70 COMMENTS
Who’s your favorite musical artist from Japan? +
I think I have a very diverse music taste. I honestly can’t think of one music genre that I like the best. It usually changes every 3-4 months, and eventually I will come back to a particular genre like it was some sort of seasonal cycle. Right now, Im listening to a mix of UK Grime and European dance/pop. You can usually catch me listening to Frenchkiss FM.
I have been running a poll for about 2 weeks now on the sidebar about reader’s favorite music from Japan. The poll has almost 200 votes, and for the entire length of the poll JPOP and JROCK have been neck and neck. I’m actually surprised that it has been so close.
My two favorite artist from Japan right now are probably the Teriyaki Boyz and M-Flo. I love how they both consistently produce such creative music that transcends country borders. One of the first reasons I became interested in M-Flo was that they use a mix of English and Japanese in their songs. It’s perfect for someone who is learning Japanese. You may have already heard of the Teriyaki Boyz and didn’t realize it. Teriyaki Boyz got their big break in America due to a few tracks on the Tokyo Drift soundtrack. Recently they also did a music video with Pharrell and Busta Rhymes called Zock On.
So who are your favorite artists from Japan? Either send me a message on Twitter, or leave it in the comments, and if I get enough responses, I’m going to make a post with everyone’s favorites to help spread the musical love.
M-Flo feat. Melody & Yamamoto Ryohei - Miss You
Popularity: 8% [?]
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May 5th, 2008 at 2:40 pm
the pillows, without a doubt. Yes, I probably would have never heard of them were it not for FLCL, but that doesn’t stop them from rocking to an amazing level on their non-aminu-related albums too.
No offense, but I can’t stand this J-rap. It all sounds the same; the female lyricist comes in and sings a few melodic lines, then the male lyricist comes in and spouts a few melodic lines, back and forth, both occasionally interjecting in English. If you’ve heard one J-rap song, you’ve heard them all…
May 5th, 2008 at 3:05 pm
None taken. I do agree that a lot of it sounds the same, however M-Flo in particular has a lot of different sounds (musically). Teriyaki Boyz are good because I think they are really opening up the audience to Japanese hiphop. M-Flo on the other hand is that one unique group that innovates the sound.
The Pillows are also one of the groups jumping borders. I havn’t heard a lot of their music, but from what I did hear, they are good.
May 5th, 2008 at 5:31 pm
I think my choice is Denki Groove.
May 5th, 2008 at 7:50 pm
Hmm, it Littleneko from mixi.Well I have to say right now it:
Jrock:LM.C and L’arc en ciel
Pop: Utada Hikaru and the singer of Still Doll for vampire knight ed
May 5th, 2008 at 8:28 pm
I think that the Southern All Stars and Mr. Children are pretty good. I’m not a big fan of J-music though.
May 28th, 2008 at 10:46 pm
I would recommend ‘BACK-ON” to almost anyone. They are primarily rock with a bit of pop and electronic music thrown in. (5-man band) You might have already heard their music in e.g. Air Gear (anime) :)
July 22nd, 2008 at 10:22 pm
Mika Nakashima! Especially from her album LOVE
December 7th, 2008 at 11:56 pm
Hm… My number one would have to be Miyavi. <3 Loved him first time I heard him. I also like (in no particular order):
-Gackt
-LM.C
-exist †trace
-DANGER☆GANG
-Anna Tsuchiya
-D’espairsRay
-SuG
- Plastic Tree
And probably some more I can’t think of at the moment.