The Best of Japanese Pop Music in 2016
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A look at the best Japanese pop music of 2016. From Kyary Pamyu Pamyu to Daoko, these are the tunes that had us hooked this year.
The Best of Japanese Pop Music in 2016
Japanese pop music, also known as J-pop, is a genre of popular music that is developed in Japan. J-pop entered the Japanese music scene in the 1990s and has become one of the country’s most popular music genres. In 2016, there were many great J-pop songs released. Here are some of the best J-pop songs of 2016.
Introduction
Japanese popular music, also called J-pop, is a musical genre that entered the musical mainstream of Japan in the 1990s. Modern J-pop has its roots in traditional Japanese music, but significantly in 1960s pop and rock music, such as The Beatles and The Beach Boys, which led to Japanese rock bands such as Happy End and Yellow Magic Orchestra. J-pop was further defined by new wave groups in the late 1970s, particularly electronic synthpop band Yellow Magic Orchestra and pop rock band Southern All Stars.
Best Male Artist
The best male artist of 2016 was no doubt Yoshiki Hayashi, the mastermind behind the hugely popular rock band X Japan. Formed in 1982, the band has been through many lineup changes over the years, but Hayashi has remained the constant driving force behind their success. Over the past few years, they have undergone something of a renaissance, thanks in part to their intense live shows and Yoshiki’s tireless work ethic.
In 2016, X Japan released their first new album in 20 years, “We Are X”, to hugecritical and commercial acclaim. The band also embarked on a successful world tour, which included dates in North and South America, Europe, and Asia. Thanks to their renewed popularity, X Japan were able to play to massive crowds at some of the biggest festivals in the world, including Lollapalooza, Reading & Leeds, and Download.
Yoshiki is also a highly accomplished solo artist, and his work as a composer and pianist has earned him widespread respect within the music industry. In 2016, he collaborated with some of the biggest names in classical music, including cellist Yo-Yo Ma and violinist Itzhak Perlman. He also composed the music for an upcoming Hollywood film about his life and career titled “We Are X”.
There is no doubt that Yoshiki Hayashi is one of the most talented and successful musicians in Japan today. His passion for music and dedication to his craft are an inspiration to all who have followed his career. We can’t wait to see what he does next!
Best Female Artist
RIRI – “Q”
RIRI is a Japanese pop singer and songwriter. She made her debut in 2016 with the release of her first single, “Q”. The song was a moderate success, peaking at number 43 on the Oricon weekly singles chart.
RIRI’s music is a mix of pop and R&B, with elements of hip-hop and EDM. Her lyrics are often about love and relationships.
Best Group
Arashi – The group that needs no introduction, Arashi continued to dominate Oricon charts in 2016 with their double A-side single “Doors ~omachi no nai hito e~ / Happiness.” The release stayed at the top of the weekly Oricon rankings for five weeks in a row, selling 722,000 copies. Arashi also had the top selling album of 2016 with “Are You Happy?” which shifted 921,000 copies.
Best New Artist
There were a lot of great new artists in 2016, but these three really stood out. Check out their music if you’re looking for something new and exciting!
1. GENERATIONS from EXILE TRIBE – This group debuted in 2012 with the release of their single “BRAVE IT OUT”, but it wasn’t until 2016 that they really broke into the mainstream with their hit album “SPEEDSTER”. They’ve got a great mix of R&B, hip-hop, and pop that’s sure to get your feet moving.
2. Nogizaka46 – This all-female idol group made their debut in 2011 with the release of their single “Guru Guru Curtain”, and they’ve been going strong ever since. They’re known for their catchy songs and polished performances, and they always put on a great show.
3. EXILE THE SECOND – This group is a spin-off of the popular J-pop group EXILE, and they made their debut in 2014 with the release of their single “YEAH CALLIN’ Me.” They’ve got a fresh sound that mixes R&B, hip-hop, and pop, and they always put on an energetic live performance.
Best Album
In 2016, there were a lot of great Japanese pop albums released. Here are our picks for the best of the year.
Honorable Mention:
-Answer byKEYTALK
-Tattoo by miwa
-Fantasia 2 by E-girls
10. “Lingering Feelings” by Hachimitsu Rocket
9. “Believe” by Dream Ami
8. “Forever Young” by EXILE ATSUSHI
7. “Happy Magic” by Silent Siren
6. “Love Story” by Aqours (Love Live! Sunshine!!)
Best Song
The year 2016 was a huge one for Japanese pop music, with plenty of memorable tracks coming from a wide variety of artists. In this article, we’ll be taking a look at some of the best songs that Japan had to offer in 2016.
One of the most popular songs of 2016 was “Namonaki Moratorium” by Kuraki Mai. The song is a ballad with a touching message about continuing to love someone even after they’re gone.
Another popular song from 2016 was “Zenzenzense” by RADWIMPS. The song is the theme song for the hit anime movie “Your Name”, and it’s an absolutely gorgeous track that will stick in your head for days.
If you’re looking for something a little more upbeat, you can’t go wrong with “PPAP (Pen-Pineapple-Apple-Pen)” by Piko-Taro. The song went viral on YouTube and became an international sensation. It’s also insanely catchy, so be warned!
Finally, we have “kiss you” by SEKAI NO OWARI. The band is one of Japan’s most popular acts, and this song is a great example of their unique brand of synth-pop. It’s catchy and endlessly replayable, making it the perfect summertime jam.
