Mika Nakashima and the likes.

[Naikou]

I'm very interested in Japanese music, as it is a part of the culture, and a huge exercise in understanding the language in everyday usage. There is a catch though. I despise JPop. I can't stand it. Now I don't know, or pretend to know what JPop really is, but I'll know it when I hear it, and I get annoyed by it.

Music I'd like to get to know about is the kind that Mika Nakashima makes. She has nice sounding vocals, and has a great mixture of instruments and vocal soloes. Anyone that can give me some names that might be interesting ?

[Takeo Saeki]

Sorry, I can't help you. I haven't heard any Japanese music yet (except when it plays during the ending credits of Japanese movies i've watched). I'm interested in this too. I really want to get into Japanese music. Any kind, really. I'll look into Mika Nakashima's music; thanks!

[GildedDreams]

Personally, I'm a fan of Maaya Sakamoto. She sings lots of songs for anime and such, like the ending credits to Wolf's Rain. JPop gets on my nerves at times, too, but somehow I never get tired of hearing Maaya Sakamoto's voice.

[Shibakoen]

Utada Hikaru's alright, too. Her latest album has not been well received by some in this forum, but her earlier stuff is really good. I'm like you, though. JPop can't hold a candle (or a lighter) to some good old Rock 'N Roll.B)

[Kinzokusei no Inu]

I listen to modern Japanese music everyday, but no mall-music, or media propelled trendy type stuff. For a good source of indy and underground Japanese artists, see here:
http://www.myspace.com/japanfiles
They have over a hundred bands you can browze of varying styles.

When I first started listening to Japanese rock a few months ago, I found it a bit odd because of how different from normal speech the syllables are often enunciated in music. Now that I'm used to it though, I love it. Japanese is a great language for music and lyrics I think, with its many homophomes, repeating words, and easy to rhyme words. As long as they stick to Japanese....usually when a Japanese band tries English, I can hardly understand a word they say.

[Naikou]

I had this CD once from Hi Standard, Japanese punk rock. Those guys rocked my socks off, although I couldn't understand a word they were saying. It was all 'English' (read engrish). I'll look into the above mentioned artists.

[kuroi]

If you can't handle J-pop, why not try some J-rock? ^____^

If you do decide to try some J-rock, I reccomend Dir en grey, they are a fantastic band.

[jinksys]

Just stay away from J-Rap. For all that is holy, run!

[Shibakoen]

jinksys wrote:
Just stay away from J-Rap. For all that is holy, run!

LOL. You can say that about US rap, too. Geez... Spanish rap's not bad.

*EDIT* WOW!!! Dir en Grey is really good!

[Christian_]

I liked Malice Mizer, I didn't give Gackt much of chance, but I guess he was ok too. I also liked the Pillows, Im thinking of listening to Japanese music again. Can someone give a suggestion for someone who loves StainD and HIM?

[jinksys]

There's always YATTA! http://www.mit.edu/people/patil/yatta.html

[Sorako]

I liked Malice Mizer, I didn't give Gackt much of chance, but I guess he was ok too. I also liked the Pillows, Im thinking of listening to Japanese music again.

I'll second that, wholehartedly.

And Gackt...meh... His voice was alright to listen to, as it seems deeper than most other popular Japanese artists, but only when he's with Malice Mizer is he actually good. Any other time, I don't bother with him.

And FLCL got me in to the Pillows. Oh man, I adore both the show and the band. *leaps around happily* ^^

[Christian_]

Me too, I loved FLCL.

[elXco]

try the oricon style website, they have a weekly top 20 if you want to hear some japanese music. i think its http://www.oricon.co.jp

[Machina Maw]

My favourite artist is featured in my icon B): 雅-miyavi- (formerly Miyabi of Due'le Quartz). He's the best, in my opinion. He uses English in almost all his songs, but only a few times have I realised it's actually English... XD bless him. His Engrish is adorable, though.

Anyway, I don't like Mika Nakashima except for the song I am listening to right now, Glamourous Sky from the Nana movie.

I love Yuna Ito, but she is somewhat J-poppy. Another of my favourite bands is Gazette. Amazing music; if you like screaming and metal. B) I listen to Ayumi Hamasaki, but if you hate J-pop you should probably avoid her... and I listen to Gackt, but not enough to have formed an opinion haha.