What Is Japanese City Pop? The Nostalgic Genre You’ve Definitely Heard

“I’ve never heard of Japanese City Pop.”

Yes, you have! If you’re on social media, you’ve probably heard the song that goes “Stay with me~”. It often includes clips with either cozy coffee shops, delicious street food, or even scenic streets in Japan.

What is considered City Pop?

It is a style of Japanese pop music that emerged in the 1970s to 1980s. It blends Western musical influences with an urban, “modern life” aesthetic. Kinda like the house music genre, but with a touch of retro and nostalgia. This genre usually features a danceable beat that isn’t too fast or electronic. It leans more to disco and funk than EDM or techno.

Lyrically, City Pop often focuses on relationships. Many iconic songs revolve around heartbreak. For example, Can’t Stop the Loneliness by Anri, Stay With Me by Miki Matsubara, and Plastic Love by Maria Takeuchi. There a lot more, but the genre isn’t limited to sad themes. Some tracks celebrate romance and joy, like Sparkle by Tatsuro Yamashita.

Who is the queen of City Pop?

When City Pop is mentioned, Mariya Takeuchi comes to mind first. She is widely regarded as the queen of City Pop. Known for her smooth vocals and sophisticated melodies, she perfectly captured the dreamy, late-night city vibe that defines the genre. Her iconic song Plastic Love has become a symbol of City Pop’s nostalgic charm, blending soft rock, jazz, and funk into a sound that feels timeless.

Does City Pop still exist?

City Pop technically isn’t produced EXACTLY the same way it was in the late 70s and 80s, but the genre still exists. Even though the original era ended as Japan’s bubble economy faded, thanks to its resurgence through today’s influencers and our modern day content creators, City Pop is becoming known worldwide. Also, a lot of artists today create Neo-City Pop. This is a little bit of a modern take inspired by the genre’s smooth production, funky bass lines, and nostalgic vibe. So even though classic City Pop belongs to the past, its sound and influence are still very much alive.

Platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Spotify are introducing City Pop to younger audiences around the world. Modern musicians also draw inspiration from it. In the U.S., Redbone by Childish Gambino is a good example of its influence.

Personally as a K-POP fan, I thought I have not heard nor listened to any City Pop songs yet, but TWICE’s Dive is a good example of it. So if you think that you haven’t heard a single City Pop, there’s a good chance you actually have!

Why is City Pop so popular?

One of the reasons city pop is so popular with the current generation is that this genre is both timeless and remarkable. The smooth melodies, jazzy harmonies, and sophisticated production, everything about City Pop creates a nostalgic atmosphere that transcends decades. It allows younger generations to travel back in time to an era that we have never experienced firsthand.

City Pop isn’t just a genre—it’s a vibe that blends nostalgia, warmth, and the energy of Japan’s city life. If you’ve fallen in love with that feeling, why not experience the real thing?

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