Music That Makes My Life POP!

Music is a big part of my life. I love curating the soundtrack for my day-to-day, and sometimes I make playlists for specific projects or intentions, blasting them on repeat until the task is done. Discovering new genres and artists is one of my favorite things. Little did I know, one song would completely change my world!

My dear friend and music maker Thompson introduced me to "Mayonaka no Door (Stay with Me)" by Miki Matsubara. This track debuted in 1979 and peaked at number 28 on Japan’s Oricon charts. Fast forward to the 2020s, and it resurfaced on TikTok and YouTube, with remixes and viral covers launching Matsubara into international stardom long after her passing. Her debut album Pocket Park was reissued on vinyl in 2020—and it sold out almost instantly! Matsubara’s music has become one of the defining voices of Japanese city pop, a genre blending jazz, soft rock, and funk.

Hearing her smooth vocals and melancholy lyrics paired with a jazzy, upbeat tempo captivated me from the start. I was born in 1972, and many American songs from my youth carry the weight of difficult memories—moments of loss, heartache, or strained relationships. For instance, hearing certain tracks can take me back to the long car rides with my parents during a particularly turbulent time in their marriage, or to those quiet evenings when I felt isolated as a teenager navigating my own struggles. Some songs became the soundtrack to heartbreaks or anxieties I wasn’t ready to face, and revisiting them now brings back those emotions too vividly. It's not just the music itself, but the way it’s forever linked to specific people, places, and feelings that makes it hard to enjoy.

But with Matsubara—and other Japanese city pop artists from the '80s—I get to experience the best elements of that musical era, free from the emotional baggage of my past. The sound feels nostalgic, yet new, offering a way to create fresh memories infused with the essence of another time. It’s been such a revelation!

I’ve gone deep into the world of Japanese '80s city pop, exploring YouTube compilations that introduced me to artists I’d never have found otherwise. My favorite song so far is "Rainy Walk" by Tatsuro Yamashita. It’s on this compilation (Timestamp 14:59). Originally released on his 1979 album Moonglow, the track wasn’t available anywhere online. After some research, I discovered that CDs are still huge in Japan, and Yamashita hasn’t licensed his music on streaming platforms to preserve CD sales (except for this music video for “Sparkle” that came out last year). Naturally, I ordered the CD from Japan—and then I bought a CD player. I’m so glad I did! The album is a playful mix of jazz, funk, and other eclectic styles, fused 

into irresistible pop. And as if by fate, the track that follows "Rainy Walk" on the album is called "Storm"!

Some other artists I’ve become obsessed with include Tomoko Aran, Shigeru Suzuki, Takako Mamiya, Anri, and of course, Mariya Takeuchi—whose iconic song "Plastic Love" became an instant favorite. To my surprise, I also learned that she married Tatsuro Yamashita!

I’ve tried to link as many of these artists as possible—here’s another compilation--check them out and let me know what you think!

As I write this, rain is pouring down outside, washing away the scent of freshly cut grass from yesterday and clearing my poor, beleaguered sinuses. I love rainy days, and I’ve realized that many Japanese city pop songs revolve around the rain, both literally and as a symbol of emotional release. No wonder the music resonates with me! Water has such a beautiful way of helping us release stagnant energy, cleanse, and renew. Rainy days are perfect for reflection—once I finish this email, I plan to brew some tea and pull a few Tarot cards.

Speaking of readings, if you'd like one, click here to schedule with me.

Stay tuned for more—I’ll be sharing another obsession of mine soon, along with an exciting new way to work with me!

Until next time!

Magickally Yours, ~Storm Arcana⚡

P.S. Here’s a fun article on City Pop if you wanna dig deeper!