Music in Japan
Living in Japan it is impossible to escape the popular tunes of the day. Whether your walking across the Shibuya crossing and hearing the reigning Jpop Queen, Namie Amuro's new album, or watching a music show during dinner with your host family.
Now I shallt give yee an insight to the music which I've enjoyed hearing accidentally as I go through my exchange year. Although I had an interest in Japanese music while in Finland, it was quite hard to find interesting bands without the passive exposure.
This one is a particular favourite of mine, and is interesting for a number of reasons. Firstly, it's a hip hop group, and the first song in that genre which I really like. One of the band members is also half Finnish, his name being Ilmari, which is incidentally the second of my own two middle names. He is the one with the grey and black shirt if you are interested.
My second one is a song which has become quite a phenomenon here in Japan. It's the theme song to Studio Ghibli's new animated movie, Ponyo.Anyone aware of Japanese love for cuteness will not be too surprised how this is so popular. Personally though, I find the the old suited fellows quite endearing. The kid there is only nine years old, but I've seen her on music programs at least twice, equal among other Japanese music stars. Last time I saw this song was 6th on some music chart or another. Its also probably the song which is most often hummed or sung by idle Japanese... or exchange students as the case may be.
This song doesn't really play anymore these days, something I remember really liking from my earlier months. If you like their sound you can search for more of it on youtube, such as this song.
My last choice for today is a song which first caught my eye due to the silly music video. It's very stylish and very cool, and that's why the dancers at the back are so entertaining. The music grew on me pretty fast too.
Which one of these songs is your favourite? Should I do more posts like these?
Sakari
8 Comments
Reader Comments (8)
LOL did you get the idea about our conversation :P
Nope. I was about to post one video, but then thought I might as well make something decent of it.
I liked the 3rd one the best a lot of oomph although the lyrics don't make much sense.
tee ihmees lisaa tallasia posteja, oli hauskaa kun sai tietaa etta millasiin biiseihin oot tykastyny taalla olon aikana :D pitaskohan munki..? :D
By now you've made me sufficiently scared of everything Japan that I declined to click on any of the videos.
But I think you should go to a concert while you're there. Should be an interesting experience. ;)
@sonja Senkus! :D
Ah, I just realised I should have included one of Superfly's songs....
Tuo eka oli ihan mielettömän hyvä! Onneks löysin vahingossa sun blogin ku tää on oikeesti niin hyvä.:---D
Kiitoksia kiitoksia, koitan jaksaa taas kirjottaa jotain kohtapuolin :P
Ehkä tulevan lauantain kaverin koulun kulttuurifestivaaleist.