Yes. This is a post about pop.

[calixa]

I can't be the only person who finds it hilarious how Japanese popstars dance. I mean everybody sneers at popstars and their dancing, but you have to admit that it is usually somewhat pleasing to the eye; albeit in a trendy, Britney, consumerism sort of way

Comments

[bananamilk]

I completely love it, not gonna lie!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UrBIjOYSNU

[calixa]

OH MY GODDDD.

[bananamilk]

KANJANI8 > NEWS

[smartylibrarian]

OMG! I hadn't seen that GYM video before. That was very excellent. Yamapi is always dressed in too many clothes. Why?

One of the reasons I love Jpop is fabulous dancing. American pop stars used to dance, too. Some still do. NSync have some great dance moves.

[calixa]

The vest makes the whole outfit that much better, I think.

I'd like american pop so much more if they all danced like this, LOL.

[lalumena]

ahahahahaha...that is bizarre.

Japanese fashion has a rather unusual aesthetic too. I mean, obviously it's a little exaggerated here, but you see a similar idea in the Jap fashion magazines.

[calixa]

Yeah, that's true. Japanese culture on the whole seems very tightly isolated; kinda 'we'll do whatever the hell we want' and no amount of american influence can ever change that.

[lalumena]

I think that's cool, admirable even.

[scottishlass]

Oh I was gonna mention Kanjani8 ... their live concert outfits *shudders*
oh GYM ... I think of Golf and Mike as the spare Johnny's, somehow they always end up with one big name after the other for a song or two and then they are left to their own devices when their mission is accomplished.

As for the dancing ... it is hideous sometimes but you love them for it :) I mean hey, most of them can't even dance synchronized like some US boy bands out there, but in their non-synchronicity they are so dear and adorable :) If for nothing else, you can always count on how many times this guy or that one is either a beat too quick or too behind :) SMAP even managed to dance synchronized for half a song once - RECORD!!! Then Goro tripped, twirled and the synchronocity was out the window :)

Does anyone else have the feeling of Jackson5 other glam rock bands when you see these vids? Esp. the Angel vid by GYM?

[calixa]

Honestly I know next to nothing about jpop, I only know NewS and KAT-TUN from watching Nobuta wo Produce and seeing stuff on my flist. Do they always give themselves a new name when they perform with someone new? A lot of work, innit?

SMAP... I'm so scared to watch their music videos, Kimutaku must remain perfect in my heart. However your speak of potentially entertaining unsynchronized dancing is so very tempting...

[scottishlass]

I'm so scared to watch their music videosDon't be ... their early stuff is a bit scary when they were still under the full influence of JE but since 1997 they have very nice laid back vids and live performances with only Nakai and Shingo having bizarre costumes

[grey_fuzzy]

This is why I love jpop and Johnny's bands. It's supremely entertaining, but you're not just laughing at them, you're also kind falling in love with them. It's a very strange feeling xD. On top of what you've mentioned, let me add:

BACKFLIPS and Engrish. It makes a beautiful combination, frankly.

[calixa]

rofl, the engrish... I saw your post, but was too afraid to watch the vids. I will go now, I think I'm ready for anything after the GYM video...

[grey_fuzzy]

Whew, just watched the Fever to Future video. Um. Yes. My favorite part is going to have to be the intense... fire volleyball... with fros. AHEM.

[calixa]

Yes!! Me too! That, and Yamapi's outfit, so pimpin'