Music: the 'Other' International Language
Music: The ‘Other’ International Language Brief History of J-Pop 1920’s • Enka v POPS (Kayoukyoku) 1950’s & 60’s • POSTWAR Rockabilly, influenced by the Beatles, Elvis. Many Japanese artists gained popularity by performing at US military bases such as Yokosuka and Atsugi. • English songs were translated, a debate over whether Japanese popular music should be sung in English or Japanese (NIHONGO ROCK RONSO / JAPANESE ROCK DEBATE) 1963 • Release of the song SUKIYAKI (Ue o muite arukou) by Sakamoto Kyu (only Japanese song to ever reach No. 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 Chart). 1966 • Despite opposition, the Beatles performed in Tokyo 1970’s • New Wave, Folk and psychedelic influences such as The Rolling Stones, ABBA inspired Japanese acts like Souther All Stars, Yellow Magic Orchestra 1980’s • The rise of visual Kei acts like Glay, X-Japan: androgynous, flamboyant appearance stars not dissimilar to the glam, goth bands of the west - such as Kiss. • PARA PARA dancing takes off! Synchronized dancing moving usually only the arms or upper body, closely associated with eurobeat. 1990’s • The rise of talent agencies, talent auditions, actor schools and multiple-group producers (vs indie). • Shibuya Kei: a term used to describe acts like Flipper‟s Guitar ( jazz / electropop ) Charts, Popularity Ratings ORICON Charts • Published every Tuesday • Abbreviation of *Original Confidence Inc.* • Record sales of CDs, DVDs, and video games However, ORICON relies on participating music outlets to report their sales and misses critical records such as online download sales and other channels like sales of CDs released only at convenience stores (in the case of the group NEWS).
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