Japanese Kayokyoku
Cultural Influences
Domestic Influences
Gotouji Songs
Mostly seen in mood kayokyoku, the song title or the lyrics containing names of the places in Japan are called "Gotouji Songs（ご当地ソング）". Many of them were intended to add local colors to the song (ex. regional cultures, landscapes, etc...) so that the listeners can draw a picture in their head while listening to it. Some of the big fans of gotouji songs actually travel to the place mentioned in the songs. This action is called "Seichi Junrei（聖地巡礼）".
"Seto no Hanayome"('The bride of Seto') -Rumiko Koyanagi (1972)
"Blue Light Yokohama"- Ayumi Ishida (1968)
"Yurakucho de Aimashou"(Let's meet at Yurakucho') -Frank Nagai (1957)
"Soshite Kobe"('And off to Kobe') -Hiroshi Uchiyamada and The Cool Five (1972)
Banned Songs
While Kayokyoku was a significant part of entertainment during Showa era, there were some songs that were banned for a while.
"Yoitomake no Uta"(The song of Yoitomake) -Akihiro Miwa (1966)
Banned for a while on TV because the lyrics contained discriminatory word “Dokata（土方）”, meaning construction worker with low wage.
Yoitomake no Uta
Tokyo e Ikouyo
This song was banned to be broadcasted or to be sold. The reason was because the theme and the lyrics in the song may encourage the teenagers of that time to run away from home and head to Tokyo.(*Because Japan was at the period of rapid economic growth, many teenagers at that time were longing for life in Tokyo.)
"Tokyo e Ikouyo"('Let's head to Tokyo') -Fujio Maki (1955)
Influences Outside of Japan
Koi no Vacance
Some Japanese songs are also sung outside of Japan. Here is a video of Russian singers singing "Koi no Vacance", originally performed by the "The Peanuts" in Japan. This became one of the standard song in Russia, ever since it was introduced via russian radio back in 60's.
Ue o Muite Aruko (Sukiyaki)
"Ue o Muite Aruko", a song by Kyu Sakamoto, is the most famous Japanese song in the world.It was first time for a Japanese song to hit no.1 on Billboard chart.The original song title means "I look up when I walk", but the English title was changed to "Sukiyaki", since it was easier to say.(The song has nothing to do with the Japanese food, Sukiyaki.)