imase

A singer-songwriter from Okayama. His fusion of unique Japanese lyrics with jazz/R&B and spiritual worldview sparked explosive popularity across Asia. His solo piano concert at Panasonic Stadium became legendary.

A hip-hop unit of DJ Matsunaga and R-Shitei. 'Bling-Bang-Bang-Born' became a global viral hit on TikTok, broadcasting Japanese hip-hop worldwide.

Community culture developing from the late 1990s where indie creators independently produce, distribute, and sell music. Based at events like Comiket, amateur composers and artists pursue creative freedom. With digital technology proliferation, it expanded to online distribution platforms. Functions as a talent discovery route and pathway into the music industry.

A music unit comprising composer Ayase and vocalist ikura. They gained attention with their unique concept of turning novels into music, and their debut single 'Yoru ni Kakeru' was a massive hit. 'Idol' dominated global streaming charts, symbolizing a new era of international J-Pop success.

A Japanese music genre that flourished from the late 1970s to the 1980s, characterized by sophisticated urban sounds. Key artists include Tatsuro Yamashita, Mariya Takeuchi, and Miki Matsubara. It experienced a global revival in the late 2010s through internet rediscovery.

A singer-songwriter who rewrote Japanese music history. Her debut album 'First Love' holds the record for Japan's best-selling album. She pioneered a new era of J-Pop with her innovative blend of R&B and pop. She is globally recognized for her Kingdom Hearts theme songs.