Japanese Shoegaze
Photo by Brandon Hoogenboom on Unsplash
Who doesn’t love dreamy, neo-psychedelic guitar riffs? At Pick Store, our in-store playlist is a mix of downtempo, trip-hop, indie, and everything in between. Shoegaze fits perfectly in this blend, so we’ve taken a closer look at the Japanese shoegaze scene
Bands such as My Bloody Valentine, along with proto-shoegaze influences like The Beach Boys' 1970s single "All I Wanna Do", played a huge role in shaping Japanese shoegaze. This movement, which became global in the late 1980s and early 1990s, originally emerged in the UK.
The genre is characterised by its ethereal soundscapes, dreamy vocals and heavily layered distorted guitars, with a blend of introspective and melancholic tones. While shoegaze made a decline in popularity in the West during the mid-90s, it found a devoted following in Japan, where it has evolved and flourished over the years.
Shoegaze first reached Japan in the late 1980s and early 1990s, influenced by the global wave of alternative rock. Various British bands were instrumental in shaping the genre's sound and had a significant influence on Japanese musicians. The Japanese underground music scene quickly absorbed these sounds and so surgance of shoegaze began.
The 1990s saw the emergence of the first wave of Japanese shoegaze bands. One of the most prominent early acts was Citrus, whose music reflected the lush soundscapes and dreamy atmospheres of classic shoegaze. Another notable band from this era was Coaltar of the Deepers, a group that mixed shoegaze with elements of metal, electronica, and other genres, creating a unique blend that set them apart. Their 1994 album "The Visitors From Deepspace" became a landmark release in the Japanese shoegaze world.
In the early 2000s, shoegaze saw a resurgence in Japan, thanks to a global revival of interest in the genre. The internet played a significant role in this revival, allowing Japanese fans and musicians to connect with international shoegaze communities. Blogs and online forums dedicated to shoegaze helped spread awareness of both classic and emerging shoegaze bands.
In recent years, Japanese shoegaze has continued to thrive, with a new generation of bands coming through and pushing the genre forward. The annual Japan Shoegazer Festival, which began in 2011, has been instrumental in bringing together shoegaze bands from across the country and promoting the genre to a wider audience.
Japanese shoegaze has carved out its own identity, distinct yet deeply connected to the global shoegaze movement. The genre's ability to blend dreamy, atmospheric sounds with a uniquely Japanese approach to melody and mood has given rise to a diverse scene. From the early pioneers in the 1990s to the modern-day bands, Japanese shoegaze continues to evolve, capturing the imagination of fans both in Japan and around the world.