Japanese Kayokyoku
History
Origin Of "Kayokyoku"
The term “Kayokyoku” was first introduced by NHK radio around 1927, as an another name of “ryukoka” (meaning popular songs)
Yonanuki Scale
Kayokyoku in early years had Japanese-like musical scale, often expressed as “Yonanuki Scale”(five-note scale). The song "Ue Wo Muite Arukou", also known as "Sukiyaki" by Kyu Sakamoto is a good example of a song composed in yonanuki scale.
Mood Kayokyoku
Around 1957, a subgenre "Mood Kayokyoku" has been established. These were the songs with musical insipirations from the western music. (ex: Jazz, Latin, Blues, Hawaiian, etc...) The origin of this subgenre is said to be the Japanese bands that performed in front of the U.S. Army started answering the requests from their guests, which soon developed into moody danceable western tunes.
Typical mood kayokyoku chorus group, "Hiroshi Uchiyamada and the Cool Five"
Idol Kayokyoku
"Idol Kayokyoku", a.k.a "Idol Pop", was a subgenre that became explosively popular arond the 80's in Japan. The artists were either solo, or in a small group. Musical characteristics can be identical to mood kayokyoku, but often with more western pop, rock, dance music inspirations and fun chorus melody and lyrics which leaves a strong impression to the listeners.
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Some examples of highly successful 80's Idols.