J-Pop Starter Kit: A Beginner’s Guide to Japanese Pop

J-Pop (Japanese pop music) has been shaping trends, soundtracks and fan culture for decades — and it’s finally getting the global attention it deserves. If you’re new to J-Pop, it might feel a little less “in your face” than K-Pop, but don’t let that fool you. Beneath the surface is a colourful, creative and endlessly fun music scene packed with personality. From idol groups and solo stars to anime anthems and genre-blending bands, J-Pop has something waiting for everyone.

This beginner-friendly guide will help you get to grips with the basics, spotlight artists worth checking out and give you a few starting points to kick off your J-Pop journey.

 

So Many Sounds!

J-Pop isn’t tied to one specific style - it’s more like a musical playground. You’ll find upbeat pop, emotional ballads, electronic tracks, rock influences and everything in between. Artists like Perfume and YOASOBI are great examples of how diverse the genre can be, while many J-Pop songs become instantly recognisable through anime, drama or game soundtracks.

Rather than following global trends, J-Pop often focuses on storytelling and individuality. That’s part of its charm - it feels personal, creative and unapologetically itself.

 

Image: Yoasobi is a Japanese musical duo formed in 2019. 

 

Idols, Bands & Solo Stars

One of the coolest things about J-Pop is its mix of artist types. Idol groups are a huge part of the scene, placing emphasis on performance, fan interaction and fun concepts. At the same time, bands play a much bigger role in J-Pop than in many Western pop markets, often gaining massive followings through live performances and anime tie-ins. Solo artists also thrive, building long-lasting careers and evolving their sound over time.

This variety means there’s no “right” way to enjoy J-Pop - you can bounce between cute, cool, emotional or experimental depending on your mood.

 

Trending J-Pop Artists

J-Pop is constantly evolving, and a new wave of artists has been catching attention both in Japan and internationally. Some trending names in 2025 include:

• HANA – Fresh, fun and visually striking, with a sound that’s quickly winning over new fans.

• MAZZEL – Known for their high-energy performances and modern pop-meets-hip-hop style.

• ONE or EIGHT – A rising group gaining buzz for their unique concept and genre-mixing tracks.

If you love discovering artists early, these are definitely ones to keep on your radar.

 

The J-Pop & K-Pop Crossover

Already a K-Pop fan? Good news - J-Pop and K-Pop overlap more than you might think. Many K-Pop groups actively promote in Japan, releasing Japanese versions of their hit songs and even full Japanese albums. Groups like BTS, Stray Kids, TWICE and SEVENTEEN have extensive Japanese discographies, often including original Japanese tracks you won’t find anywhere else.

 

Image: Stray Kids 2nd Japanese Album - Giant.

 

Since Japan is one of the biggest music markets in the world, these releases are a big deal - complete with exclusive albums, merch and tours. For a lot of fans, this crossover is the perfect gateway into exploring J-Pop alongside their favourite K-Pop artists.

 

Image: Jpop group &team who released their Kpop album 'Back to Life' in 2025.

 

Time to Dive In

J-Pop is best enjoyed with an open mind and a little curiosity. Whether you discover it through anime, social media clips, K-Pop crossover releases or a random recommendation, there’s always something new to explore. Try sampling a mix of idols, bands and solo artists - you might be surprised by what ends up on repeat.

 

J-Pop Starter Artists We Recommend

If you’re not sure where to begin, these artists are a great starting point thanks to their variety, popularity and accessibility:

Perfume
YOASOBI
RADWIMPS
King Gnu
AKB48
JO1
INI
HANA
MAZZEL
ONE or EIGHT

 

Ready to Give J-Pop a Try?

J-Pop is playful, creative and full of hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re dipping your toe in for the first time or branching out from K-Pop, now’s the perfect time to explore something new. Have a listen, fall down a few music rabbit holes and see where J-Pop takes you.

And if you find an artist you love - let us know! We’re always looking to expand what we stock, so tell us which J-Pop artists, albums or merch you’d love to see in our store 💿✨