Mariya Merch

City Pop is a genre of music popular in Japan in the late 70s and 80s blending pop, jazz, and funk to create a pristine-sounding style of music meant to reflect the booming economic and technological prosperity taking place in Japan in the time period. The genre saw a resurgence in popularity in the 2010s thanks to its popularity in the Vaporwave community and several songs which gained millions of views on YouTube thanks to frequently appearing in the “recommended” sections below other videos.

Miki Matsubara // Retro Citypop Fan Art Design

Yukiko Okada / Retro 80s Fan Design

Seiko Matsuda // Retro 80s Fan Art Design

Yukiko Okada / Retro 80s Fan Design

Akina Nakamori 中森明菜 is a Japanese singer and actress. She is one of the most popular and top selling artists in Japan. Akina achieved national recognition when she won the 1981 season of the talent show Star Tanjō!. Her debut single "Slow Motion" was released to moderate success, peaking at number thirty on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart. However, Akina's popularity was pushed up by the follow-up single, "Shōjo A", which peaked at number five on the Oricon chart and has sold over 390,000 copies. Her second album Variation became her first number-one on the Oricon Weekly Albums Chart, staying three weeks atop.

Seiko Matsuda//Retro 80s Fan Design

Kyoko Koizumi // Retro 80s Fan Art Design

Mariya Takuechi’s iconic album cover in manga style

Seiko Matsuda // Retro 80s Fan Art Design

Seiko Matsuda

Sweetest Music has a great cover, but it's time for the truth to come out.

Miki Matsubara // Retro 80s Fan Art Design

Plastic Love - プラスティック・ラヴ

Yui Asaka / Retro 80s Fan Art Design

For the a e s t h e t i c s

Seiko Matsuda - - Retro 80s Fan Design

Show your love for Plastic Love!

Kyoko Koizumi -- Retro 80s Fan Design

Sunshower is a seminal album by Japanese singer-songwriter Taeko Onuki, released in 1977. It marked a significant turning point in her career and is widely regarded as one of her finest works. The album was produced by Haruomi Hosono, a member of the influential band Yellow Magic Orchestra, who brought his innovative production techniques to the project.

Mignonne is an album by Japanese singer-songwriter Taeko Onuki, released in 1981. Onuki is renowned for her experimental approach to pop music, blending elements of jazz, electronic, and avant-garde styles. The album was a departure from Onuki's earlier works, incorporating more synthesized sounds and showcasing her evolution as an artist.

Kyoko Koizumi / Retro 80s Fan Design

Momoko Kikuchi / Retro 80s Design

Noriko Hidaki / Retro 80s Fan Design

Recently got into City Pop Japanese 80s music and I love how funky it is. This was inspired by discovering a good set of Showa idol grooves when browsing coffee break sessions vinyl on Tube recommendations. He even had Yamashita album art on the wall. Everytime I hear Plastic Love, Bay City or Stay with me I just want to vibe in my room.

Coool is a 1984 album by Japanese singer-songwriter Anri. It is considered one of her best and most popular albums. The album features a mix of funk, soul, disco, and city pop styles, with standout tracks like "Bring Me to the Dancenight", "Silly City Girl", and "Mercury Lamp".The album was produced with the help of high-profile American session musicians like Nathan East, adding to its unique sound.

Full Moon by Junko Yagami, released in 1983, is a significant album in the city pop genre, embodying the essence of early 80s music. The album features tracks like "Tasogare No Bay City," "Naturally," and "Full Moon," showcasing a blend of pop, funk, and jazz influences. With a total of 11 songs, Full Moon highlights Yagami's versatile vocals and includes contributions from talented musicians like Chuei Yoshikawa on acoustic guitar and Ken Yajima on electric guitar.

Momoko Kikuchi's album "Ocean Side" is a highly regarded city pop release from 1984. The album features a blend of atmospheric and ambient sounds with traditional J-pop elements. While some debate whether it can be considered pure city pop, the album is praised for its emotional ballads like "Futari No Night Dive" and its overall high quality. The album has gained a cult following and its price has risen significantly, indicating its status as a sought-after city pop classic.

"Tokyo Sniper" is the hit album by the current city pop band Ryusenkei, released in 2006. The album features 9 tracks that blend elements of city pop, jazz, and funk.The album showcases the band's exceptional musicianship, with contributions from Hitomi Yamakami on alto saxophone, flute, and horn arrangements, Tomoko Kanda on backing vocals, Kouichi Oyama on bass, and Yuko Kitayama on drums.Highlights include the title track "Tokyo Sniper" as well as other songs like "Midnight Rendezvous" and "Butterfly".

Heaven Beach is the fourth studio album by Japanese city pop artist Anri, released in November 1982. The album features a more relaxed and mellow sound compared to her previous work, with a focus on smooth jazz and pop influences. Critics have praised the album's production and Anri's vocal performance, considering it one of her best and most iconic releases in the city pop genre.

Timely!! is a 1983 album by Japanese pop and city pop singer Anri. The album includes standout tracks like Last Summer Whisper, Cat's Eye, and Good Bye Boogie Dance, which showcase Anri's smooth vocals and the catchy, upbeat rhythms that defined the city pop era.

An Insatiable High is the third studio album by Japanese jazz fusion guitarist Masayoshi Takanaka, released in 1977. The album is considered a landmark work in the jazz fusion genre, showcasing Takanaka's exceptional guitar playing and the band's tight, dynamic performances. The album features seven tracks that blend elements of jazz, rock, and Japanese musical influences. Highlights include the title track "An Insatiable High", which features Takanaka's virtuosic guitar work, and the emotive "Midnight Rendezvous".

Fuyu Kukan is an album by Japanese singer-songwriter Tomoko Aran, released in 1983. It's highly regarded for its fusion of city pop, funk, and electronic music, making it a standout in the genre. The album features Aran's smooth vocals layered over catchy melodies and intricate arrangements, creating a captivating listening experience. Fuyu Kukan gained renewed attention in recent years due to the resurgence of interest in city pop music.

Brazilian Skies is an album by Japanese guitarist Masayoshi Takanaka, released in 1978. Takanaka was known for his fusion of jazz, funk, and pop music, and this album exemplifies his distinctive style. The album was inspired by Takanaka's love for Brazilian music and culture, particularly the bossa nova and samba rhythms.

Piper's album "Summer Breeze" is a defining City Pop record that captures a nostalgic summer aesthetic with bright, pleasant tracks inspired by artists like Tatsuro Yamashita and Masayoshi Takanaka. Released in 1983, this album features a mix of relaxing beach vibes, catchy tunes, and excellent guitar work. Piper, led by Keisuke Yamamoto and Kazuhito Murata, created a unique sound blending synths, beach noises, and groovy rhythms. The album is known for its mellow yet energetic tracks like "Shine On," "Summer Breeze," and "Night Shore," making it a cult classic in the City Pop genre.

Seiko Matsuda / Retro 80s Fan Art Design