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[title]If you think Japanese music is all about cutesy J-pop girl groups, you’re in for a surprise. Sure, these impeccably choreographed singing, dancing sensations have dominated the world’s pop culture consciousness, but the music scene in Japan goes deeper than that. There’s rock, progressive metal, techno, indie pop, Shibuya-kei (an eclectic form of pop), R&B… And you’ll get a sampling of the best of all this through NHK World’s’ Songs of Tokyo show on New Year’s Day.
New Year music shows have long been a prestigious tradition at NHK, since the premiere of Kohaku Uta Gassen in the 1950s. Taking this as inspiration, NHK World has created a new music show for the international audience to celebrate the New Year and at the same time, showcase the vast oeuvre of Japanese music to the world. And what perfect timing: with the upcoming 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, the world’s fascination with Japan and all things Japanese has reached a feverish pitch.
What you need to know
Songs of Tokyo will be presented on NHK World TV in four parts, each lasting an hour. There will be subtitles, of course.
Part 1: Mon, Jan 1 2018, 7.10pm (Japan standard time)
Part 2: Mon, Jan 1 2018, 8.10pm (Japan standard time)
Part 3: Tue, Jan 2 2018, 7.10pm (Japan standard time)
Part 4: Tue, Jan 2 2018, 8.10pm (Japan standard time)
Who’s performing?
Perfume performing at Songs of Tokyo (Photo: NHK)
The acts are mostly bands and groups that have already established a sizeable global following, with a select few newcomers (in the international scene at least) chosen for their wide-reaching appeal. Moreover, featured act Perfume (who found worldwide stardom after their hit song ‘Polyrhythm’ was used in the animated film ‘Cars 2’) reveal that they chose songs with their international fans in mind. ‘“Spending All My Time” was a popular hit in countries outside of Japan, and we are happy to perform that at Songs of Tokyo,’ says the electro-pop girl trio. So, do expect songs with English lyrics or choruses, which you can easily hum along.
Miyavi (Photo: NHK)
‘Samurai guitarist’ Miyavi, the master known for his finger-slapping playing style, will be performing as well. A UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador and film actor (in ’Unbroken’, directed by Angelina Jolie), Miyavi is no stranger to the international tour and festival circuits, and you can expect hits from his latest album ‘Fire Bird’.
X Japan (Photo: NHK)
Do keep an eye out for X Japan, widely credited as one of the pioneers in the Japanese visual kei movement that’s quite similar to the glam rock aesthetic. The band have recently transitioned from heavy to progressive metal while keeping their signature symphonic influence and the show-stopping crystal piano.
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu (Photo: NHK)
Pop-rock outfit Kanjani8 is another one to watch. Their feel-good rhythms and slick moves are so entertaining that you’ll soon forget they’re singing in Japanese. Other acts for Songs of Tokyo include massive (in terms of size) idol girl group AKB48, quirky singer and model Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, electro-rock band Sekai no Owari, and more.
Sekai no Owari (Photo: NHK)
The saying that music transcends all language barriers rings true here. Japanese music is not just about the singing; it’s the total package of hair and make up, costumes, showmanship, choreography, lighting and visual effects. It’s highly energetic, and easily enjoyable regardless of your understanding of the Japanese language.
Why you need to tune in
As show producer Taketoshi Sado puts it, Songs of Tokyo is all about celebrating the diverse offerings from Japan’s exciting music scene. It’s a concert showcasing the best and most renowned talents in various genres, ranging from the signature J-pop to the progressive sounds of rock, electro and more.
Perfume elaborates further, ‘Tokyo will be even more exciting come 2020 because of the Olympic and Paralympic games. You can know more about Japan through this show before coming over to visit us.’
The crowd at the filming of Songs of Tokyo (Photo: NHK)
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Tune in to NHK World TV on Jan 1 2018 (Mon, 7.10pm and 8.10pm, Japan standard time) and Jan 2 2018 (Tue, 7.10pm and 8.10pm, Japan standard time) for the New Year music show Songs of Tokyo. For more information, click here.