In the mid to late 70s, the economy of Japan was booming and a new generation of folks were looking for music to complement their new sophisticated lifestyle. Rising out of the ashes of the country’s folk scene and taking a cue from the blossoming West Coast music scene on the side of the Pacific, City Pop was born.

Blending synth funk, smooth jazz fusion and disco with the slick L.A. sound to create an urban contemporary feel, City Pop became the music choice for upwardly mobile Japanese in the late 70s through the late 80s.

Here’s a sample of some City Pop artists and songs from that time: