Lovely Western music

[2025] From Japan to the world! A collection of classic city pop hits in Western music

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and have been contributing to music magazines and web media for over 15 years. Although Western music is my main field, I always strive to stay curious with the motto, “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in a band, where I was a bassist responsible for songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve performed on include bass, guitar, and piano. I resumed piano lessons after turning 40 and have been continuing ever since!

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”!

[2025] From Japan to the World! A Collection of Classic City Pop in Western Music (11–20)

Julie.Gallant

Gallant – Julie. (Audio)

Julie.Gallant

Gallant’s “Julie.” recreates the sophisticated sound of city pop on foreign soil, a perfect fit for an artist who openly professes his love for Japanese culture.

Released in 2020 and included on his album Neptune, the song can truly be described as city pop that transcends borders.

The rhythm grooves with conviction, and his uniquely soulful expressiveness moves the listener.

The lyrics, which explore complex human relationships, resonate deeply.

Its vivid yet richly layered sound feels nostalgic while offering a fresh listening experience.

Raise the rankinglower

TokyoWIM

WIM – Tokyo (Visualizer)

TokyoWIM

Wimm, a promising solo artist from Thailand who continues to be based there, made the shift to a solo career in 2024 after his time as a member of HYBS.

Released in May 2025 as part of his album “Snacks & Wine,” this track captivates with a sophisticated sound that fuses electronic pop and indie rock.

The lyrics, inspired by Tokyo’s night skyline and cityscapes, depict both the loneliness and hope of urban life, while the arrangement—where shimmering synthesizers intertwine with delicate guitar arpeggios—is superb.

It’s the kind of song you’ll want to listen to while walking through the city at night.

Raise the rankinglower

In conclusion

As I mentioned at the beginning, it’s fascinating how 80s city pop—shaped by overseas influences like AOR—has been rediscovered by artists abroad, inspiring new music and even getting sampled in classic tracks.

I didn’t cover it this time, but if you’re interested, please dive into the roots as well: explore what kinds of music influenced Japanese city pop in the first place!