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[2026] From Japan to the World! A Collection of Classic City Pop Tracks in Western Music

If you’re a music lover, you’ve probably heard the term “city pop” somewhere.

We’ve also published articles on classic city pop albums on our site, but to put it simply, it’s a genre born mainly from the late 1970s to the 1980s by Japanese artists influenced by sophisticated, urban sounds like overseas AOR.

Since the 2010s, it has been rediscovered by music fans abroad and has become a boom.

The definition is somewhat vague, but in this article we highlight popular Western songs that convey the influence of this Japan-born “city pop.”

From famous tracks to hidden gems, enjoy the world of “Western City Pop”!

[2026] From Japan to the World! A Collection of Iconic City Pop Songs in Western Style (1–10)

Everybody’s Gonna Love SomebodyAlfie Templeman

Alfie Templeman – Everybody’s Gonna Love Somebody
Everybody’s Gonna Love SomebodyAlfie Templeman

Everybody’s Gonna Love Somebody by Alfie Templeman, a young talent from the UK, was released in 2021.

It’s impressive enough that he was only 18 at the time, but what I’d really like to highlight is that he openly professes his love for Japanese city pop, citing influences from artists like Makoto Matsushita and Kingo Hamada.

The vivid guitar and soulful saxophone catch the ear, and his impeccable sense for crafting an ’80s synth-pop vibe is simply breathtaking.

If you’re into singer-songwriters, be sure to give it a listen!

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AYAKODevin Morrison

Devin Morrison – AYAKO [MV]
AYAKODevin Morrison

Devin Morrison is an artist who lets the world of Western music feel the charm of city pop rediscovered by a new generation.

Hailing from Orlando, Florida, he captivates listeners with a unique sound known as “Dream Soul,” sprinkled with a sense of wonder.

His signature track “AYAKO,” released on December 18, 2018, revives the vibe of 1980s R&B for today.

Its romantic, sweet lyrics centered on basketball are said to be inspired by Japanese anime.

Morrison’s multifaceted career—starting with collaborations in Tokyo—shines through in his music, which is why his debut album “Bussin,” released in April 2019, has been praised worldwide.

Be sure to immerse yourself in this captivating world of Western-style city pop!

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Sushi In TokyoDVNA

Dana’s “Sushi In Tokyo” is a sweet track by a talented Australia-born artist that evokes classic city pop.

As her Japan debut single, its polished synth tones and melodic rhythm feel like an invitation to a pleasant drive.

Dana’s fresh, vibrant vocals further enhance the song’s appeal.

It delivers the tangy sweetness of youth and the joy of new discoveries, a sensation that seems to travel straight from your ears to your heart.

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Go HigherHYBS

HYBS – Go Higher (Official Video)
Go HigherHYBS

Hybs, the popular Thai R&B duo, deliver a truly dreamlike city-pop masterpiece with “Go Higher.” Since their sensational debut in 2022, this track has added new color to the music scene.

While drawing influence from Japanese city pop, Hybs project a charm all their own.

Set to a breezy R&B groove, the lyrics leave a striking impression by making you forget your worries.

Music fans are sure to feel a sense of a fresh start stirred by this song.

It invites listeners into a wonderland—so why not give their music a listen?

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Lover BoyPhum Viphurit

Phum Viphurit – Lover Boy [Official Video]
Lover BoyPhum Viphurit

Released in 2018 by Thai singer-songwriter Phum Viphurit, Lover Boy features a funky sound that evokes the pleasant waves of city pop.

It’s a love song that portrays the struggles and hopes of searching for love, blending an urban sensibility with a breezy beachside vibe.

Viphurit’s gentle vocals captivate listeners and won’t let go.

Even if you’re new to Asian pop, it’s sung in English, so you can enjoy it as Western pop—definitely give it a listen.

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