In recent years, the world has rediscovered a musical gem from Japan — City Pop. When Mariya Takeuchi’s Plastic Love went viral, millions of new listeners fell in love with this dreamy, urban sound. Soon, vinyl reissues, playlists, and remixes spread across streaming platforms, and City Pop became a truly global genre.
City Pop was born during Japan’s economic boom of the late 1970s and 80s. People were moving to the city, driving new cars, and dreaming of a modern, stylish life. The music reflected that atmosphere — smooth, urban, and full of optimism.
Some of the most iconic albums of this era include Kazemachi Roman by Happy End, A Long Vacation by Eiichi Ohtaki, Songs by Sugar Babe, Sunshower by Taeko Onuki, For You by Tatsuro Yamashita, Band Wagon by Shigeru Suzuki, Barbecue by Bread & Butter, and Awakening by Hiroshi Sato. Each has its own unique sound, but together they paint a picture of a dreamy, nostalgic Tokyo.
What makes City Pop so special is its timeless quality. Even after forty years, the melodies still feel fresh. Many people who didn’t grow up in Japan feel something familiar in it — maybe it’s that universal sense of nostalgia.
Whether you’re discovering City Pop for the first time or coming back to it again, it’s easy to get lost in its soft rhythms and beautiful harmonies. Put on your headphones, close your eyes, and let the music take you back to Tokyo in the summer of 1982.
I’d like to share a few of my favorite songs below.
