City Pop

Relive the smooth, nostalgic sounds of Japan’s iconic City Pop era and its modern revival

Algorithms of Nostalgia: How Streaming Resurrected City Pop and Anime Members Public

Mariya Takeuchi’s "Plastic Love," originally released in 1984, gained a substantial following on platforms like YouTube, where new generations rediscover this classic along with its rich, synth-heavy melodies and evocative lyrics about love and fleeting moments.

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City Pop Divas and Magical Girls: Women’s Voices in 80s/90s Japan Members Public

The legacy of City Pop and magical girl anime extends beyond mere entertainment; it captures the spirit of an era that daringly juxtaposed optimism with an undercurrent of complexity.

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Music

Shibuya-kei Meets Anime: 90s Pop Culture’s Sonic Bridge Members Public

Shibuya-kei, a style of music that emerged from the Shibuya district of Tokyo, was not just a genre, but a cultural movement

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Music

Cassette Culture: City Pop and Anime’s Shared Home Media Revolution Members Public

From neon-lit streets to synth-soaked melodies — the 1980s marked Japan’s cultural golden age.

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Music

Cyber Hearts: Tomoko Aran and the Girl-Powered Sound of 80s Anime Members Public

The 1980s in Japan, often referred to as Japan’s economic bubble period, witnessed not only rapid industrial growth but also significant social shifts, propelling the emergence of a vibrant youth culture that celebrated individual expression, technological innovation, and a blend of traditional and contemporary influences. At the heart of

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Music

Sea Breeze & Space Girls: Toshiki Kadomatsu and the Pop Surf of Anime Members Public

Toshiki Kadomatsu emerged in the early 1980s, a time when City Pop began to flourish. This genre seamlessly blended elements of jazz, funk, and rock, creating a soundscape that embodied urban life while reflecting experiences of youth and desire. His breakout albums, such as “Sea Breeze” (1982) and “In the

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Awakening Neon: Hiroshi Sato and the Soundtrack of the Cyber City Members Public

Awakening of the Cyber City

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Music

Bay City Beats: Junko Yagami and the Sonic Pulse of the 80s Members Public

Yagami's work is a vibrant representation of the musical landscapes of 1980s Japan.

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Music