The Dark Era of Japanese Rock

When the Beatles had their big breakthrough in the UK, the mainstream of rock in the US music was still Elvis Presley's style.

But Bob Dylan already had the Beatles in mind. He showed interest in the Beatles after listening to "I Want to Hold Your Hand." Dylan was apparently impressed with their use of unique chords. But Bob was less impressed with their lyrics. Bob had turned his back on love songs and wrote songs against society. Later, John Lennon and Bob Dylan met in person. After that point, John’s writing changed. Gone were the upbeat love songs of earlier years. Instead, they had been replaced by socially conscious, introspective lyrics.

On the other hand, Bob Dylan was also influenced by the Beatles. He started performing on an electric guitar. It was criticized by many fans, but the lyrics changed as well. Right behind them, the post-Beatles movement had already begun. It became more pronounced in the late 1960s. From here to the 1970s, rock music finally entered a golden age. Numerous rock heroes were born during this period.

Oops!

This was a blog about explaining Japanese rock music. Let's change the subject.

In the 60's, Japanese style pop music was all the rage in Japan. It started as an imitation of western music. They named the category "KAYO-KYOKU". It was mainly bright and fashionable light love songs. At the same time, ENKA also gained mass popularity. Most of its supporters are of the post-middle age generation.

Japanese pop music evolved in its own way with these. It was embraced by the masses.

At that time, Japanese rock music was a modest pastime for a small group of young people. It was performed on a small stage called a "live house" and was supported by a small number of fans. In those days, singer songwriters took initiative.They sang in front of the public with a guitar. Japanese rock artists can't ignore them.

Singer songwriters were the pioneers of rock in their style.

However, it wasn't until the 70's that rock was fully recognized in Japan. GOLDEN CUPS, FLOWERS, DYNAMITES and HAPPY END. These bands were the pioneers of Japanese rock. But they never broke through.

The fundamental problem was this: the Japanese language doesn't fit in with rock. Japanese singers can’t naturally copy the vocal rhythms of western rock music. Generally, it takes more syllables in Japanese to express the same idea as an english singer. Early rockers in Japan invented lyrics that mixed Japanese and English to solve that.

The beginning of substantial rock music as the masses know it was the 1972 debut of CAROL. They were the legitimate heirs to rock and roll. They sang and played a mix of English and Japanese with a fierce eighth note beat. It was very stylish and anti-establishment. And it didn't appeal to the masses. But young people raved about how this was rock.

Japanese rock music had finally begun. However, the popularity of KAYO-KYOKU and ENKA was still overwhelming.

In order to be accepted by the masses, Japanese rock music was combined with elements of pop music. Pop groups with bands appeared on TV. There was a debate over whether or not to call them "rock artists". Thus, Japanese rock became an ambiguous form of citizenship in Japan. RC SUCCESSION, CREATION, THE MODS, CARMEN- MAKI & OZ, KAI-BAND and BOWWOW; old Japanese rock fans will remember the names of these bands. However, they were still unknown to the general public.

In the 80's, Japan finally entered a new era of music.

TO BE CONTINUED