Japan is a country with a unique culture and customs, so it’s no surprise that it’s provided the inspiration for numerous songs over the years. But how many artists zone in on specific regions or cities? Well, the Kansai region has featured in many tracks spanning across the genres over the years. From international acts writing about places in Kansai to local artists singing about what they know best, here’s a selection of Kansai-inspired tunes worth checking out.
Phoebe Bridgers “Kyoto” (2020)
We start with a track from a western outsider perception. Phoebe Bridgers, American singer-songwriter and member of indie band Boygenius, wrote “Kyoto” in 2019. While clearly taking inspiration from the city, it’s more the starting point for a kind of millennial apathy and dissociation. The opening lyrics are “Day off in Kyoto/got bored at a temple”. She has since stated that the song is about “impostor syndrome” and “being in Japan for the first time”. It certainly sounds like an artist killing time between gigs.
The track received much critical acclaim and was a standout on her 2020 “Punisher” album. It was released as a single in 2020 but plans to record a video in the city were shelved due to COVID-19. Instead, it was filmed in front of a green screen in Los Angeles, with background shots inserted later.
Dreams Come True “Osaka Lover” (2007)
Dreams Come True are one of the early J-Pop bands, formed back in 1988. They had their heyday in the 1990s, when they enjoyed a stream of number one singles on the Japanese charts. They remained popular until the mid-2010s. “Osaka Lover” peaked at number 7 in 2007, centering around a long-distance love affair from the point of view of someone traveling between Osaka and Tokyo.
Oe Yutaka “Shigure Moon in Kinosaki” (2023)
This track is by local singer and actor Oe Yutaka, performed in the enka style. This is a traditional Japanese ballad style that has produced numerous hits over the years. Yutaka released the song to mark the 15th anniversary of his debut release. It’s set in Kinosaki, Hyogo’s well-known onsen town, and evokes images of hot spring steam rising from the rows of willow trees lining the streets. The video to the track was filmed in the town.
The Cure “Kyoto Song” (1985)
Popular English goth/new wave band The Cure no doubt had many young music fans wondering about Japan’s former capital when they released this track on their 1985 “The Head On The Door” album. Lead singer Robert Smith had already hinted at an interest in the far east when he titled the band’s 1983 compilation album “Japanese Whispers”. However, despite Kyoto inspiring the title, the city is barely referenced in the song itself, which is reportedly about a dream of a swimming pool drowning.
Masaki Ueda “Osaka Bay Blues” (1983)
One of the more soulful and evocative tracks about Osaka, this was a minor hit in 1983 for Kansai R&B/soul performer Masaki Ueda. The song has a wistful feel to it and could be considered as an Osaka-based version of the Otis Redding classic “Sitting On The Dock Of The Bay”.
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