The renowned Japanese musician and
singer-songwriter Kiyoharu made
strong statements in a recent interview, after concluding a tour with the band
Boris. His comments have resonated throughout the Japanese music industry and
have opened a debate about the true essence of rock and its
representation in current culture.
In the interview, Kiyoharu expressed his admiration
for Boris, a band that has brought their music to international stages for
years. He suggested that Boris should be the headlining band at the Fuji Rock
festival, representing Japan. This statement highlights his opinion on
the lack of recognition towards true talents in the Japanese music
scene .
Kiyoharu went on to criticize the way Japan
treats musicians , pointing out that the country tends to
value mediocre musicians more than those with true talent . For him,
this trend is leading to the decline of rock in Japan. Additionally, he noted
that rap has surpassed rock in popularity, reflecting a disconnect between
rock's authenticity and what the public perceives.
One of the most notable points of his criticism was
directed at the relationship between music and the anime industry. Kiyoharu
mentioned that some rock bands gain international fame because one of their
songs becomes a hit thanks to a popular anime. He criticized how these
bands use their success in anime to promote themselves as if they have an
established international fan base, calling this practice “really
unfortunate” and reflecting how the music scene works in Japan. Bands
gain recognition not for their genuine talent, but for their association with
popular entertainment products.
In conclusion, Kiyoharu stressed that the
essence of rock is being perceived as false by those who seek
authenticity in music. He noted that audiences can detect a lack of
authenticity in contemporary rock music. Kiyoharu's statements have
sparked intense debate in the music community , with many
wondering if these criticisms will lead to a change in the way music is valued
and promoted in Japan.
- « King
Gnu, huh? ».
- « Today's
rock bands lack attractiveness in the vocalist's voice .»
- " Silly
Japanese love popularity abroad ."
- « There
is no choice, since without deriving from anime songs, there is no success
abroad .»
- « I
thought they were saying more old-fashioned things, but they are actually
saying something very reasonable. The successes of anime songs are thanks
to the power of anime. Artists are overrated because of anime, but they
are confused about it. Who would have thought we would get to this point ."
- " Is
brave. Saying this now makes young people criticize him out of envy .
- « The
problem is that this person does not realize that the illusion of the
“authentic” is disappearing. He should stay alone in the “town of the
authentic” ».
- " Not
just rock bands ."
- " Almost
everything he sells are anime songs ."
- " Nowadays,
anime songs are the main battlefield ."
- « The
focus of anime has changed, now they think about international
distribution from the beginning .»
- « I've
heard that even when they do concerts abroad, most of the attendees are
Japanese. "Festivals and concerts abroad are very influenced by anime ."
- « Is
this comment from this year? It is shocking ".
- « Even
outside of anime songs, animated music videos are attracting more
attention. It seems that the combination of animation and song is becoming
more and more important ».
Source: RollingStone Japan