by Yu T, Erika, Tomoko, & Toshihiko
There are many kinds of music in the world. Also, Japan has several styles of music. Japanese musicians often adopt foreign countries' music, such as rap, reggae, punk rock,and acappella. Other Japanese musicians still continue to sing traditional Japanese music. For example, they sing enka and folk songs; each of them has their own personality. This essay will describe three styles of popular music today: acapella, enka, and shimauta.
One of the popular styles of music is acappella. Acapella is sung without any instruments. It has become very popular by one TV program,Hamonepu" in Japan. Everyone can sing anywhere, and the harmony is comfortable. Gospelers" and Ragfair" and so on sing acapella songs.
Another style of Japanese music is enka. Old people like it. For a long time, enka was sung by middle aged singers. However, recently young singers sing enka. Kiyoshi Hikawa is the most popular enka singer. Elder women are crazy about him.
The third style of Japanese music is shimauta. Shimauta is from southern Japan, such as Amami Oshima and Okinawa. For instace, Chitose Hajime's songs always get high-rank in pop charts lately. Shimauta singers have unique singing style with a trembling throat. In addition, Shimauta is spreading all over the world! For example, an Argentire singer is singing shimauta in Japanese. It became the hit of the year.
In short, there is traditional music and new types of music. They coexist in Japan. Let's enjoy music widely!!
by Hiroko,Hiroko,Shiho, & Emi.
Every country has its own music. Also, people love music so much. Then Japanese music has had various kind of style, but they were not so popular. Recently, Japanese music is changing widely, such as rap, acapella, and Island songs.
One of the popular styles of music is Island songs. These songs died out, but recently one female singer who sings like Island songs appeared suddenly. Her name is Chitose Hajime. She has a really beautiful voice and also an attractive personality.
Her songs have been healing people. We can feel nature power from her voice. Also, the Boom has been famous for Island song singers. They released "Shimauta" about 10 years ago. It is a very famous song, and people loved it a long time. It is published in music textbooks in school. Moreover, in this World cup, somehow Brazil used this song as a supporting song. This song is loved by many people throughout the world.
Another style of popular music is Japanese rap music; many people often imitate singers style. Some rap musicians use beautiful Japanese words; sometimes it connects to make a craze. Dragon Ash is one of the famous rap music groups in Japan. They appeal for us some important thing using words. Also, they cherish Japan. In their songs, they are proud of Japan Rip Slyme has become popular recently. They have worked for about 7 years, but they were not so popular in those days. Nowadays, it is a time that people are willing to listen to such songs.
A third style of popular music is acapella songs; it means to sing a song without accompaniment, and now it has become popular in Japan. Gospelars become a peg to spread acapella music. However, they spent many years to become famous. Lately, a famous TV program produced an acapella contest. Also, there is a new popular group named Rag Fair. They are really young, but, they can make good sound. They will become popular from now.
In short, now we can hear a lot of kinds of music in Japan. It will spread more and more and also we think music always reflects society or each period.
by Reika, Yu I, Akiko , & Yoko
There are many kinds of music in Japanese language. After World WarII, we were starting to use radio, so music became popular all over Japan. Then using TV spread among people, and they had interest in it more. More recently, we have the Japanese music chart "Orikon-Chart." Thus, we can know about the latest song, which is sung in Karaoke. Three of the most popular music styles are enka, rhythm and blues, and popular music.
One of the types, enka, has been laved since old time. Especially, it is listened to by the old generation. Actually, Japanese traditional New Year's Eve music competition, "Kohaku - Utagassen" broadcasts lots of enka. For example, Saburo Kitajima appears every year. He is well known by many Japanese. Another example, the newer enka singer Kiyoshi Hikawa, also attracts people though he is very young. Therefore, we can enjoy enka easily now.
Another type: R&B's (rhythm and blues)listeners have increased recently. Namie Amuro had made the base of R&B about ten years ago; she was a pioneer. After that, a lot of artists appeared following her. Hikaru Utada is very famous now. Her released records are always sold more than a million. She is selling her CD in the U.S., too. We are proud of her success.
A third type of music style is Japanese popular music; we call it "J-pop." Hibari Misora was the first pop idol after World WarII. Everyone was encouraged by her singing. She fascinated people as not only music but also her life style, fashion, and so on. Nowadays, Ayumi Hamasaki has an effect on people; especially teenagers are impressed. She is also a fashion leader, so teenagers are wearing such as her. Moreover, her words give them power to live.
In short, we have three kinds of music. We can choose our own favorite music from these,
enka is traditional, R&B is worldwide, and J-pop reflects the Japanese situation. Let's enjoy these types of music!
by Shogo, Ai, Asuka, & Mari
Today, there are many kinds of music in the world. Almost all Japanese people like to listen to music. Also, it is impossible for us not to listen to music today. Especially, Enka, J-Rock, and J-Pop are popular styles of music in Japan.
One type of the popular music is enka. Enka is in favor with old age people. The character of enka is Kobushi.EThis is a unique accent for only enka. One of famous enka singer is Saburo Kitajima. He is the king of enka, and he made a lot of hit song.
Another type of popular music is J-Rock. J-Rock is loved by teenagers. Rock music makes our soul excited. Especially, boys want simulation, so they are willing to listen to Rock music.
A third kind of popular music is J-Pop. Almost all generations listen to J-Pop. Also, some J-POP artists appear on advertisements. For example, Ayumi Hamasaki is a fashion leader for girls. Also, Southern All Stars is popular with the old generation.
In brief, music is close to us, and it has great impact. No longer will we not be able to live without music. No music, no life!E#060;p>
by Koichiro, Minako, Ray, Shoko & Tomomi
Recently, we can listen to many kinds of music. In Tower Records, many departments are zoned by each genre. Probably, these genres will diversify more and more. This essay will describe three types of music popular in Japan.
First, punk music has some styles and is very popular. Especially, melodic punk is more popular among people. For example, Hi-Standard, The Blue Hearts, Mongol 800 and so on. Basically, their instrumentals are electric guitars, bass guitars and drums--the same as other punks. However, the difference between them is distinction of melody. Melodic punk has more mild melody and sentimental lyrics.
Second is Japanese pop music. It's the most popular music genre among people, such as Ayumi Hamasaki, Morning Musume and so on. Almost all musicians just sing. The songs are made by producers, such as Tsunku and Tetsuya Komuro. The producers make songs constantly and release CDs in quick succession. It is characteristic of the Japanese pop music scene.
Third, Japan has a few great musicians, such as Yutaka Ozaki and Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi. Their songs have huge power to attract us. We could feel sympathy with their lyrics and are sometimes moved by their songs. Most Japanese musicians disappear after a few years, but they have attracted us for a long time.
In short, Japanese musicians are not so good but not so bad. You should choose the music that you really want. Don't trust charts! Don't think, just feel!!
