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!1I’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. 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 light2This 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!, 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! 👹