely]

I'd argue the king of city pop records would be Toshiki Kadomatsu's Sea Is A Lady. It has a strong jazz fusion influence, but the fact it doesn't have a lot of vocals makes it more accessible to an international audience. Plus he's just a godlike guitarist in general.

[@mattmc8391]

Yes to both

[@vananandreas3070]

Instant subscribe. Looking forward for more videos like this!

[@ukuleleghils8304]

Your channel is just great, thanks a lot !

[@suiken3149]

Momoko Kikuchi's Adventure is pretty good too.

[@Sqwivig]

I recently listened to that one and I really loved it!

[@k3nni3.ruxp1n]

My fave album from her is tropic of capricorn. Especially koi no projection

[@crazycutz8072]

i am here from 2021.. and city pop has still not broken any playlist charts.. but one can hope.

[@princeeverlove]

KIKUCHI MOMOKO "ADVENTURE" ALBUM😻😻😻✨✨✨🔆🔆🔆

[@mattmc8391]

I would be fine with either of Toshiki Kadomatsu’s albums , After 5 Clash or Sea is a Lady .... two different spectrums of City Pop , both awesome

[@acemoss2878]

Yay! I love seeing videos about City Pop, and I enjoyed hearing your enthusiasm for the genre! Great album choices too. Also, if you like City Pop, try New Music, which was the '70s predecessor to the genre. It's got kind of an AM Pop/singer-songwriter/fusion sound, but it's pretty diverse too. It kind of folded/evolved into City Pop, and it's really slept on, I feel. A lot of the big names in CP started out there. (Sugar Babe, for example, is considered New Music, and Taeko Ohnuki's first 3 albums have a combination of City Pop and New Music tracks. Minako Yoshida has some great New Music as well, but Yumi Arai/Matsutoya and Seri Ishikawa are my personal favorite artists in the genre.)

[@Stevem]

I was hoping the passion came through it was a bit longer than expected, might try and keep these a little tighter in future. Thank for all the recommendations I had not heard of it before hand I will check out those artists

[@Playchoice10]

I'd recommend Kaoru Akimoto's only LP, "Cologne".

[@sourcherry23]

This. I love that record!

[@TonymanCS]

Well, she did release at least 3 records, but the other 2 fall short of amazing "Cologne" And don't forget Akimoto/Kokubu join project "Shambara" which is wonderful, too.

[@Sammie_Sorrelly]

Just bought it. Only cost me 10,000 yen. I guess that's what the real estate bubble was like.

[@k3nni3.ruxp1n]

momoko kikuchi is one of my all time favs. Minako Yoshida is also one of my favorite artists

[@gottacatchmall]

thanks for linking my video! absolutely love taeko ohnuki. great video too!

[@Stevem]

Thank you for being the first to upload it on KZbin

[@samuelnaesen1176]

You do what you believe in. As someone trying to do the same; respect. Keep it up!

[@sophialucas9128]

Love trip is seriously amazing! One of my favourite albums🤗❤️ Also big wave, for you and the sea is a lady are all up there too!

[@glenshiro]

1986 omega tribe - crystal night

[@Waynimations]

I’m already in too deep

[@DJSkully1]

Great video here! Loving your work :) thumbs up from D.J.P :)

[@prettysky0118]

The only song i like of minako yoshida its "i'll teach you all about love" but i try to discovery more her songs and my favorite album i like and i understand its big wave tatsuro yamashita !! and now i want to lisent this songs you mention, really good video:) !! (i wish talk more of albums i lisent but my english it's so bad)

[@gingganggoolie]

I really like this new casual style of yours

[@Stevem]

Aww thanks Iona it's almost necessary when making the more low key vids, I just go in the booth with my notes and go with the flow

[@Garland41]

Okay, but have you heard of Yasuha? Her first album Transit is a favorite of mine for tracks like Bye Bye Lover (where she sings doubling the guitar solo) and Flyday Chinatown.

[@NJX0722]

I love your videos!!! Your voice is so soothing & analysis are on point. Keep it up, man👍

[@Star_Sn1per]

I really like "Chinese restaurant" Takako's voice is so beautiful on that track BTW Casiopea "mint jams" is not citypop it's fusion jazz.

[@Stevem]

StarSn1per guess I made the right decision not including then, great record though

[@Star_Sn1per]

I have it on lp:)

[@limemaid2003]

Good vid. Ｇｏｏｄ ｖｉｄｅｏ．

[@CrossJeniel]

5 year I into an kpop 3 years ago into to city pop

[@dianprasetyo4335]

you should definitely check out Piper Summer Breeze album.

[@ezersriah1539]

My super fav city pop singer is Mai yamane She's got that cool vibes around her especially her voice

[@MitchellHang]

1:44 It's "Sunshower" you dip

[@Stevem]

Whoops ahaha my mistake

[@afghaninurrma6617]

Hahahaha. i think the video maker has shallow references about what he talks about

[@gkanai1400]

Kadomatsu's "After 5 Clash" !!!

[@taeyeonspie5356]

yes, i came because i saw takako mamiya's love trip, such a gem!

[@Stevem]

taeyeons pie what a great record !

[@futuredeath]

I love your channel bro!!

[@Stevem]

Thanks dude!

[@homeristro3472]

Where is Anri?

[@Stevem]

You are welcome to make your case for Anri and which of her albums should be number 5

[@homeristro3472]

Stevem in my humble opinion Timely is the best album of Anri i love anri voice but like a woman dont have charming like takako but honestly i dont care his voice make me fall in a nostalgia and a melancholy of be in love or your lover leave you with the feeling of never meet again Anri is a sucha great singer

[@Stevem]

Oh wow that's the second recommendation for Timely that's doing pretty good !

[@Mayhem390]

Fourthing Anri's Timely!

[@TonymanCS]

Mate, there are just way too many great Japanese 80's pop artists and our taste are indeed different :)

[@poundsofslothcigars]

I remmeber a lilbit ago some japanese guy was trying to convice me that city pop inspired Michael jackson, prince, etc. He was getting angry at me but I was just explaining that if you look at original air dates new wave and 70-80s rnb came first.

[@MatomeQuestMoremi]

Yo. Not sure if you've noticed this yet... but in Love Trip... Love trip (the first track) and What a broken heart can do (last song), these are not the same song... nor is the latter a translation. They're pretty much opposites. Love trip is about falling in love and the latter is about the end of love, what a broken can do...

[@Sqwivig]

My top 5 city pop albums are: 1. Toshiki Kadomastu - After 5 Clash 2. Anri - Timely!! 3. The Jaedos - Free Drink 4. Tatsuro Yamashita - For You 5. Yoshino Fujimal - Romantic Guys *Honorable mentions: Tomoko Aran - Imitation Lonely And literally ALL of the AB'S albums.

[@shronk9463]

Timely!! Is so good, remember summer days is a downright perfect song

[@LostinTranslation479]

I love this genre

[@ashitaka9230]

Love talkin definitely have one of the best groove i ever heard!

[@rusaheldozal2107]

Can you please do more vids on KZbin recommend music? It's very fascinating and fun to explain the music recommend on KZbin that we all encounter and need more context on to fully appreciate.

[@Stevem]

I'm planning a Japanese hiphop recommendation vid right now and after that a video on Nujabes, who has also seen big success on KZbins Recommendations

[@arobb2007]

My favorite album I listen to everyday is Takako Mamiya - Love Trip

[@superkamigurualucardmckee6181]

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shanti_(Hitomi_Shimatani_album) This is a classic, and she is truly fantastic as an artist in the era of similar vibes, and style of the past City Pop I think you'll agree :)

[@YourFavouriteColor]

Chakra all the way. Satekoso is their strongest album. Don't know if it technically counts as City Pop but it's around the same era/style. Anyway. Genius stuff.

[@onelonelypebble5629]

I'd either say 'Cupid' by Miki Matsubara, 'Twilight Zone' by Minako Yoshida, 'Adventure' by Momoko Kikuchi, or 'Sunshower' by Taeko Ohnuki would be my top city pop album.

[@Foxynaut888]

For a more modern take on City Pop coming from Japan check out Orange Pekoe kzbin.info/www/bejne/jWSyhaCdjNarfas They are usually labelled Jazz, but they definitely have strong city pop influences. In my opinion, their debut Album is the best one. I'm sure someone will sample their intro track from their debut album - kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y6OpZ6Z7aJmkZq8

[@t.a.hargrove1212]

This needs more than just verbal audio, holy shit, please edit this video about music and include clips. I literally listened to this entire thing to learn about music and never heard a bit of it. Who is this for - people who know the songs already!!

[@Stevem]

You didn't listen to all of it because there are actual music clips in this video one for each album, once more there's links in the description to every main album talked about it.

[@t.a.hargrove1212]

Stevem how much music in minutes is in this video

[@t.a.hargrove1212]

As a guy who has literally no stake in whether this video sucks or not - I watched the whole thing dingus - it really needs more music. Like, did KZbin remove it or something? I can’t be the only one that notices this. Someone get in here and back me up

[@Stevem]

@@t.a.hargrove1212 the amount you can have without getting content id'd

[@Too_Nostalgic]

What about meiko nakahara?

[@lavaniadelrey2807]

ride on time by tatsuro yamashita is a masterpiece. I get all my city pop songs on soundcloud when I type up city pop its the bestttttest

[@Stevem]

Ride on time is a JAM of a song

[@andycahan5966]

Which prefer day pop or night pop?

[@bebopblues]

After 5 clash is amazing

[@mangoblaze]

Please DO make a video and about Ryuichi Sakamoto! I love that man!

[@Stevem]

I'm going to make a video on YMO, the whole history just need to find some good sources and plan it out

[@sebastianmikel3033]

QUE VIVA EL CITY POP ✨🔥🎷

[@eeliskanerva3348]

Please make a video about Mr. Sakamoto. That would be so awesome!

[@Stevem]

One day, One day it will happen

[@TheMrbasebll]

U need to add Hamada Kingo - midnight cruisin

[@BritneyT.]

I think one of my favorite albums is Mint Jams by Casiopia

[@michabrony1998]

Tomoko Aran is sooooooo good 👌👌👌 If you haven't listen to her, you should do it! Greetings from México

[@oiuhoindds924]

yoshino fujimal - yoshino fujimal great album

[@aldrinsingh2029]

Sunshower by Radko ohnuki is my favorite album

[@princeeverlove]

MIKI IMAI ALBUM "MOCHA UNDER A FULL MOON"/SONG: "BOOGIE WOOGIE LONESOME HIGH HEEL"👠💔

[@HarimaBR]

Why I never see anybody talking about Kiyotaka Sugiyama? I really like his songs too

[@reichen609]

*@**#Stevem* Not related but when i first saw this redhead guy i thought he was smoldering hot-so i made 3 anime characters based from his looks, albeit more sexualized versions (of course) ala *_#seancody_**_, _**_#ragingstallion_* and *_#britLads_**_._* I named one of them *Zdevem,* . . . just kidding (that's bad). Another one has his trademark vocal tone as if he has perpetual colds. Sounds sexy though, coupled with his somewhat vague, quirky sense of humor. PS. Loved *#citypop* since first hearing the ED theme of *#G_Gundam**.* So jazzy!

[@_spacesamurai]

Holy Shit, didnt know about the Ryuichi Sakamoto partnership. I love his album "Sweet Revenge", and he is an awesome musician. Must listen to their album together.

[@丹尼尔英语自助餐]

would it be better to have songs along with?

[@doladolabilyo]

Yukiko Okada got some great tracks, Mariya Takeuchi wrote the lyrics of some of her songs, like her first single First Date wich i find Brilliant. Her story is tragic tho, if you wiki her you'll get a kick in the stomach, it took me some time before being able to dive in her discography (4 albums) but i'm glad i did. She won the biggest talent contest in Japan in 1984 wich gave her access to excellent production, for exemple the man who produced the soundtrack for The Last Emperor and got an Oscar for it also produced Yukiko's last album the year before. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJWWlZSgYt2mrLc 流れ星!!!!

[@TMS5100]

no mention of matsutoya yumi 松任谷由実 ? arguably the most important and longest lasting japanese artist of all time. her concerts are a spectacle to behold. she released her fair share of city pop and her albums are chart toppers.

[@Stevem]

I can add her to the list? Any albums you'd recommend?

[@TMS5100]

@@Stevem matsutoya yumi has been described as the carole king of japan. i started making a playlist for "yuming for beginners" but someone else beat me to it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nXLIi6uAnb9qpZY you might recognize some songs from anime, tv CM, or movies. she doesn't have a smooth sultry voice - her voice has been described as "raspberry yogurt". but she's an incredible songwriter and incredibly prolific. her songs are insidiously catchy. some additional not on that link are in a yuming playlist i just started: kzbin.info/aero/PL0svb3wjur7VILTdJnObs4OwsK1B3DA48

[@TMS5100]

@@Stevem en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yumi_Matsutoya is also a good reference ;)

[@Stevem]

@@TMS5100 For the audience I am looking for an easy in ,an album for beginners, the cliff notes per se If its a song I'd choice the Kiki's delivery Service one

[@Stevem]

oh wait sorry your first comment got restricted because of all the links I have now greenlit it all good

[@bobbio100]

Kind of disappointed that Thanks Giving by ラ•ム (RaMu) is not on this list. It has a very unique sound I haven't found on other albums. "愛は心の仕事です" (Ai wa kokoro no shigoto desu/Love is the Heart's Work) is a great example of their music.

[@swooningtree]

Scouring the comments for a mention of "Sexy Robot" by Hitomi 'Penny' Tohyama but...

[@simonpossingham1552]

Ride on Time Tatsuro Yamashita

[@wippokeman]

“Sunflower” ???

[@feAt.tAkuyA]

J‐POPのルーツはHappy‐end（はっぴいえんど）から始まったといっても過言ではない。Haruomi Hosono, Eichi Otaki, Shigeru Suzuki, Takashi Matsumoto のメンバー4人は解散後も日本音楽界に重要な役割を担うことになる。 例えばHaruomi HosonoがいなければYMOは存在しなかったし、Eichi OtakiがいなければTatsuro Yamashitaも世に出てこなかったかもしれない。Takashi Matsumotoは日本音楽界で最も多く作詞を手掛けた作詞家として記録保持者でもある。そしてHappy-endの活動期間は短かったが日本の多くのアーティストに影響を与えた。 1970年代の日本のロック界はイギリスロック（UKｰrock）に影響を受けたハードロック志向（hardrock）と、アメリカのfunkやsoul, R&Bに強い影響を受けたソフトロック志向（softrock）とに明確に枝分かれした時期だけれど、当時の日本の若者には刺激が強いハードロックが圧倒的に支持された。 その中で人気を誇ったのがYazawa Eikichiが在籍したCarolだった。ところが同時期に活動したsoftrockは高い音楽性はあったもののセールス的には殆ど成功しなかった。実際にTatsuro YamashitaのSugarbabeのライブでは客が殆ど入らず、あるライブの時には客から「帰れ！（Get out !!!）」と罵られたこともあった。 これは何もSugarbabeだけの話ではなく、同時代のバンドであるOffcourseなども実力はあるのにセールスには反映されなかった。ちなみに代表曲の1つである1975年発表のnemurenu yoruはその後に何回か他の歌手によってカバーされた名曲だが、オリジナルであるOffcourseにしてみればヒット曲とは言えなかった。 softrockにとってそんな不遇の1970年代ではあったが、softrockがようやく世間から脚光を浴びるようになったのはハードロック熱が冷め始めた1970年代の終わり頃で、才能に溢れる若きCASIOPEAやYMOといった1970年代後半のfusionブームやTechno‐popのようなnewwaveの台頭と共にTatsuro Yamashitaの快進撃が始まった。そしてこのsoftrockこそがCITY POPの原点となった。 Tatsuro Yamashitaは1979年に1st single cut『Let's Dance Baby』を発表し、翌年、1980年発表の4th album『RIDE ON TIME』が大ヒットする。Let's Dance BabyはもともとThe King Tonesのために作曲した曲だった。 とにかく、Happy‐end（はっぴいえんど）を抜きにして日本の音楽史は語れない！

[@KogTsnzz]

Have you try Lucky tape

[@aoifukada5055]

Did you have information about Takako Mamiya ? I am looking for picture of her but I found only those from Love Trip. We do not even know his age...

[@Stevem]

there's only two pictures of her , the love trip stuff and a photo of her on the back of a Single she did with another band

[@aoifukada5055]

@@Stevem did you know where can I find the second one in the single ?

[@Stevem]

@@aoifukada5055 twitter.com/zenhuxtable/status/1090742347434987528 I posted it here

[@aoifukada5055]

@@Stevem Thank you so much !

[@Foxynaut888]

In all this City Pop renaissance of late, I haven't heard anyone talk about Ryo Kawasaki kzbin.info/www/bejne/mYS9hGmkoLt7ors ... it can be more fusion jazz, but dang! some of his melodies and basslines are the shizz. Also check out Raisens from him.

[@andersa222]

After 5 clash is underrated album

[@increiblo]

Awesome vid! Glad to see some on the list some of the records I started to listen at random. Btw, you've got any more recommendations within the genre that have that Diamond Dogs / Berlin trilogy Bowie sound, like that Tatsuro Yamashita track you mention (Or Tomoko Aran's HANNYA, from 'Fuyukukan'; it has that krautrock feel, as well)?

[@Stevem]

increiblo I haven't heard too many like that but I will keep my ears out for ya , I'm sure there's a couple

[@nicowatt7084]

Ryuji Sakamoto? You mean my beat friend in Persona 5?

[@Stevem]

Close, but I was talking about Ryuichi Sakamoto

[@IceKiller159]

Tomoko Aran - More Relax is great

[@SkipRogersJr]

Best contemporary city pop album you did not include, imo is Hitomoi's City Dive (一十三十一). The best 80's city pop album not covered here probably one of Nakahara Meiko's like Moods or something. I did not realize there was such a large community of City Pop lovers... I'm guessing most are here via Vaporwave and are not actual comprehensive fans of "Showa era" pop music and can differentiate between all the sounds that were going on at the time. The 80's truly was one of the best times in Japanese Music. The thing that sucks is the internet wasn't around in the 80's and most contemporary Japanese people would rather forget about this "Bubble-Era" style of music or view it as old musics... Its not really that well documented and its hard to research it... For people wanting to get into the genre, check out the Wikipedia page (ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%82%B7%E3%83%86%E3%82%A3%E3%83%BB%E3%83%9D%E3%83%83%E3%83%97) and Discogs.com to find the personnel for the older albums.

[@Stevem]

I'd say one of the big factors is KZbin recommending a lot more Japanese music to anyone with a passing interest in the country. The numbers on certain singles or albums have been sky rocketing of late

[@2jazzen]

citypop rules

[@Marvindlight]

6:45 Fucking awesome :D

[@InquisitorFreeman]

I would say Mint Jams falls into J-Fusion, same area as T-Square.