Japan has a proud heritage in electronic music. From techno to J-pop, Japan has played an integral role in shaping this genre’s development.
Techno can trace its roots back to Japanese electronics companies such as Roland Corporation, who invented the drum machines and synthesizers that became iconic with the genre. Furthermore, MIDI technology – which enables electronic instruments to communicate with one another – was similarly inspired by Japan.
EDM
Electronic dance music (EDM) is a genre of high-tech beats that will have you dancing with delight. Industry insiders have been keeping an eye on this branch of the industry for some time now, as more Japanese music buffs make their way across the Pacific to relive their glory days and get their fill of quality beats – especially those bitten by the dance fever! In order to stay competitive, many influential figures in music production have joined in on the fun by crafting some truly innovative and exciting tunes that will revolutionize what constitutes dancefloor friendly in future decades.
J-Pop
J-Pop, or Japanese pop, is a genre of music that has gained global recognition. It draws inspiration from both Western and Eastern influences but has its own distinct sound.
Though some songs from Japan and the West sound similar, their vocal arrangements and melodies are entirely distinct due to cultural distinctions as well as language barriers between singers.
J-pop stands out among other musical genres due to its closer connection to traditional Japanese music than Western pop or rock. This makes it an ideal fit for Japanese audiences and explains why it has such a devoted following there.
The genre has also produced some influential artists, such as Kyary Pamyu Pamyu (dubbed “Japan’s Lady Gaga”) and AKB48. Their rock-based songs and dance-oriented styles are hugely popular in Japan, along with their eclectic fashions.
They usually dress in a variety of costumes and take on a youthful aesthetic that reflects their kawaii culture. This includes vibrant dresses and other colorful elements that add to their visual appeal.
They perform complex choreographies during their shows, known as wotagei. Fans attending these concerts are sure to be mesmerized by what they see! Additionally, they often wave glow sticks during their performance – it truly is a sight to behold!
House
House music has made a lasting impact on the global dance music scene. Combining elements of pop, techno, funk, disco and Indian synth ragas, its distinctive melody is hard to match.
Japan is home to some of the greatest house artists in the world, and they have welcomed this genre with open arms. The music is defined by a deep and groovy vibe that often incorporates Japanese musicianship at its sharpest.
Ko Kimura was one of the key figures responsible for bringing Chicago and New York music back to Japan, becoming one of the first Japanese DJs to popularize house music. Additionally, he founded FUTIC Recordings where many top Japanese releases can be found today.
Another person worth noting is Soichi Terada, responsible for some of Japan’s iconic house tracks. Additionally, he runs Far East Recording, a label which introduced house music to many corners of the globe.
Yasutaka Nakata’s personal project, CAPSULE has grown from being a cutesy J-pop group into an intense electro house act. If you love Perfume and kiyaripamiyupamiyu, then CAPSULE will definitely delight you!
Though not particularly complex, pop music often incorporates Vocaloid (software that synthesizes singing). Livetune is one of the more notable producers in this genre and his tracks offer an enjoyable escape from daily life with some catchy electro-pop melodies.
Techno
Techno is one of many genres of electronic music in Japan, reflecting its longstanding connection to western culture. Since World War II ended, fashion designers have sought to recreate American-inspired looks while distillers strived to perfect bourbon whiskey.
Thus, Japanese culture has become more and more westernized. Even its language has undergone a transformation, incorporating elements of English into everyday conversation.
In the early ’90s, J-Techno, a form of dance music inspired by European and American techno scenes, gained momentum. Soon enough, several Japanese artists adopted this sound by incorporating traditional Japanese elements into their productions.
Though many Japanese producers created techno-influenced music, some specialized in it. Hiroshi Watanabe, for instance, was an acclaimed DJ from New York who produced tracks that charted on Billboard Club Play charts.
Ken Ishii was another influential figure in electronic music, coining his style “techno purist.” His 8bit synthesizers and drum kits echoed the sounds of Detroit’s early underground dance clubs. In 1995, his album ‘Jelly Tones’ earned him an MTV Dance Video of the Year award.
Japanese producers such as Nobu, Susumu Yokota and Ryogo Yamamori are well known in the scene for combining house music with techno to create an innovative style that is both sophisticated and profound, featuring intricate ambience over top of hypnotic grooves.
Dubstep
Dubstep is an electronic genre that emerged out of the United Kingdom’s garage scene in the early 2000s. It’s defined by heavy basslines and syncopated rhythms, drawing inspiration from drum and bass music as well as reggae music.
It is renowned for its dark sound and frequent use of atmospherics in its lyrics. Additionally, its distinctive bass composition and distorted sound effects are distinctive to it.
Japanese dubstep artists are making waves in the international music scene. Notable names include Datsik, 12th Planet and Excision.
Japan has long been a haven for dubstep, an electronic music genre inspired by UK garage scene that also incorporates elements from other styles like techno and reggae.
Disturbed sounds and growl-y synths resembling dubstep’s deep bass lines can also be heard here. Generally, this genre has a speed range between 140-155 bpm.
Dubstep is commonly featured in video games and its sound has been licensed for use in movies and television shows. Additionally, music producers enjoy creating dubstep beats.
Ajapai is a DJ from Tokyo with extensive experience in the dubstep scene. He has achieved great success as an international artist, having toured extensively over the last few years.
He is also a producer, and his EPs on Rottun have won over audiences around the globe. His tracks are known for being packed with energy that will get any dance floor moving.
Gakuru
Japanese electronic music has seen tremendous growth over the last few years, with an uptick in quality thanks to an influx of talented DJs and producers. This enthusiasm has given birth to numerous subgenres like trance and techno. Trance is the most sought-after genre, which in its purest form combines elements from rock and r&b with electronic dance music. What’s exciting about this genre is that it continues to develop and improve upon itself. Besides the traditional electronic music genres, there is also an ever-expanding range of genres that blend electronic music with other genres like classical or jazz. Additionally, the electronic music industry continues to expand as new talent emerges and more companies open shop – particularly in urban centers such as Tokyo or Osaka.