Story: Jakkrit Siririn
Got two sets of Japanese City Pop vinyl albums and found them intriguing. Explored more about City Pop and discovered interesting content to share with TicyCity fans. City Pop, originating in Japan, gained popularity in the 1970s-1980s during Japan’s post-World War II recovery.
During this period, Japan quickly revitalized its economy by importing Western technology and culture, creating a new era of Made in Japan Hard and Soft Power. In the 1970s, Japan dominated the global robotics industry, holding a market share of 70%, compared to Europe’s 15% and the United States’ 12%.
City Pop is a genre that blends Western musical styles like Rock, Funk, Disco, Jazz, Blues, and especially upbeat Western Pop, incorporating synthesizers to create the distinctive City Pop sound. The lyrics often combine Japanese and English, presenting positive and relaxing content, offering a glimpse into urban life.
City Pop’s standout piece, ‘Plastic Love,’ played a significant role in reviving the genre. Despite being created in 1985, it resurfaced recently, becoming a global hit. City Pop’s charm lies in its connection to the city’s vibrant and chaotic life while sometimes offering a tranquil experience.
City Pop flourished in the 80s without the internet, heard through radios, records, and tapes. Now, City Pop is easily accessible on platforms like YouTube and music streaming services, transcending the city’s boundaries and reaching people everywhere.
Reflecting on urban development policies, the urban and rural areas’ balance has shifted significantly since 1950. The prediction for 2050 suggests that Thailand’s rural areas will decrease to only 28%, while urban areas will increase to 72%. This signifies that not only Bangkok but other major provinces will witness substantial growth.
In the future, Thailand won’t have only Bangkok as a developed city but other major provinces that will prosper. The concept of ‘prosperity’ and ‘capital trend’ has been rapidly spreading, with City Pop acting as a cultural indicator. Its wide availability, even in rural areas, symbolizes the swift changes driven by the internet, similar to the transformative impact City Pop has had on music accessibility throughout the country.
