[2025] From Japan to the world! A collection of classic city pop hits in Western music
If you’re a music lover, you’ve probably heard the term “city pop” somewhere.
We’ve also published articles on classic city pop albums on our site, but to put it simply, it’s a genre born mainly from the late 1970s to the 1980s by Japanese artists influenced by sophisticated, urban sounds like overseas AOR.
Since the 2010s, it has been rediscovered by music fans abroad and has become a boom.
The definition is somewhat vague, but in this article we highlight popular Western songs that convey the influence of this Japan-born “city pop.”
From famous tracks to hidden gems, enjoy the world of “Western City Pop”!
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[2025] From Japan to the World! A Collection of Classic City Pop Songs in Western Music (1–10)
Sushi In TokyoDVNA
Dana’s “Sushi In Tokyo” is a sweet track by a talented Australia-born artist that evokes classic city pop.
As her Japan debut single, its polished synth tones and melodic rhythm feel like an invitation to a pleasant drive.
Dana’s fresh, vibrant vocals further enhance the song’s appeal.
It delivers the tangy sweetness of youth and the joy of new discoveries, a sensation that seems to travel straight from your ears to your heart.
Go HigherHYBS
Hybs, the popular Thai R&B duo, deliver a truly dreamlike city-pop masterpiece with “Go Higher.” Since their sensational debut in 2022, this track has added new color to the music scene.
While drawing influence from Japanese city pop, Hybs project a charm all their own.
Set to a breezy R&B groove, the lyrics leave a striking impression by making you forget your worries.
Music fans are sure to feel a sense of a fresh start stirred by this song.
It invites listeners into a wonderland—so why not give their music a listen?
WanderEarly Eyes
Released in November 2020 by Minneapolis-based indie pop band Early Eyes, Wander is a gem of Western-style city pop that feels like being carried by a pleasant breeze.
The band’s sound, which fuses jazz and pop, vividly captures the bustle of the city at night.
The driving beat and catchy melodies that repeat throughout the track make you want to hit replay.
The fact that it came out on Epitaph Records is also noteworthy, and it raises expectations for the band’s multifaceted talents.
[2025] From Japan to the World! A Collection of Classic City Pop in Western Music (11–20)
Lover BoyPhum Viphurit
Released in 2018 by Thai singer-songwriter Phum Viphurit, Lover Boy features a funky sound that evokes the pleasant waves of city pop.
It’s a love song that portrays the struggles and hopes of searching for love, blending an urban sensibility with a breezy beachside vibe.
Viphurit’s gentle vocals captivate listeners and won’t let go.
Even if you’re new to Asian pop, it’s sung in English, so you can enjoy it as Western pop—definitely give it a listen.
All I Do Is 4 UAngelica Vila
Angelica Villa’s track “All I Do Is 4 U” could well be called a new gem of international city pop.
The New York native’s talent was discovered by Fat Joe, and the path that led her to sign with RNG and Roc Nation/Republic Records is nothing short of breathtaking.
Remarkably, “All I Do Is 4 U” has garnered over one million streams on Spotify.
She also captivated audiences with her performance at the Made in America Festival in 2022.
Blending a sophisticated R&B sound with city pop essence, this song is highly recommended not only for city pop fans but for music lovers at large!
Superficial LoveCalica ft. Magdalena Bay
Co-written by Calica and Magdalena Bay, Superficial Love has steadily gained recognition since its 2020 release, captivating many listeners.
Breathing new life into the city pop genre, the track is a gem that fuses nostalgic sounds with a modern groove.
Its polished melodies and breezy arrangements—evoking the California sun—feel wonderfully comfortable, bringing an effortless smile to your face.
The lyrics, which portray the complexities of relationships, resonate deeply with listeners.
It’s a song that truly shines in a live setting, especially when it counts.
If you’re into stylish city pop with a touch of melancholy, this one comes highly recommended!
Your Satisfaction Is MineEd Motta
Released in 2023, Ed Motta’s “Your Satisfaction Is Mine” breathes new life into the realm of Western-style city pop, showcasing the immense talent of this Brazilian artist.
While rooted in an urban sound, the song bears a distinctive character of its own, speaking directly to listeners through its polished melodic lines and lyrics that trace complex emotions.
Influenced by city pop—a Japanese-born genre that drew global attention in the 2010s—the piece sublimates Ed Motta’s profound message into music.
Its allure, which draws the listener into every detail, also stands as an homage to the rediscovered world of city pop.