Job Discussion Forums

Precise · Joined: 23 Mar 2007 Posts: 140

Ok. Forget the poll. Let's make this a general J-Pop discussion thread since we all LOVE J-Pop Laughing

. So let's hear it. Who is everyone's favorite artist? As you can tell I like Ayumi but also Tamaki Nami, and Nakashima Mika is quickly growing on me. I also like Ken Hirai's music though he is probably J-R&B or something, lol. Share your thoughts.

furiousmilksheikali

DNK · Joined: 22 Jan 2007 Posts: 236 Location: the South

Does anyone have a sample of this "J-Pop"? Somehow I've never heard it, that I'm aware of, and desire to form an opinion. Is it anything like A-Pop (American)?

At least could you compare it to American singers, if possible. Is this Christina Aguilera's Japanese double or something?

Apsara · Joined: 20 Sep 2005 Posts: 2142 Location: Tokyo, Japan

I answered "no", because there are some "J-Pop" singers who actually write their own songs, can play instruments, and..... sing.

Lynn · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 696 Location: in between

jademonkey · Joined: 30 Mar 2007 Posts: 180

Christina Aguilera and Ayumi Hamasaki are basically equally bad.

Hongkonghippo · Joined: 26 Feb 2007 Posts: 64

How many idiotic posts can some make about a singing plastic doll ? This is a teaching forum...I am sure there are lots of sites for 12 year old girls to visit and ask insanely stupid questions.

Eva Pilot · Posted: Sat Apr 14, 2007 11:46 am Post subject:

There are some local singers where I live that are far better than Ayumi Hamasaki.

Chage & Aska are also much much better than any J-Pop artist doing the rounds today.

Ayumi, especially when she is talking, sounds like she belongs behind the counter of a combini.

Precise · Joined: 23 Mar 2007 Posts: 140

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

What a boring video. I fell asleep at the 2 minute mark and had to soon end my misery. I agree with milksheik.

JimDunlop2 · Joined: 31 Jan 2003 Posts: 2286 Location: Japan

Who?

nawlinsgurl · Posted: Sat Apr 14, 2007 10:08 pm Post subject:

I agree. Dreams Come True is wayyy better.

azarashi sushi · Joined: 23 Jan 2003 Posts: 562 Location: Shinjuku

Hi Precise,

Is Ayumi Hamasaki the best J-pop singer ever?

What does it even mean?

It's a bit like asking "Was Shanghai Surprise Madonna's best movie?" or "Was Kylie the best ever actress on Neighbours?" ...

I'd be more inclined to answer your poll if you worded it, "Is Ayu the pick of a bad bunch?"

By "best J-pop singer ever" are you talking strictly about her musical ability or about her image and marketing strategy? Musically I don't think she is any better or worse than any other J-pop singer but I do think she has marketed herself better than other J-pop singers.

I don't want to judge anyone on the musical tastes ... Each to their own of course and if you like her that's cool... However like the other posters, I'm a little surprised when someone other than a 14 year old Japanese school girl is so passionate about Ayumi Hamasaki and/or J-pop as I've never heard a J-pop song that I would consider to be even vaguely memorable.

I guess you're very excited about coming to Japan, which is a good thing, and so you LOVE everything Japanese. I'm sure though once you are in Japan and a year down the track, you will look back at these posts and cringe. Thankfully it's an anonymous forum so no one will ever know it was you.

Precise · Joined: 23 Mar 2007 Posts: 140

dove · Joined: 01 Oct 2003 Posts: 271 Location: USA/Japan

I once saw Ayumi Hamasaki interviewed on a CNN show called "Inside Asia." She had an interpreter for most of the interview, but at the end she answered some questions in English. Much to my surprise, she doesn't speak English that badly....and her English-speaking voice wasn't that annoying childish tone she has in Japanese.....does anyone else think childishness rules in the Japanese pop world?