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.

Top Sub-Genres
Kodomo No Ongaku
Latest Kayokyoku Release
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CAT CITY
Single - Released July 9, 2025
Top Artists Spotify Logo
Anri
Teresa Teng
Mariya Takeuchi
Seiko Matsuda
Akina Nakamori
Every Little Thing
Top Playlists
The Sound of Modern Enka 115 Kayokyoku artists
The Sound of Techno Kayō 44 Kayokyoku artists
The Sound of Classic Anime 31 Kayokyoku artists
The Sound of Japanese Blues 19 Kayokyoku artists
The Sound of J-Acoustic 12 Kayokyoku artists
The Sound of Japanese Vocal Jazz 9 Kayokyoku artists

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