Why Japanese Music Is So Good

Music is subjective. What some people like, other’s won’t. Just cause a song is musically creative doesn’t mean others will enjoy it. And just because an artist or a song is trending doesn’t mean everyone is streaming them. However, what makes music so amazing is that there are so many genres, musicians, and producers out there that we could all find something or someone we love.

But today, I just want to talk about why Japanese music is so good. I’ve been an anime fan forever, and came across Japanese music when I started watching anime online in middle school, over 15 years ago. I always felt alone as a Jmusic fan as others didn’t really notice or care to check it out.

Japanese music has been bashed on and misrepresented for decades, as cute idol groups and high pitched energetic songs was all people really knew about it. However, I knew since back then that, even if others heard the rest, it still wouldn’t be something many would like. Not that Japanese music is bad in any sense, just that it was completely different from Western music.

I wanted to write this article because I know there are hundreds of thousands of international Jpop and Jmusic fans out there who are just as obsessed as I am about this music, but it’s so hard to explain why it’s different and why it’s so good. When we try, others would say “All music is the same, you’re just biased,” “it’s the same as western music, just with Japanese lyrics.” But I’m here to say, with evidence…

No. J-Music Is Not The Same As Western Music

When I picked up guitar as an adult a few years ago, I was interested in playing and creating J-music as that’s what I’ve been listening to more than half my life. However, I couldn’t find any lessons or theory on why it sounded the way it did.

People, especially other guitarists and music teachers keep saying ‘it’s the same’ without even really listening to it. However, when I would apply western music theory, that was based on the I-IV-V progression and diatonic chords, it never sounded alike. When I would try to learn a Japanese song by ear using methods in videos, I could never figure out the chords.

I was getting frustrated and a bit depressed cause I couldn’t figure it out. “Why play guitar if I can’t play or create the music I like?” Thankfully, I found some musical theory answers online that helped me dig deeper, and I write about that in my “Why Japanese Music Sounds So Different?” article.

With musical theory evidence behind me proving that J-music wasn’t following western norms, it made my search a lot easier. Me, and many others are nor crazy thinking it’s different…it is different! Just like how Classical and Rock music uses different instruments, or how Reggae and Salsa has different rhythms, J-pop does a lot of it’s own thing that I just don’t really hear in the west.

If you’re going to say ‘all music is the same’, then I guess you should like all music, right? Why have so many artists and genres if all music is the same? Why have billboard charts and awards and all this? Point blank, it’s not the same. They may use the same instruments and have similar structures, but every song is different (unless plagiarized).

Music is an art, and like visual arts, there are so many ways to create and express yourself. Pencils, crayons, watercolour, acrylic paint, string and legos, different canvases, different lighting. People will use these same elements to create many different things. Different countries and cultures will take the basics of music and create many different sounds as well.

So, please don’t assume that Japanese music, or any other country’s music is the same as the West. It’s not only ignorant but quite disrespectful. Different countries can have different music, the same way they have different cuisines. To say a Jamaican Beef Patty is the same as a Hamburger, or Roti is the same as a Tortilla, will make a lot of people mad cause they’re not the same even if they have similar elements or looks.

Disclaimers (Because Sadly This Is Necessary)

So today, I wanted to not just explain why and how Japanese music is different from the West, but also express why people like myself have fallen so deeply in love with it. Of course I will be talking broadly. I am aware that not ALL Japanese music is the same and not ALL Japanese music will fit the points below. I am talking generally in the pop scene, music both international fans and locals seem to love the most.

Of course there are many Japanese artists who do their best to imitate Western music, and there are some Western artists who are just as creative and musical as Japanese artists. However, I am simply looking at what is popular in Japan vs what is popular in the West. Yes, there are Math Rock artists in the west, no doubt, but there are so many in Japan, and so many are getting millions of views there because it is popular and appreciated over there.

I have include lots and lots of musical references from different Japanese artists and groups so you can’t say it’s just one or two people. This is the norm over there. The majority of these videos have millions, even 10s of millions or 100s of millions of views on them, and it’s not due to excessive streaming like Kpop, further proving it’s popularity.

And also, please be aware that I still listen to my fair share of Western music now and then. I don’t hate Western music, nor am I saying Japanese music is better than Western music. Just that there is a charm many people love that they can’t find here. Since there has yet to be a thorough article going into depth about the differences and why Japanese music is really good to some people, I wanted to go into detail here.

Lastly, please note that I grew up with Gospel music and Disney stars, I loooooove musicals, and I took music all through school so I’ve listened to quite a bit of classical music as well. Thus, I know there is Western music that do fit some of the points made below, but again, that is not popular nor trending. I am only looking at what kinds of music tops the charts and thus gets more listens and exposure in both countries.

Got it? Great! Now, let’s get to it!

1. They Sing Passionately About Many Topics & Issues

Passionate singers are everywhere, I don’t doubt that. But when it comes to Western music, I have noticed that the majority of songs center around love/sex/heartbreak, and then you got others that talk about fame and fortunre, partying and having a good time, sometimes violence, with the occassional motivational hit. The vocals have also been neglected, keeping the melody pretty simple and save, with the occassional high note.

In Japan though, their culture doesn’t really embrace or celebrate those themes. They tend to be more conservative and law abiding. Yeah, there are no doubt love songs, but they tend to talk more emotionally as opposed to physically. Not about the kiss and their hands on your body, but about the warmth you feel, the smile they give you, and how you no longer feel alone.

On top of love songs, there’s songs about pain and depression. Songs about wanting to fit in and also wanting to be different. Songs about friendship and rejection. Songs about loneliness and grief. Songs about strength and courage. Songs about wishing and hoping. Songs about wanting to change their lives and the world… And it’s not just a blue moon song, you can find these kinds of songs quite easily!

What I especially love is the vagueness of their lyrics. They’re big on symbolism and assumption, which not only makes the lyrics more unique and magical, but also able to be interpreted different ways, thus allowing it to be relatable to different people in different situations. “Racing into the Night” by YOASOBI, did a good job expressing the feelings of suicide without directly talking about wanting to die. In my Vocaloid article, I made a few points about why a lot of their music is so dark and depressing if you’re curious.

I read recently that the reason why America doesn’t really like Japanese or other foreign music is because they don’t understand it. BTS, for example, had to make a full English song to get the #1 spot on Billboard charts. It’s honestly quite sad because I’m sure most Japanese music fans would agree that we can understand the songs without ‘understanding’ it. We can feel

In the videos below, you’ll see “Half” by Queen Bee, expressing how he feels about being mixed race in Japan, sticking out and people treating him like an outsider. This is a very common experience for mixed people and even those who were born there but are of a different ethnicity.

I’ve also included “Usseewa” by Ado. The song is about growing up and the societal expectations as one joins Japan’s (toxic) work culture, however, they want to live a different life and tells everyone to “shut the f-! up” Obviously, Ado is one of those controversial artists for writing such rebellious lyrics, so there are people who hate it….but the video has 225+ million views, plus many other covers and uploads sooooo…..it’s become many people’s life anthem.

Kenshi Yonezu has a few songs like loser, and flamingo, which I think are self explanatory. But FYI, he always had autism and dealt with bullying and not being understood by others. Ironic cause he’s been one of Japan’s biggest stars artists and his track “Lemon” was #1 for over a year, and even before that, he was a popular annonymous Vocaloid producer.

One OK ROCK has been my fav band since I discovered them a decade ago, because they have so many songs that many can relate to, growing up, being your true self, a close friend being taken away to soon, and so on. Point is, J-music has a lot of relateable music that covers various aspects of life, and you can tell these artists are singing with their soul.

2. Fuller & More Beautiful Instrumentation

The Western world has pretty much converted into electronically made music. Pop, Hip Hop, House, Dance, Lo-Fi etc. We are a world full of producers and singers, and instrumentalists are missing. The ‘music’ part of music is missing in exchange for beats and rap. A short piano riff just isn’t doing it for me.

In Japanese music though, even if the words were missing, the instrumental is just so beautiful and interesting to listen to. I feel like I could listen to a song 10+ times and still notice something new I didn’t realize before. It’s the small details, you know what I mean?

In many songs, the usual band instruments are present (guitar, bass, drums, along with piano), but then they will double or triple on the guitar, have funky basslines that really stand out, some synth, some strings, maybe saxophone, tambourines, flutes, sometimes even or traditional instruments in the background. Guitar solos or impressive singing isn’t needed because the background music and rhythm is enough on it’s own.

All in all, Japanese music just sounds full. Yet, at the same time, it doesn’t sound over crowded. Every instrument there has a purpose and they only play what is necessary, adding harmonies, melodies, or catchy riffs in the background. If there is a silent or empty part, it is with meaning, or to make the return of other instruments even more powerful.

If you’re curious where they find all these talented musicians to create fuller songs with, check out my article on Japan’s music education.

3. They Use Longer Progressions To Tell A Story & Evoke Emotion

Japan has always been a creative country. Food, martial arts, electronics and video games, and their music is the same. Compared to the West that usually bases their songs on 3-4 chords that repeat throughout a verse or chorus, Japanese music may have 6, 10, or even 12+ different chords in one phrase. Marty Friedman demonstrates this perfectly in this short clip:

Instead of just putting the weight of a song’s meaning on the words, they use these chords to change the feel and make one feel a certain way. This is especially important for anime or video games which tell a story. They want the viewer to get wrapped up and feel anxious or motivated, or whatever the characters are feeling. If a fight is going on, if you’re in a scary dark place, you can tell that from the music.

But instead of just leaving this method for games and shows, they apply it to their everyday pop music as well. While I can predict where Western music would go and could even jump in half way or after one listen, I really can’t do the same for a lot of Japanese music.

Sometimes, I have to listen to a new song 4 or 5 times just to become familiar with it because the progressions, scales and harmonies is new to my ears, and parts keep throwing me off what is ‘expected’. For those who are bored of Western pop music and want real eargasms, Japanese music is like a paradise.

One big reason for this is because Japan has a lot of Jazz influence. A lot of Western genres are based off of the blues, which only really uses 3 chords and a simple, predictable pattern (ie 12 bar blues). But because Japan is highly influenced by Jazz, which has always been experimentive with the chords they use and their progressions, it truly does show.

So take a listen to some songs below. Don’t just listen to the instrumentation but the chords and the direction the song is going on. Try to see how many chords they use, and see if you can predict it or catch on after a listen. If you’re not used to J-music, it will really trip you up, but it does make musical sense! Just cause it doesn’t fit the norm, or just cause it uses unusual chords, doesn’t mean it’s ‘wrong’.

3b. They Play A lot With Tension, Modal Interchange & Key Changes

Most music is pretty chill, easy going stuff that you can listen to in the background and go about your day. This happens because the chords they use fit the key. They all sound good. They all sound right…and people like that.

Tension is what happens when you put an unexpected chord in there, or when you play a melody over a chord that isn’t a 100% fit. Your ears will perk up, and sometimes you’ll get shivers because it can feel a little unsettling, but it makes the resolution that much more satisfying. I, along with many others, have noticed that Japan loves to play with things that don’t 100% fit, to help convey a certain feeling even more.

When one listens to Japanese music, they’ll come across these tension chords quite often. Some are simple borrowed chords, where they may use an E major chord instead of the E minor that naturally fits. Some use diminished chords to transition instead of only using the 7th diminished chord and so on. I talk about more of the theory side in my Why J-music Sounds Different and Analyzing Anime Chord Progressions articles.

On top of that, Japan loves to play around with key changes and modulation. Usually in western music, if this is used, it’s only near the end as they move to a higher pitch. In Japanese music though, it can be done so often and so subtly that you don’t even notice it and feel it. It’s also crazy how they find a way to go back to the original key,

I wrote an article about Anime Songs with Modulation if you’re interested in learning more and hearing more examples!

4. They Love To Mix Up Genres & Styles

Continuing on from the last point, Japan is not only more creative when it comes to progressions, but for genres and styles as well. As they continue to fuse genres and add new elements to their music, I find it harder and harder to figure out what genre a song is, as you can see my “What Genre is Anime Music?” article.

Some groups, like Babymetal made news international because you got heavy metal music combined with some adorable cute pop idols. Uverworld (and quite a few others) mix rock with pop and synth elements. I’ve seen jazz mixed with rap, rock mixed with orchestral elements, and so on. Even in “The Rumbling” below, it’s a heavy metal rock song…but then they just throw in a few bars of reggae in the second verse.

As my disclaimer said, I don’t doubt that there are Western group that have done the same, but it’s not popular. I totally understand that Western labels prohibit their creativity and only release what they know the majority would like. In Japan, though, thanks to their serious music education from Kindergarten, along with the music around them always pushing boundaries, more and more new artists are inspired to create something new.

Oh! One other thing I love is that, they love to incorporate traditional instruments or elements into their music. I can imagine some people in the West trying to gatekeep certain things, but not over there. I’ve seen the Shamisen, a traditional 3 stringed Japanese instrument, being used in a lot of rock music….and by a lot, I mean enough to actually have their own subgenre ‘Shamisen Rock’.

Point is, if you’re looking to find something new, something original, something crazy and fun and just creative in general, there’s no better place to look than in Japan’s music scene. If you don’t like one band or group, there’s bound to be 10 others you would like or be open to.

There’s so many genres that I didn’t think would be my thing, but because I was slowly exposed to it through a variety of songs I did like, I started to really dig it. I definitely didn’t think I would care for screamo music, but thanks to ONE OK ROCK that uses it sparingly, I actually liked it by the time I heard “The Rumbling” by SiM or “MayDay” by Coldrain, which I’ve included in this article.

5. They Still Maintain That Traditional Japanese Flare

Just like how Western music has some base chord progressions and scales they use, or how you can tell when a song is a certain genre like country or funk, Japan with their own home progressions along with their own scales and style that can make a song sound “Japanese”. Further below, you’ll see an interview from ONE OK ROCK where they say they are trying hard to make music for the West, but because they are Japanese, it will always have that flare.

It’s gotten to that point where, even if a person didn’t know Japanese music that well, even they may hear the intro of a song and think, ‘it sounds like a Japanese song’. Before the singer even comes in, thanks to the other elements listed above, a lot of songs have this J-pop sound that is undeniable. I haven’t really heard a western song that I confused as Japanese. Closest would be the Kpop group, Dreamcatcher, that does rock songs with creepy elements.

Other times, they do add some traditional bits and pieces in there, like a lick with a traditional 5 note Japanese scale, or using a traditional instrument as we saw above. Sometimes, it’s just being more high pitched and cute like older J-pop music. Point is, there’s this flavor that I think many international fans are attracted to that they really won’t find elsewhere.

Bonus 1:
Happy, Cute & Funny Songs For A Depressing World

While the West is so focused on maturity, often centering around love and sex, partying, empowerment, and so on, Japan continues to hold onto their youth with cute and fun songs. In a dark, depressing, serious world, I think these kinds of songs and music videos have a really sweet charm, one full of happiness, joy, and energy!

I actually found out recently that the famous Pon Pon Pon by Kyary Pamyu was made in response of the big 2011 earthquake that hit Japan. It was meant to cheer everyone up and raise funds for repair efforts. (I’m sorry but…Is that not like…the sweetest thing ever? ;______; I’m holding back tears thinking about it).

As for a funnier story, PPAP (Pen Pinapple Apple Pen) by Pikotaro (he is actually a comedian) went viral after Justin Beiber said it was his favourite video on the internet, and that helped the song stay in the #1 spot for quite some time. Even a year later, JB wasn’t over it and collaborated with him. That’s the power of Japan. They care about the audiences enjoyment and spreading happiness, instead of just looking cool and keeping a professional image.

Because of Japan’s society that is quite strict and monotone, I feel they tend to go a bit overboard (in a good way) when they have freedom, as we can see with their Harajuku fashion (like what Kyary Pamyu above wears). But for music, I love when the people in the MVs can dance around, be weird, and do what they can to make the audience smile. I was always a big fan of Barenaked ladies that made songs that were just so random and funny, but I get to see that more of that weirdness and randomness in Japan.

I can almost guarantee to that every J-music fan has at least one MV they go to when they need a little pick-me-up…that one song or dance that will always make them smile. For me, it is definitely “Oddloop” by Frederick and “Ultra Miracle-cle Final Ultimate Choco Beam” by Wasuta. World Order videos are just as good!

Bonus 2:
Active Rock Scene with Many Motivational Songs

In the West, many can say that ‘rock is dead’. Outside of Imagine Dragons (if you consider them rock), there hasn’t really been any big rock bands in the media. In the guitar world, most people only care to learn the classics. But in Japan, the rock scene is big and it’s still popular, often being categories as J-pop itself, and being the foundation of many songs. New rock bands come out every year, and quite a few are all-female as well!

Another difference would be the messages in these songs. A lot of people hated rock in the West as they considered it a form of rebellion, talking about drugs, partying, and sex. It didn’t help that the members of these groups would get into some scandals of their own, even getting arrested. There were also a lot of egos, members who wanted all the attention and fame, and that led to the breaking up of many bands.

In Japan, though, rock is simply another form of expression. And in a place like Japan where everyone hides their true selves and maintain a safe, peaceful life following social norms, rock can be both a way to let out frustration, to ‘expload’ as Taka above puts it, but also a way to encourage and inspire. A lot of rock songs are used for anime, and these animes are also inspiring, pushing others to pursue their dreams, fight for others, and change the world.

Whether its general rock, metal, visual kei, indie, alternative, emo, math rock, there’s just so much new and experimental stuff to listen to from Japan. Many contain the elements listed above, having passionate singers, thick instrumentation, unique chord progressions, and combining elements from other genres and styles. Just without the drug use and trashing of people’s property.

In Conclusion:
It’s A Musical Escape From Western Norms

If you’ve been listening to Western music for your whole life, there are patterns that you’re use to and probably really like. And the thing is, Western music has influenced most genres and music around the world. Even Kpop is highly influenced by western music and black culture, which is why many international fans can easily take a liking to it. Western music has always been amazing and well loved!

BUT for those who want something different…something deeper, something more musical, something unpredictable, and just something that makes them feel something…whether it’s happiness or sadness or motivation or grief, Japanese music is where they can go to find that. Anything that the West has abandoned, like Jazz and Rock, Japan is still running with it and making it popular.

As a student of music, Japan has opened my eyes and given so many ideas that I wouldn’t have come across otherwise. It’s so cool to see what they can do with 12 notes, and how they can take chords that wouldn’t normally be used and make something beautiful out of it. It’s given me confidence to go outside the lines to make people feel nostalgic, which was why I chose that name in the first place.

In the West, music weighs heavily on the meaning of the words. So the fact that Japan has many international fans who can’t understand a thing they say, honestly says a lot about how amazing their music as a whole is.

I hope this article has given you some insight into why Japanese music is so good (subjective), and some hard arguments to defend yourself. Or, if a J-music lover sent this to you, I hope you found a few artists or songs you like…if not, at least some knowledge to understand what others see in it.

If you’d like to learn a bit more about Japanese music and 10 common progressions in their music, why not purchase my book “Japanese Music Progressions“? Or, if you’d like to dig deep into music theory and get 50 chord progressions, you can check out The Complete Japanese Music Theory Course!

Thanks for reading~