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The Sounds of Japan: Exploring Music, Genres & Subcultures

Japan’s music scene is a bold mix of genre-defying sound and cultural storytelling. From the polished pop of J-Pop idols and the nostalgic glow of City Pop, to the experimental edge of Japanese hip-hop, lo-fi beats, and indie rock, the country’s soundscape reflects a culture in constant creative motion.

Our Music section brings you closer to the voices shaping Japan today. Explore features on underground scenes in Tokyo and Osaka, breakdowns of iconic albums, rising artists, and the global reach of Japanese music across anime, gaming, and fashion.

This is your window into a world where sound, identity, and subculture collide—and where Japan’s creative spirit is always turned up to eleven.

David Bowie beside a train in Japan

Music

David Bowie’s Japan: Partner and Muse

In honor of David Bowie's legacy, we explore his relationship with Japan. A fascinating tale expanding music, fashion, film and more....

By Santiago Campodonico

  • Music

    The History of Jazz in Japan: Finesse through Cultural Osmosis

    Discover the rich history of Japanese Jazz! Explor...

    Japanese Pianist Ryo Fukui
    Discover the rich history of Japanese Jazz! Explor...

    By Simon Jenner

    9 December 2024
  • Music

    10 Japanese Christmas Songs To Check Out

    Add a festive twist to your holiday playlist with ...

    Santa listening to Japanese Xmas Songs
    Add a festive twist to your holiday playlist with ...

    By Jihyun Lee

    4 December 2024
  • Music

    20 Trending Japanese Tiktok Songs You’ve Been Searching For

    From Japanese Tiktok dance songs to anime OSTs, if...

    Anime girl wearing headphones playing an electric guitar
    From Japanese Tiktok dance songs to anime OSTs, if...

    By Vahan Rickards

    6 November 2024
  • An animated parked car in a neon-lit street

    Lofi Music for Beginners: What You Need To Know

    New to the lofi music scene? Worry not - we got you covered! Discover the soothing sounds of the gen...

    By Simon Martin

    24 September 2024

  • Cat from Eigakan Jazz Kissa

    EIGAKAN Jazz Kissa Project: Preserving a Tokyo Legend

    Discover Tokyo's iconic jazz kissas with the Eigakan Jazz Kissa Project. Preserving culture, music, ...

    By Simon Martin

    4 April 2024

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More From Our Music Archive

  • Attack on Titan Game

    Anime Soundtracks in Gaming: A Perfect Harmony

    By Aaron Ang

    10 July 2023

  • Nao Yoshioka

    The Jazz Cafe Presents: Nao Yoshioka

    By Japan Nakama

    5 June 2023

  • A really old Image of Misora Hibari

    Misora Hibari: The Face of Girlhood Evolution in Japan

    By Japan Nakama

    3 March 2023

  • Japanese pop artists

    Enka: Taste of Traditional & Modern Japanese Pop

    By Zia Rahim

    20 February 2023

  • Japanese Jazz

    Reviving the Japanese Jazz Age

    By Simon Martin

    7 February 2023

  • Rokabiri Style Cosplay in Japan

    ‘Rokabiri’: The Music That Shook Japan

    By Simon Martin

    28 November 2022

  • An anime girl listening to City Pop on her Walkman

    The Nostalgic & Multicultural Experience of City Pop

    By Lee O'Neill

    19 October 2022

  • nujabes in the studio. photo credit Yosuke Moriya

    Nujabes: The Godfather of Modern Lofi

    By Simon Martin

    9 August 2022

Page 1 of 4

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    Trending Articles

    • 1

      20 Trending Japanese Tiktok Songs You’ve Been Searching For

    • 2

      The History of Jazz in Japan: Finesse through Cultural Osmosis

    • 3

      10 Japanese Christmas Songs To Check Out

    • 4

      Analysing The Top 10 Songs from Studio Ghibli Films

    • 5

      Lofi Music for Beginners: What You Need To Know

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