Kayokyoku

Kayokyoku is a Japanese music genre, which served as the prevailing style of mainstream pop in Japan from the 1950s until the 1980s, when it was supplanted by J-Pop. The term "kayokyoku" literally translates to "pop song" and it's characterized by its melodious tunes and fusion of Western musical elements with traditional Japanese music. The genre often encompasses a wide emotional range, from sweet ballads to more upbeat numbers, reflecting the versatility of its artists, such as Off Course's harmonious folk-pop, Yosui Inoue's lyrical depth, and Pink Lady's catchy disco-influenced beats. Featuring poetic lyrics and clear, expressive vocals, kayokyoku laid the foundation for contemporary Japanese pop, becoming a bridge between the old and new in Japan's rich musical tapestry.

Latest Kayokyoku Release
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上出来 / 無視
Single - Released February 14, 2025
Top Artists Spotify Logo
Every Little Thing
Yumi Matsutoya
Akina Nakamori
Seiko Matsuda
Yosui Inoue
The Checkers
Top Playlists
The Sound of Nijisanji 6 Kayokyoku artists
The Sound of Hokkaido Indie 5 Kayokyoku artists
The Sound of Japanese Disney 3 Kayokyoku artists
The Sound of Japanese Old School Hip Hop 3 Kayokyoku artists
The Sound of Japanese Buddhist Chant 2 Kayokyoku artists
The Needle / Japan 2 Kayokyoku artists

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Get Started Browse Arists
  1. February 14, 2025
  2. November 27, 2024
  3. November 27
  4. November 27
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  7. November 20
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  11. October 25
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  30. February 21
  31. February 18
  32. February 14
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  35. February 1
  36. January 24
  37. January 17
  38. January 10
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  40. January 10