Japanese pop culture has significantly changed over the past 50 decades. Here, we quickly break down some of the cultural significance that pop culture has played during this era. How is it influencing the day-to-day routine of these Japanese citizens? From video gaming online to gambling at brands such as ICE Casino, this article breaks down the significance of pop culture in the country.
The Manga and Anime Boom: 1970s to 1980s
Almost 40 years after WW2, Japan as a country looked within its culture to develop and rise from the ashes. At the forefront was the formation of manga and anime, which has taken root in the culture and is still present today. Actually, manga and anime were still present in the country. The Japanese started producing anime clips as early as the 1950s, but the visual updates weren’t available until the 1980s. It’s no wonder you can see video clips with manga and anime in the background in films such as Graves of the Fireflies (1988).
While many people made positive contributions to the manga and anime boom of the ’70s and ’80s, some had a much-felt impact than others. Some iconic names with such influence include the likes of Sailor Moon, Astro Boy, and Dragon Ball. These names propelled manga and anime from within Japan to international levels, leading to them being adapted into video games, films, and other merchandise. There are also international events that are normally held to celebrate anime and manga. Within Japan, these events have created communities that are referred to as Otaku. In Western countries and the international community, we have events such as the World Cosplay Summit, Jump Fista, Comiket, plus much more.
The Popularity of City Pop During the Bubble Economy
The Bubble Economy era lasted from the 1980s to the early 1990s. For many, it is an era they’ll never want to forget, as it was characterized by all the good things one could imagine. The bubble economy saw an increase in asset prices, a sense of boundless optimism, and flourishing consumer spending. The City Pop culture gave birth to pop music, which offered an upbeat and glamorous soundtrack for the urban lifestyle. Characterized by funky rhythms, stylish aesthetics, and catchy melodies, this type of culture captured the spirit of the Bubble Economy. However, it didn’t go beyond the boundaries of the country.
Decline and Resurgence of City Pop in the Digital Age
After the collapse of the bubble economy, the popularity of city pop culture declined as the country entered an era of social uncertainty and economic stagnation. However, in the recent past, especially after the COVID era, city pop culture has seen an increase in popularity, both locally and internationally. This is thanks to the accessibility of social media and digital streaming platforms. A new crop of listeners have discovered and embraced the aesthetics and retro sound offered by city pop.
Video Games
Many might not agree with this statement, but video gaming is an important part of Japanese culture. The country might not be the origin of video games, but it has become a cornerstone of the country’s pop culture. The popularity of video gaming was propagated by Nintendo, a company that initially designed playing cards. Their first attempt was to popularize and revitalize an industry struggling to recover from the famous 1983 crash, which led to the collapse of Atari. It is a feat they managed to do, evidenced by the number of people playing video games today.
Who hasn’t heard of Zelda or Mario, some of the iconic brands that have become somewhat of the global ambassadors for Japanese entertainment? While outsiders might only know of these few games, there’s a host of other names within the country. They say that the video gaming culture is ‘omnipresent,’ and you can literally find arcade terminals and game centers throughout the country. These arcades and game centers have become a crucial part of the Japanese social culture as they unite people of all ages, political views, and opinions to share moments of relaxation or compete in different games.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
Today, Japanese pop culture continues to entertain and captivate audiences worldwide, serving as cultural touchstones representing eras of cultural exchange, economic prosperity, and social change in the country. The enduring legacy and change are a testimony to the power of music and video game entertainment to transcend cultural and time boundaries.
