If you’ve never listened to Asako Toki (土岐麻子) before, then I hope you’ll give her a music a try tonight. Of all the Japanese musicians I share here and with my friends, Toki is the one I’m most invested in getting people to listen to. After all, she is the 「シティ・ポップの女王」Queen of City Pop![footnote]I’m not making that up, I found at least one source calling her that so it must be true! But even without a source, she is my Queen of City Pop.[/footnote] Last year she released a ‘best of’ album that is a fantastic introduction to her impressive discography. It’s also a wonderful sample of her sound and musical point-of-view. I also think this quote, taken from her website, is a great description of her sound and whole vibe.

夜景のきらめきと、その灯りの一室のなかの孤独、そのコントラストが私にとっての現代の「シティ・ポップ」のようです。My rough translation of this is –> The glitter of the nightscape, and the loneliness inside a room illuminated by that light[footnote]This is my second time trying to translate this quote, and I think I’ve gotten a little closer to understanding the grammar structure here. The multiple modified nouns really confused me before![/footnote], that contrast is what present day City Pop feels like to me.

If that sounds at all interesting to you, please give her music a listen! Here’s one song to get you started.

Have a nice night/day! 👹