Since the 1960s, Japanese artists have begun exploring Western music genres like folk-rock band Happy End and new qave collective Yellow Magic Orchestra as potential subjects of their artworks.
They incorporated elements from Western music into their work, such as Roland TB-303 synthesizer which became an essential component in acid techno. Furthermore, they pioneered tape composition.
Techno
Japanese techno has gained global renown since its inception. Originating in Detroit and quickly spreading throughout other cities, the genre has since found its own form in Japan. Today’s producers combine elements of techno with house and ambient influences while creating their own distinct sound suited only for their country.
Japanese techno scene is small yet highly developed, and its members are highly motivated. Drawing influence from other genres’ mentors, these young musicians have created innovative sounds with fresh new approaches – providing electronic music with something excitingly new and vibrant!
However, Japanese techno producers have managed to quickly rise through the ranks in the international dance music scene. Their unique sounds combine ambient instrumentation with cerebral and hypnotic compositions for an unforgettable listening experience, making them perfect fits for Tokyo club scene where young listeners have grown tired of EDM and are looking for something different to excite and challenge them.
Susumu Yokota was one of the earliest pioneers in Japanese techno, hailing from Tokyo and drawing influence from various genres to craft his unique brand of electronica. Under various pseudonyms he released several notable tapes including 1994’s Zen tape which combined multi-genre production into an exciting cerebral techno trip. Yokota passed away at 54 in 2015 but his legacy lives on.
YMO was an influential force in the growth of Japanese techno. Inspired by Kraftwerk’s resourceful modernity, its early releases created an innovative style of synthpop that was both futuristic and experimental – from complex synths to punk-influenced rioting, YMO created music that was not only engaging but also profoundly political.
Under today’s conditions of globalization, artists find it increasingly challenging to establish themselves outside their native country. While some new challengers have emerged, most successful musicians from most genres share some connection with idol pop or video game culture and struggle to break through onto an international scene.
EDM
Japan hosts many EDM music festivals featuring both international and domestic acts. These festivals provide the perfect atmosphere to dance the night away with like-minded individuals while meeting new people from various cultures and expanding your horizons. While EDM festivals tend to draw in younger crowds, many older adults also find them enjoyable events.
Skrillex, Afrojack, and The Chainsmokers have been among the many iconic artists to grace festival stages at ULTRA JAPAN; one of the world’s largest EDM music festivals. Held annually in Tokyo and Osaka with convenient train and plane access; hotel and hostel accommodations can also be found nearby the festival sites.
The festival lineup is constantly shifting, so you can always expect an interesting variety. Additionally, they provide numerous workshops and activities designed to maximize your experience; some popular ones include drumming lessons, photography workshops and makeup demonstrations. You may even discover interesting exhibitions at the festival!
J-Techno (or Japanese Techno) is an emerging genre of electronic music in Japan that blends elements of traditional Japanese culture with contemporary production techniques. Artists such as Ken Ishii and Takkyu Ishino are responsible for shaping its style; their works have garnered international recognition and have contributed greatly to its growth.
J-Techno music is known for its upbeat tempo and infectious melodies that have made it a mainstay of many Japanese nightclubs. Additionally, its influence can be felt from older computers’ sound waves for an authentic retro aesthetic.
Bitpop, a subgenre of J-Techno that blends elements of pop and chiptune music, has gained increasing popularity both within Japan and internationally, appearing in movies and video games alike. While EDM continues to struggle in Japan at first, resistance is gradually diminishing as it gains more worldwide acclaim; it will be exciting to witness how Japan incorporates EDM into their unique culture moving forward.
House
Japan’s electronic music has grown over time alongside its varied culture. While early pioneers were heavily influenced by European styles, they quickly expanded their sound exploration by using tape to manipulate human voices and create hybrid musical forms that fused old with new. Producers employed electronic music as an add-on for classical orchestral works while theater companies incorporated it into performances. Later still, samurai warrior dancers took up this medium to create haunting atmosphere in ancient temples.
House music hails its origins to Detroit, yet quickly found an audience in Japan with exclusive underground raves and international DJs spinning on shortwave radio. Many Japanese artists experienced the thrill of mixing electronic sounds with traditional instruments to find their voice as creators, all sharing an appreciation for deep funk and groove music.
Japanese producers are quickly emerging as leaders of the worldwide club scene. Their technical prowess shows there’s still plenty of room for innovation within house music to keep audiences dancing, yet they remain committed to its original goal of entertaining their listeners.
Satoshi Tomiie has earned global renown as an iconic face in Japanese house music, thanks to his quality productions both under his own name and several pseudonyms. While his style draws heavily from his Chicago and NYC house scene collaborators’ roots, Tomiie uses experimental instrumentation with haunting ballad vocals for his signature sound.
Qrion, another rising Tokyo producer, is quickly building her fan base through her unique take on tech house. Her debut single “iPhone Bubbling,” featuring an extended version of Apple’s iPhone message alert tone has become immensely popular with listeners. Additionally, Qrion has released numerous albums that showcase her melodic techno and progressive house capabilities.
Cosmopolyphonic label has introduced young Japanese talent to the world. Rigly Chang stands out as a prime example, producing dusty haze productions that fit in perfectly with today’s underground house revival. A master of rhythmic fragmentation (often compared to Kieran Hebden), Rigly excels when applied to house music’s natural funk framework for magical results.
Electronica
After Japan’s economic boom in the late 1980s, music began exploring new soundscapes. Inspired by Brian Eno’s ambient classic Music for Airports, Japanese musicians started to incorporate traditional instruments and sounds into minimalist electronic music, creating a unique style which offered relief from city life. Today this genre continues to thrive underground in Japan.
Techno quickly emerged as a dominant force in Japanese electronic music in the early ’90s, and Japanese techno artists quickly rose to become well-respected across Europe. DJ Shufflemaster (real name Tatsuya Kanamori) is a regular at Germany’s Love Parade and Tresor clubs while Susumu Yokota, commonly known as Ebi, published albums that bridged techno with ambient and house styles.
Japanese DJs tend to employ electronic instruments more experimentally than their Western counterparts, using electronic instruments in more expressive ways. One such DJ from Sapporo named Qrion has become an impressive force on both tech house and melodic techno scenes with her iconic track “iPhone Bubbling,” which cleverly loops iPhone message alert tones. Her first release, Glow, received praise from progressive trance giants Armin van Buuren and Ilan Bluestone; furthermore her gigs at Tokyo club WOMB draw thousands of fans!
Yukihiro Takahashi, better known by his stage name Friction, is another distinguished Japanese artist. With Sadistic Mika Band and producer/composer Ryuichi Sakamoto — often compared with Kraftwerk and early synthpop acts — he helped open space in mainstream culture for leftfield musical ideas that had been long incubated underground Japan. Through YMO (Yellow Magic Orchestra), their electropop work found widespread acceptance within Japanese society.
More recently, a younger generation of Japanese producers and DJs has emerged, many of whom are moving away from techno in favor of more diverse styles. Tokyo-based Melt-Banana and Osaka’s Ruins use punk and grindcore aesthetics with blast beats and cosmic guitar textures layered over them for productions that take advantage of new technology. Their eclectic approach echoes that seen in Drugstore music where different sounds collide to dissonant or complementary effect.