J-Pop vs K-Pop：What's the difference? What do they have in common?

Hello、This is Nagano Makoto!

Speaking of the Asian music scene、"J-Pop" and "K-Pop" are essential。Japan and Korea、Although each music style is different、It continues to attract fans all over the world。

but、Have you ever wondered, "What is the difference between J-Pop and K-Pop?" or "Which is more popular?"

I am a blogger who shares Japanese music overseas.、I've been following both J-Pop and K-Pop for many years。

I actually participated in music festivals overseas.、While talking to local fans、I realized that Japanese and Korean music each has different charms.。

In this article、Differences and commonalities between J-Pop and K-Pop、And why it's so popular all over the world?、We will explore in depth from a Japanese perspective。

You are J-Pop and K-Pop、Which fan are you? Please read to the end、Please let us know your thoughts in the comments!

table of contents

1 The difference between J-Pop and K-Pop
2 What's common to J-Pop and K-Pop
3 Why are J-Pop and K-Pop popular with foreigners?
4 Are you a J-Pop fan? K-Pop fan?

The difference between J-Pop and K-Pop

1. Language and International

J-Pop is mainly sung in Japanese.、We place emphasis on the domestic market。

on the other hand、K-Pop is based on Korean.、Actively adopting English and other languages、We are releasing songs that are conscious of the international fan base.。

Therefore、For overseas fans, K-Pop is often more familiar.。

2. Performance Style

The characteristics of K-Pop、Perfectly synchronized dance performance and flashy costumes、And it's a high production value music video.。

on the other hand、J-Pop focuses on the artist's personality and musicality.、It is characterized by a wide range of expressions with greater freedom。

for example、Perfume's Technopop、ONE OK ROCK's rock style、Yonezu Kenshi's unique worldview、Fujii-style jazz and R&Songs influenced by B、J-Pop has a wide range of genres coexist。

3. Global Strategy

K-Pop actively develops overseas markets、We offer promotions using global tours and social media.。Typical examples are BTS and BLACKPINK.。

on the other hand、Because J-Pop has a promotional strategy centered on the domestic market、There are some areas that are difficult to access for overseas fans.。

but、Like YOASOBI and Aimer、The number of artists is increasing worldwide through anime tie-ups。

4. Idol culture

J-Pop idols are、While emphasizing friendliness with fans、K-Pop idols place importance on professional performance。

As represented by AKB48's concept of "idols that you can go to meet."、Japanese idols are close to their fans、It is characterized by a strong element of watching over growth。

on the other hand、K-Pop is、By working through the trainee system and making your debut、They tend to show very well-made performances at their debut.。

What's common to J-Pop and K-Pop

1. Western musical influence

Both J-Pop and K-Pop、Influenced by American pop and hip hop、Establishing a unique musical style。

J-Pop develops by incorporating different musical genres with different eras.、K-Pop has gained global popularity by actively adopting the latest trends in Europe and the US。

2. Visual emphasis

Both J-Pop and K-Pop、Not just music、We focus on visuals and visual expressions。

K-Pop is characterized by high-quality music video production.、J-Pop often has its own unique visual concept for each artist.。

3. An enthusiastic fan culture

Both J-Pop and K-Pop、Fan support is an important factor。

Buy merchandise、Participation in concert、Spreading on social media, etc.、There is a common point in that the power of fans determines the success of artists。

Why are J-Pop and K-Pop popular with foreigners?

1.Charm that transcends language barriers

K-Pop has a strong appeal for dance and visuals.、There are many things you can enjoy even if you don't understand the language。

J-Pop also uses anime music and more.、It has surpassed language barriers and gained fans。

2.Incorporating global trends

Both J-Pop and K-Pop、Incorporating elements from Western pop and hip hop、Because it has a unique arrangement、It is easily accepted by listeners around the world。

3.Diversity and inclusiveness

Especially K-Pop、Incorporates genderless charm and international sensibilities、It has elements that can appeal to a wide range of people。

4.High quality production

Both J-Pop and K-Pop、From music production to music video production、Because we provide high quality works、Loved by fans all over the world。

5.Utilizing social media and the Internet

K-Pop is particularly good at marketing using social media.、It also features a strategy to run a hashtag campaign right after the YouTube MV is released.。

J-Pop has recently been using YouTube and TikTok.、More and more artists are approaching overseas markets。