✩ ₊˚🎧⊹J-pop: How to get into it

Have you ever heard of Jpop but never really know where to start? if this is you it's your lucky day! in this blog i'll talk about what's Jpop, differences between Jpop and Kpop, oshi culture, how to become a true Jpop fan, and know about bands and solits!

.° ༘🎧⋆🖇₊˚ෆWhat's J-pop₊˚⊹♡

J-popジェイポップ, short for Japanese pop music, refers to a wide genre of Japanese music that originated in the 1990s with influences of bands like The Beatles. nowadays, it is associated with the over-hyped songs and the cute, bouncy starlets of Japan. These groups of singers and dancers set the concert halls ablaze with their songs with irresistible rhythms, idyllic choruses and naively cute lyrics. However, J-pop is also known for ''weird concepts'' besides the kawaii concept (which i will talk about later).

Most popular Jpop group ''AKB48''

.° ༘🎧⋆🖇₊˚ෆDifferences between J-pop and K-pop₊˚⊹♡

There's this misconception that J-pop and K-pop are very similar which in some stuff yes, but in others it's totally wrong. In kpop, their idols will train for years and years to become the best dancer, singer ever, but in Jpop, it's only a few months training, because Jpop it's about growing besides your oshi (bias, in kpop) and the other members, watching them become better at everything they do.

Music wise, J-pop tends to be more eclectic, often combining various genres within a single song. K-pop, on the other hand, is known for its polished, highly produced sound with strong emphasis on catchy hooks and synchronized choreography.

While both K-pop and J-pop have idol systems, K-pop idols are heavily marketed to global audiences, with high production value in music videos and performances. J-pop idols often focus more on a domestic market and place more emphasis on their personalities and fan interactions over musical or dance perfection.

K-pop concepts typically has highly choreographed concepts with a focus on glamour and modernity. J-pop concepts often explore a wider range of themes, from cute and quirky to nostalgic and experimental. J-pop it's not afraid of finding weird concepts like Babymetal who created a new genre of metal called ''kawaii metal'', or like the group The Margarines, whose concept is being in debt.

Group The Margarines

.° ༘🎧⋆🖇₊˚ෆOshi Culture₊˚⊹♡

In J-pop, "oshi" (推し) refers to a fan's favorite idol or group member. Fans develop deep emotional attachments to their oshi, offering unwavering support through merchandise purchases, concert attendance, and online interactions. This culture is a key part of the idol industry, with some fans dedicating their lives to supporting their chosen oshi. This creates a strong bond between idols and their fanbase. However, this also creates a parasocial relationship between the fan and the idol.

Group GE'LMINATii at an underground live concert

.° ༘🎧⋆🖇₊˚ෆhow to do WOTAGEI₊˚⊹♡

Wotagei (ヲタ芸), also known as "otagei," is a form of synchronized cheering and dancing performed by dedicated fans (known as "wota") of Japanese idols, especially during live performances or concerts. They use glowsticks/penlights to form streaks of light following the beat of the song playing

₊⊹Some words you might see: 

• Chants and Calls: Fans shout specific phrases and responses during songs, particularly in instrumental breaks or between lyrics. These chants are often synchronized among the crowd and are intended to energize both the performers and the audience. Common calls include "Tiger! Fire! Cyber! Fiber! Diver! Viber!" which are part of the iconic "Mix" chants.
• Glow Sticks (Penlights): Glow sticks are essential tools in wotagei. Fans wave them in choreographed patterns, often in the colors representing their favorite idols or groups. The use of glow sticks creates a visually striking spectacle, especially in large concerts, as fans coordinate their colors and movements.
• Movements: Wotagei involves specific dance moves that are often performed in unison by groups of fans. Most songs go something like this:

Intro

A-Melody / A-Melo (Verse): OAD, Nihai Ohai, Soiya

B Melody/B-Melo (Pre-Chorus): Rosario, Los Angeles 

Sabi (Chorus): Sabi Waza 

Interlude 

C-Melody / C-Melo (Bridge) 

Outro

1. This is the general structure for many Japanese Pop songs. However, there are Japanese Pop songs that have more unique structures, which are more difficult to choreograph for but allow for more unique choreographies.

• Group Coordination: Although wotagei can be done individually, it’s most impactful when performed by large groups of fans who practice together. These fans often gather before or after concerts to rehearse their moves and chants.

For learning HOW to do the movements correctly please read this blog which shows you all of the movements with images!!!

Wotagei Etiquette

• Respect the Space: While wotagei can be energetic, make sure you’re aware of those around you so you don’t accidentally hit anyone with your glow sticks.
• Follow the Crowd: Some performances have specific chants and calls tailored to the artist or group. Be mindful and follow along with the crowd.
• Don’t Overdo It: Wotagei is about fun and support, so be mindful not to disrupt the concert or detract from the performance.

Audience doing Wotagei

.° ༘🎧⋆🖇₊˚ෆgroup/solists₊˚⊹♡

AKB48 is one of the most ICONIC groups in Jpop, with a total of 48 members AKB48 had made story in the Jpop scene, they hold the record for highest overall single sales for a female group on the Oricon charts and also hold the Guinness World Record for world's "largest pop group".

AKB48

Kiriko Takemura known by her stage name Kyary Pamyu Pamyu (きゃりーぱみゅぱみゅ Kyarī Pamyu Pamyu) is a model and singer most known for her iconic single, "Pon Pon Pon", which got into Japan's Top Ten. Her other singles "Candy Candy" and "Fashion Master" followed success.

Kyaru Pamyu Pamyu

BABYMETAL is a metal idol band. As of 2023 their line-up consists of Nakamoto Suzuka as "SU-METAL", Kikuchi Moa as "MOAMETAL" and Okazaki momoko as "MOMOMETAL". Former member Mizuno Yui "YUIMETAL" left in 2018.

Their vocals are backed by heavy metal instrumentation, performed by a group of session musicians known as the "KAMI BAND" at performances. The concept of the group is a fusion of the metal and idol genres. The three girls and their band are managed by the Amuse talent agency. They released their debut album of the same name in February 2014.

BABYMETAL

ATARASHII GAKKOU No Leaders is a dance vocal performance group made in 2015. The group's concept is, "To stick out with individuality and freedom from an intolerant society where only exemplary guys are valued". They made their international debut under the label 88rising in January 2021, as ATARASHII GAKKO! the members are MIZYU, RIN, SUZUKA, KANON

Atarashii gakkou

1. Lulu Bitto ルルビット is a self-produced Colombian Cyber ​​Idol girl. She started in the world of J-pop in 2014, starting with covers and dance covers and finally starting as a soloist in 2017. Her most popular song is Doki Doki Sensou Chu! in collaboration with Jemimemu, which has more than 634 K views on Youtube. Lulu has the support of several foreign idols and Japanese fans. She also has other songs of her own.
2. 
   
3. Lulu Bitto

BERRYべリー is a solo idol and former SORB3T member based in Los Angeles, California. They formed pre-debut SORB3T with two other members on November 6, 2022. They graduated with the group's disbandment on July 23, 2023. They debuted as a soloist at SoCal IdolFest on August 12, 2023.

BERRY

Yakousei Amuse  夜光性アミューズ is currently a six-member idol group formed on March 17, 2021.

Yakousei Amuse

Phantom Siita ファントムシータ / 怪忌蝶 is a five-member Japanese idol group produced by Ado. They debuted on June 26, 2024, with their first digital single "Otomodachi''

Phantom Siita

iLiFE! あいらいふ is currently an eight-member Japanese idol group originally formed with five members on June 5, 2020.

Hatsune Miku 初音ミクofficially code-named CV01, is a Vocaloid software voicebank developed by Crypton Future Media and its official mascot character, a 16-year-old girl with long, turquoise twintails. Miku's personification has been marketed as a virtual idol, and has performed at live virtual concerts onstage as an animated holographic projection (rear-cast projection on a specially 

Hatsune Miku, first popular Virtual idol

.° ༘🎧⋆🖇₊˚ෆEnd of Blog!₊˚⊹♡

WOW THIS TOOK SO LONG LOL!! and i didn't even talk about everything i wanted to say!! but i didn't want beginners to be overwhelmed xDu here i'll link some videos about idols and jpop!

Japan's Toxic Idol Industry 

The Tragic Downfall Of Japan’s Most Iconic Idol Girl Group

Why Do Middle Aged Japanese Men FANGIRL Over Teenage Pop-Singers

I Spent a Day with a REAL Japanese Idol | Exposing The DARK TRUTH

Getting Started ! ✨Wotagei 101✨[[ IDOLpedia ]]

Wotagei moves instructions subbed

I think I added the most important things about understanding Jpop!! If you have more questions feel free to ask and GIVE LOST OF KUDOS!!! this took to much TIME!!! Felix signing out バイバイ～