Kyoto Nights Playlist

Explore the winding streets and ancient corridors of Kyoto while enjoying our hand curated selection of upbeat and tension relieving Japanese jazz and city pop.

Our mix features Japanese artists from the 70's, 80's, and beyond, showcasing the classic, yet under-appreciated, genre of city pop. Also included are some selections from the underground world of Japanese jazz and rock. Largely influenced by popular American music from the time, these artists took western music concepts and adapted them to match the cultural energy of bustling urban Japan. Though inspired by American music, artists like Yellow Magic Orchestra were highly innovative and influential in bringing electronic instruments, such as synthesizers and drum machines, into the fold of pop music. These artists helped to shape the trends and sounds of the 80's, giving rise to countless new genres of electronic music.