J-pop musicAuthor: Tim Craig
Published 2016, updated 2019.
Length: 10 pages (plus exhibits)

This case presents an overview of the Japanese music industry, the world’s second largest, including its unique characteristics, trends, and the challenges it faces from digitalization. The case looks in particular at Japanese-style “idols,” the young entertainers who dominate the country’s music charts and populate its TV music programs, variety shows, and dramas, and at the talent management companies that produce and manage them.

Japanese Pop Music and Idols provides background for and is designed to accompany the cases AKB48: The Making of a Pop Idol Juggernaut and Johnny & Associates: Japanese Pop Idol Producer Faces a Changing World.

Topics: Japanese music industry, Digitalization, Idols, Artist management companies

Individual cases from Cool Japan may be purchased from BlueSky Publishing for ¥400 or $4 each. For instructors wishing to use Cool Japan cases in their classes, student copies may be made from a master copy; copyright permissions must be purchased for each student in the class. To inquire or order, please contact: tcraig@blueskyacademic.net.