Many people have a preconception of Japanese culture and music. We’re here to break that. Enjoy some of the darker tunes across multiple genres these Japanese artists have to offer you. Of all listed, Yoko Kanno and Akira Yamaoka have the most extensive – and easily diverse – collection of music to enjoy.
Yoko Kanno is well know for her talents in the anime industry: writing and producing soundtracks for Ghost in the Shell, Wolf’s Rain, Cowboy Bebop, The Vision of Escaflowne, and more. She creates pieces without considering genre, and her music oozes genius as it expresses complex emotions. If you are familiar with the Silent Hill games (or movies) you’ll recognize the iconic dark grime that pervades Akira Yamaoka’s scores. His music also breaks genre boundaries, but to a much lesser degree – all the while maintaining the heavy feeling you’d expect from the Silent Hill series.
Also included in the playlist are:
The Yoshida Brothers who mix traditional Japanese music played on the shamisen with Western styles.
I couldn’t resist adding Babymetal – they are so kawaii (cute) I can stand it… or the fact that I didn’t think to do something like this first – please, please forgive me.
Kayo Konishi and Kondoo Yukio collaborated on the Eflen Lied soundtrack giving us a handy-dandy little title track “Lillium” that will haunt you – beautifully – all your days.
B̶L̶O̶O̶D̶ was the first visual kei band I ever discovered. I really liked the concept and upon investigating, I was happy to have found such a heavy theatrical outfit for my ears.
