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Japan votes on the musical act they most want to see in Olympic opening ceremony

82 Comments

With the Olympic Games slated to return to Tokyo in 2020, a lot of prep work needs to be done. And as facilities are being planned and developed there’s also the difficult task of providing entertainment, particularly in the opening ceremony. China’s powerful and impressive ceremony raised the bar for what’s expected of a country in terms of presenting their culture in a fun and meaningful way.

To get the ball rolling, the Japanese Olympic Committee held a survey asking everyone which musicians they would most like to see appear at the opening ceremony. A total of 143,394 people responded and the following top 20 artists were recently announced.

1 – Southern All Stars (8,939 votes)

2 – Arashi (7,482 votes)

3 – Exile (6,820 votes)

4 – SMAP (5,956 votes)

5 – Yuzu (3,760 votes)

6 – Dreams Come True (3,167 votes)

7 – AKB48 (3,057 votes)

8 – Hikaru Utada (2,952 votes)

9 – B’z (2,840 votes)

10 – Akiko Wada (2,336 votes)

11 – Misia (2,240 votes)

12 – Mr. Children (2,146 votes)

13 – Saori Yuki (2,114 votes)

14 – Masafumi Akikawa (2,063 votes)

15 – Masaharo Fukuyama (2,015 votes)

16 – Saburo Kitajima (2,010 votes)

17 – Keisuke Kuwata (1,944 votes)

18 – Ikimono Gakari (1,888 votes)

19 – Kiyoshi Hikawa (1,876 votes)

20 – Namie Amuro (1,814 votes)

Naturally with a ranking of this nature, readers’ reactions were mixed. Some expressed surprise at the first place choice saying “Southern [All Stars] are still alive?” Others went after the various idols and pop acts on the list with comments like “AKB and Arashi? Seriously stop. Especially AKB, we’d be an international laughing stock.” and “If we’re including idols, vocaloids and anime songs should also be included.”

Commenters need not worry, however. These results simply express who members of the public want to see at the opening ceremony and may not be what we’ll see on stage in seven years, especially with AKB48 who probably will have become a completely different group of girls in such a stretch of time.

It seems a little early to be choosing a representative band given the rate that music changes, but it’s good to see the JOC getting to work and testing the waters.

Source: Japanese Olympic Committee via My Game News Flash

Read more stories from RocketNews24. -- Watch the Opening Minutes of Evangelion 3.0 & Official Utada Hikaru Music Video
-- Number of Members in Japanese Music Groups Proportional to Level of Sucking -- Survey to Find Japan’s 50 Favorite Western Musical Acts

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82 Comments
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PLEASE no AKB...It would be so embarrassing to show off a bunch of talentless teens lip syncing to their silly teeny bopper songs. It may work for the Japanese audience, but not for the international crowd.

DCT, Utada, Southern All Stars, and Amuro are decently talented and have an established international following, so they'd be better choices IMO.

7 ( +11 / -4 )

Looks like folks are already confusing the Olympic ceremony with the New Year's Eve Red/White singing contest. One thing is for sure, no matter how popular they are you do not want to put one of those uber "only in Asia" boy-bands like Exile, SMAP, Arashi, etc. The world will laugh. It does not translate well to Western audiences. Same goes for Enka singers. The enka singers listed above have more talent than the aforementioned boy-bands but again, no cross-over appeal. Looks like Southern All Stars is a safe bet, along with maybe a cute singer for some eye-candy. Otherwise, save the idols and circus acts for New Years.

10 ( +12 / -2 )

BKA 48 all the way!

Seriously, why not Sakamoto, Ryuichi?

6 ( +9 / -3 )

Hikaru Utada or Spitz.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

Southern All Stars are awful. Them, B'z, Yuzu and Mr. Children shouldn't be let anywhere near the Olympics. All their songs sound the same too.

Wada Akiko?!?! Jesus, some people are dumb.

Also, any enka should be disregarded as the garbage it is. Again, all the songs sound the same.

Amuro or AKB.

AKB may be crap, but at least they put on a show.

-17 ( +8 / -24 )

Bit early isn't it. Half these pop acts have temporary shelf lives and will be forgotten by 2020.

14 ( +16 / -2 )

Jesus what crawled up you keester probie? May not be your cup of tea, but it certainly not as bad as you make it out to be. At least those "crap artists" can hold a note, unlike a certain girl unit used for titillating middle aged men. I think it speaks volumes about you if you reckon everything sounds the same

4 ( +10 / -6 )

This is an international ceremony, it's not a Japanese ceremony. Get an act that has universal appeal not just pre teen appeal. I vote for a Honda powered robot!

5 ( +8 / -3 )

I think that the emperor should pretend to arrive by Gundam, mobile suit.

17 ( +19 / -2 )

Should be based on singing ability. Please choose Dreams Come True or Hirahara Ayaka. I, for one, would like to see at least one enka singer as it represents Japanese "folk" music

1 ( +3 / -2 )

I'm surprised X Japan wasn't on the list

4 ( +5 / -1 )

This is an international ceremony, it's not a Japanese ceremony. Get an act that has universal appeal not just pre teen appeal. I vote for a Honda powered robot!

As much as I don't care for Japanese pop acts, it's not really an international ceremony, all previous host countries have used their own talents.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

The Queen raised the bar for the "Royalty arrives at the Olympic Venue" act. I wonder what will the Emperor do to top this?

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Wow, no suprise on Japan Today the amount of AKB haters having to voice their opinion. They at least put on a show and let us not forget, are a rather huge part of Japan's otaku culture, something that is uniquely Japanese. Meh. My top five and please haters, have your fun with it:

Perfume. I can't think of a group who is more deserving. They are humble, from Hiroshima, and put out super great catchy music courtesy of Yasutaka. And they are my favorite group of all time. I'll be there Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at the Tokyo Dome to watch them this year! Utada Hikaru. She needs no explanation. She's perfect for this. Namie Amuro. The girl can SING! Kumi Koda: Well...sort of debated putting her on this list but again, she actually can sing and her songs, whether you like it or not, are part of the Japanese musical culture. Yes, I know that same argument can be made for Exile or SMAP, but she wins out for me every time. Probably cuz I'm a dude I guess. AKB48. Yeah, don't care what you say. They are fun and are a nice slice of strange idol culture that somehow survived all the ups and downs they've had. I see them still going very strong by the time the Olympics come around. And I love them as people, fake or not. HONORABLE MENTION: KPP, but I can't see her being around by then for some reason. She always looks like she's one step away from killing herself since she never seems really happy. Ok, again, this is MY list...I welcome all other lists as well. Please be nice to me :)
-12 ( +4 / -16 )

Hiromi Go! Achi chi achi....yeah baby! Everyone internationally can connect to that tune! Thank you for your thumbs up in advance!

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Misia would also be a good act for the olympics. Although, she doesn't have quite the international recognition, she can sing, and she not a media whore like SMAP, AKB, and Exile. Very humble and concentrates on her talent. I personally think that the prerequisite should be that the candidate should be able sing WELL in English and Japanese which will narrow the field down considerably. (DCT, Misia, and Utada, and I would even submit Yuki Koyanagi and Jero (if you want to go the Enka route while keeping some international appeal to it).

All of the other acts are just too domestic, and would be ridiculed or misunderstood by other countries. AKB shouldn't even be up for consideration, because they are ridiculous!

1 ( +3 / -2 )

I seez Akiko Wada made the top 10! And Namie barely made the cut at #20!

Hey, what about Cyndi Lauper?!

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Christ, this is going to be so embarrassing. The sad thing is that many people here don't even know how embarrassing it would be when the rest of the world are looking at 'performances' from Johnny Junior and AKB types.

Mirai Hayashi:

Misia would also be a good act for the olympics. Although, she doesn't have quite the international recognition, she can sing,

Agreed. She CAN sing, unlike some of the others. I remember her song for the last Japanese winter Olympics.

djv124:

Perfume. I can't think of a group who is more deserving.

You have got to be kidding!!!!! On second thoughts, I can't wait for them to sing LIVE!!! Tee hee hee. They're going to have to sing live, otherwise everyone is going to kick up a big fuss, judging from the past games.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

I'll admit I'm not well versed on Japanese artists, but I'd have thought Mizuki Nana would be up there. She seems to have about a hundred albums out, and what I've heard of her work is simply amazing. But I guess there's a reason she's not on the list, even if I'm not aware of it now.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Perfume. I can't think of a group who is more deserving.

Pssst. I've got news for you, and sorry for shedding some light on your fantasy world, but Perfume can't sing. 99.9% of the noise coming out of their mouths are electronically "enhanced". You may as well have nominated Kyari Pamyu Pamyu because she probably using the same auto tuning device that Perfume uses to "enhance" her voice, hence they sound EXACTLY the same.

You have got to be kidding!!!!! On second thoughts, I can't wait for them to sing LIVE!!!

Totally agree. I thing the second prerequisite should be that they sing A Capella. That should drop the field of choices down even more.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

djv124:

AKB48...I love them as people

lolol

But seriously - while garbage bands like AKB certainly do represent a portion of the Japanese music scene (unfortunately), the Olympics have no responsibility to represent all aspects of a country's music culture, so I don't understand the arguments regarding the need to represent otaku culture. Focus on quality, not what sells to the people who like shiny things.

6 ( +7 / -1 )

7 years from now hopefully most of these bands will be forgotten

3 ( +5 / -2 )

What no Dir & Grey or Maximum the hormone? :(

1 ( +1 / -0 )

7 years from now hopefully most of these bands will be forgotten

That's a good measuring stick for quality. The bands/ singers that existed 10 years are likely to exist at the time of the Tokyo Olympics. AKB will certainly not exist, because most of their current fan base would probably have moved on (like they did with similar girl bands like Onyanko Club and Morning Musume fans did). Whereas Southern All Stars, DCT, Amuro have been around for decades now, and have a die hard and established following.

. Focus on quality, not what sells to the people who like shiny things.

Well, unfortunately a lot of Japanese people like shiny things, rather than real talent. This is why REAL talented artists like Misia are hardly recognized whereas AKB is consistently in the top 10-20.

AKB48...I love them as people

LOL...How could you love them "as people". Do you even know any of them personally? This is precisely the problem with this type of girl group marketing. They give you the impression that these girls are so pure and saving the virginity just for you, but they are just marketing pawns just trying to appeal to your simplistic minds so that they can make money off of you. As a unit, they are NOT people, they are a money making machine. You do not know them well enough as individuals to "like them as people."

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Especially AKB, we’d be an international laughing stock.”

You cannot dull a rusted blade.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

YES to

1 – Southern All Stars (8,939 votes) 8 – Hikaru Utada (2,952 votes) 12 – Mr. Children (2,146 votes) 18 – Ikimono Gakari (1,888 votes)

NO to

9 – B’z (2,840 votes) 15 – Masaharo Fukuyama (2,015 votes) 20 – Namie Amuro (1,814 votes)

HELLLLLL no to

2 – Arashi (7,482 votes) 3 – Exile (6,820 votes) 4 – SMAP (5,956 votes) 5 – Yuzu (3,760 votes) 6 – Dreams Come True (3,167 votes) 7 – AKB48 (3,057 votes) 10 – Akiko Wada (2,336 votes) 11 – Misia (2,240 votes) 13 – Saori Yuki (2,114 votes) 14 – Masafumi Akikawa (2,063 votes) 16 – Saburo Kitajima (2,010 votes) 17 – Keisuke Kuwata (1,944 votes) 19 – Kiyoshi Hikawa (1,876 votes)

Anyway its surely gonna be disappointing

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

If AKB48 played Japan wouldn't be taken seriously ever again, it would be embarrassing.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

How about Mt.Fuji, cherry blossom, sumo wrestlers, kimono dressed AKB48 and Inka singers with some robot dancers.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

@Bgood - Inka singers?

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

Tokyo Ska Paradise!

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Exile is probably the best bet. They display a sort of Jpop martial group togetherness that many Japanese can relate to; sort of like the flag waving we see at baseball and soccer matches in Japan. Their costumes look like somebody dressed them then tried to rip their clothes off; might not go down so well with Japans image, but I put my money on them.

-5 ( +1 / -6 )

Exile is a freak show and circus. Japan already has reputation for having a very obscure culture, don't need the likes of Exile to confirm it.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Please, oh please choose someone with actual talent!! NOT a "talento"!!!

3 ( +5 / -2 )

Yikes. Shiina Ringo will be about 40 in 2020 but she has more talent than almost all of the other names mentioned combined - and doesn't get a mention?

Putting manufactured J-pop on stage at the Olympics is the worst thing Japan could possibly do. I don't remember seeing the Chinese turn out some teenybopper idols for their opening ceremony?

The UK has been a leader in pop music so they have the right ... but Japan? It'd be better to wheel out some soccer playing robots or something, something which is Japan is more generally good at. J-pop is not going to leave a big impression on history methinks...

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Hopefully World Order will stil be around. Music is OK, the performaces are great - unique!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-qhj3sJ5qs

2 ( +2 / -0 )

I really hope to see some cool, uniquely Japanese music. I'd love to see the Yoshida Brothers at the opening ceremony.

Yoshiki and Sakamoto Ryuichi would be great too.

7 ( +8 / -1 )

hatsune miku

4 ( +4 / -0 )

Give me 'Perfume'!! Three classy ladies as cute as buttons!

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Yoshida Brothers

Good call! Talented artists with traditional instruments, on which they can play just about any genre of music. I've seen them live a few times (in the U.S., no less; they get around), and they seem to have the chops.

I wouldn't be surprised at all to see them there, even if they're cast as accompanists.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

Anyone but bloody Arashi or SMAP

Talentless...

3 ( +4 / -1 )

SOmeone mentioned WOrld Order. fantastic choice good man. :)

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Utada Hikaru by all means!

By 2020,akb will be out of trend...pop out of scene,just like morning musume!

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Japanese icons Hello Kitty and Godzilla are a must.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

@papiguilio (11:08a) Interesting comment ! Yes to the Southern All Stars (#1), but hell no to their leader Kuwata Keisuke, (#17) Huh ?

4 ( +4 / -0 )

@kurobune: Sorry dont know each of the members name.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Nothing wrong with a fun little PR survey to stay in the news, but if this is a serious attempt by Japanese Olympic Committee to get started, they'll just repeat the same mistake most Japanese companies make. Instead at looking at Japan from a rest of the world perspective, they start to looking inside Japan. The average non-Japanese has no idea about the Jimusho and Tarento stuff. But if I were in charge, I would just ask Kudo Kankuro to script the opening and lean back. Bet it would turn out weird and cool.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

I think "Superfly" should be put on the list as well. She is one of my favorites here, and I actually buy her music. She has great ballads, an awesome Rock Sound, and a terrific voice in a Live Show.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRSQp1IPiGk&list=PL908892D5703D0DB3&index=10

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbsgAg75p0c&list=PL908892D5703D0DB3

1 ( +1 / -0 )

To all those who said Perfume can't sing, actually they can...there are tons of clips online of them singing and their voices are just fine. It's Yasutaka's choice to digitalize them. And sure they can't sing like some of the other amazing artists being considered in this poll, but they represent so much of what Japan is to the outside world. How many times has EXILE or SMAP toured Europe? How many songs does SMAP or EXILE have on American made movie soundtracks? I think Perfume has them beat there, if memory serves me right. They have at least tried to connect to the outside world and as such, their ambassador spirit would be welcome in the Olympics. As for AKB, same deal...they are everywhere...just saw Yuko and Haruna in a blurred line video with Robin Thicke himself...they have a world stage presence. In that sense, they deserve to be considered like anyone else on that list. As for me saying I like them as people, DUH I don't know any of them personally. But what I mean is that their personalities, whether contrived or not, seem to suggest they have some layers to them. The same argument about not knowing an artist but liking them for who you see them as in their live performances and appearances can be made for all these artists. None of you know these artists personally. And my God, why does everyone HATE AKB so much?? They are fun and are all about making people smile and let us not forget, hugely responsible for gigantic chunks of Japan's economy by driving billions of dollars in merchandise and concert revenue sales these past few years. I feel like those who hate on them here would be super happy with seeing a tribe of enka singers to represent musical acts for Japan. Nobody knows any enka singers outside of Japan, but I'm willing to be a TON of people know who Perfume and AKB are! Perhaps the best idea would be to blend both the otaku with the traditional at the Olympics..show the best of both worlds. And perhaps some of the future world....let us get Hatsune Miku up there...she performed in America. When was the last time Southern All Stars were in the US?

1 ( +4 / -3 )

perfume's current technologically enhanced performances already look like they're happening in 2020....

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Please PLEASE please!!! Don't judge a book by its cover! I am not a big fan of the middle aged boy band Exile but they do make good songs. This song alone best suits any sports event. Please watch!!!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJuKoSTkkAg

papigiulioOCT. 15, 2013 - 11:08AM JST YES to 1 – Southern All Stars (8,939 votes) 8 – Hikaru Utada (2,952 votes) 12 – Mr. Children (2,146 votes) 18 – Ikimono Gakari (1,888 votes) NO to 9 – B’z (2,840 votes) 15 – Masaharo Fukuyama (2,015 votes) 20 – Namie Amuro (1,814 votes) HELLLLLL no to 2 – Arashi (7,482 votes) 3 – Exile (6,820 votes) 4 – SMAP (5,956 votes) 5 – Yuzu (3,760 votes) 6 – Dreams Come True (3,167 votes) 7 – AKB48 (3,057 votes) 10 – Akiko Wada (2,336 votes) 11 – Misia (2,240 votes) 13 – Saori Yuki (2,114 votes) 14 – Masafumi Akikawa (2,063 votes) 16 – Saburo Kitajima (2,010 votes) 17 – Keisuke Kuwata (1,944 votes) 19 – Kiyoshi Hikawa (1,876 votes) Anyway its surely gonna be disappointing

Wow! I am pretty sure you are not quite that familiar with those artist. B'z has fans abroad for your info! They make good rock songs. Ex. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbARGFSthws. Dreams come true does pretty inspiring song too. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfIlutKXeAU. Misia is also good. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYo5alIaUOk

Vernie JefferiesOCT. 15, 2013 - 07:05PM JST I think "Superfly" should be put on the list as well. She is one of my favorites here, and I actually buy her music. She has great ballads, an awesome Rock Sound, and a terrific voice in a Live Show. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRSQp1IPiGk&list=PL908892D5703D0DB3&index=10 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbsgAg75p0c&list=PL908892D5703D0DB3

Agree!! Superfly is superb. They deserve to perform on the event.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gG7evVU0OdA

Aside from Utada Hikaru, Dreams Come True, Bz, Misia, Ikinogakari and Namie Amuro. I'd like to see the following:

AI http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCKCRv1d_-s

Anna Tsuchiyahttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2Z2n8ipA7k

Ayaka http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMIc7FX5aPY

Daichihttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmaIefEd3qg

Honey L Days http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inOJgHzlkSo

Lecca http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2z7RnbqmSU

FLOW http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryFXPqwiKLg

Thelma Aoyama http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sSo36ndslqM

Miyavi http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuX8RWko1Bc

UVERworld http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r88VODDcaEs

Girl Next Door http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=he2G8FbqGtc

..and many too mention powerful inspirational artists. All they need is to compose just ONE theme song for the Olympics and have them sang by all of the selected artist. Good luck to all.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

I'm not surprised by the list, but my preferences are inclined towards Utada Hikaru and Fukuyama Masaharu, both can sing very well and are good artist Believe or not I would also put an idol group but one with talent, not necessarily AKB48 since there are many of them and sister groups (there should be like 100 "singers"?) but regrettably "the idol" is part of Japanese culture just as are otakus, lolitas and anime. And the mascot of course will be Totoro!

1 ( +1 / -0 )

YOSHIKI !!!

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Sorry many typos.

China’s powerful and impressive ceremony raised the bar for what’s expected of a country in terms of presenting their culture in a fun and meaningful way.

They can't beat China! China overworked and overtrained its performers just to give a good show, sacrificing human rights. But Japan has a chance. They can make robots to perform, instead of actual people.I'm sure ASIMO and HRP-4c can.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcZJqiUrbnI

2 ( +3 / -1 )

@Mirai Hiyashi,

I was being a bit sarcastic- Exile do look like a bunch of something on crack but they have quite the following. Their dance style appeals to many Japanese because its martial and includes the group with lots of frantic, jerky movements and paramilitary fashion. There is lots of flag waving momentum going on as well. Made in Japan.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

At least part of the opening ceremony could include Sakamoto Ryuichi's theme song from Merry Xmas Mr. Lawrence.

A bit old but still a classic and very powerful bit of music.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

That is one terrible list. One thing Japan should't do when the world is watching/listening is display the embarrassment that is J-POP...

I would like to see Yellow Magic Orchestra, maybe some jazz artists like Hiromi Uehara and Saori Yano. Also, a J-Fusion extravaganza featuring Casiopea and T-Square would be nice... :)

0 ( +2 / -2 )

This list is mostly based on who is hot now or legends, 7 years later, these artists will still probably be relevant due to their talents-

1 – Southern All Stars/Keisuke Kuwata (8,939 votes) 5 – Yuzu (3,760 votes) 6 – Dreams Come True (3,167 votes) 9 – B’z (2,840 votes) 12 – Mr. Children (2,146 votes) 14 – Masafumi Akikawa (2,063 votes) 15 – Masaharo Fukuyama (2,015 votes) 18 – Ikimono Gakari (1,888 votes) 19 – Kiyoshi Hikawa (1,876 votes) 20 – Namie Amuro (1,814 votes)

Alive or dead?

10 – Akiko Wada (2,336 votes) 13 – Saori Yuki (2,114 votes) 16 – Saburo Kitajima (2,010 votes)

Will be too old for the music they do now-

3 – Exile (6,820 votes) 20 – Namie Amuro (1,814 votes)

Not huge like they used to be unless a huge comeback is in the works within the next 7 years-

8 – Hikaru Utada (2,952 votes) 11 – Misia (2,240 votes)

Popularity they have now will be long gone-

2 – Arashi (7,482 votes) 4 – SMAP (5,956 votes) 7 – AKB48 (3,057 votes)
-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Wow

That is one terrible list. One thing Japan should't do when the world is watching/listening is display the embarrassment that is J-POP...

Jpop is broader than what many people think. I don't know why people are now relating Jpop "as whole" with AKB48/cutesy girl groups. Long before BaKA48 members were even babies, Jpop was giving the world entertainment. Thanks to ANIME. Yes, Anime songs were one of the major factors why Jpop is recognized worldwide up until now. Also JPOP is no longer just POP like may people think. It's a genre of genres. Some rock,ballad, jazz ,hip-hop etc songs are considered Jpop.

I also want:

Jasmine http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvBTfUnxxO0

MiChi http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WpQ29Z8GWI

Mika Nakashima http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHLJ51Ne3L8

Naomi Tamura http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPbIcE3ZsbI

Ken Hirai http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpkdhPCplEs

Beni http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICAFRkw-CSA

Iconiq http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfnyUmTWhws

on that list.

By the way Masaharo Fukuyama is my favorite JPOP artist. His song "Hatsukoi" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=saODyEMxkcc gave me so much inspiration.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

IF, and I'm not saying that you MUST,you compare UK and Japan, UK chose their most famous ambassador to music, in the shape of the lead singer (one of them) of the band that shaped a lot of modern music - i.e. Paul McCartney. Is there any one or any band in the same league? Put aside for one moment if you like him/them or not, just try to list any Japanese band that has had significant global exposure, and any influence on music direction. YMO is the best I can think of, and actually, not a bad choice - are they available for the opening ceremony?

0 ( +1 / -1 )

No Arashi or AKB. Lord Benten, hear my prayer.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Hmm...who would I want the world to see? X Japan, or at least Yoshiki, he is a national treasure and already has composed world-famous songs. Hikawa Kiyoshi he is enka, a huge player in the genre, but still somewhat young and hip. Morning Musume, they have been the national girl idol group for 15 years, before AKB, and they keep reinventing themselves, the girls work super-hard and are talented to boot. Current lineup, or if you like, a huge reunion. Amuro Namie, I am actually not a fan myself, but she has been around longer than Ayu and her singing and dancing is superb, and she doesn't overdo it like certain other aging female popstars (::cough:: Madonna) Yazawa Eikichi, he has a cult fan following like SAS but is more of a showman, could get an international crowd on its feet no problem.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

I have nothing invested in who performs but I'd love to see Kaori Kobayashi anywhere.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I agree with whoever said "Hatsune Miku". At least she and her friends are uniquely Japanese. And since she now can speak English, that would be something most of the other can't do.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

How many times has EXILE or SMAP toured Europe? How many songs does SMAP or EXILE have on American made movie soundtracks?

You're joking right? They have to actually turn off the mic on some of the members because they are so off key and sound so awful. Just because they have many albums and have toured around the world, doesn't mean that they have any sort of talent. It just means that they have good marketing and good promoters PERIOD. And if you look at the people who attend their concerts in Europe, they are mostly Japanese tourists and expats, not Europeans, so let's keep it real here. Your are confusing good marketing with talent, which often times don't go hand in hand. You can be totally untalented and yet sell out tickets if you are attractive and have good promoters behind you.

Nobody is saying that these teenie bopper groups shouldn't be on stage (well some of them shouldn't), what we're saying is that they shouldn't represent Japan's best face on an international stage. You should get the best of the best; true talent with true international recognition. Someone who would make the audience say, "wow, that person can sing" instead of "what a freak show"...and the likes of AKB, Perfume, and Exile aren't the people to do it.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

X JAPAN!!!

1 ( +3 / -2 )

If you want a dunce to keep everyone laughing while the earthquake is taking place, get Shinzo Abe, the best renowned stand-up comic of the century.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Maybe by the time the Olympics roll around Japan will have it's own version of Psy, someone who has made a name for themselves internationally. Unfortunately there are not any Japanese singers that have made it internationally. I'm not a fan of enka, but would think at least one song would be appropriate to showcase the Japanese culture. If I had my pick of current day artists I would say spitz, love psychedelico, or every little thing.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Not a fan of it, but what about Kyari Pamyu Pamyu, or what ever the thing's name is. Accordiing to different articles, it has a world-wide following of fans and followrs.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

@Devil - Although I don't really like her music, she has a style and originality that really does exemplify art here. I'd think she would do a good job as she is very 'visual'!

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Unfortunately there are not any Japanese singers that have made it internationally.

Obviously you don't follow music otherwise you would know that there have been plenty of Japanese singers and composers who have varying degrees of success internationally.

Ever heard of Ryuichi Sakamoto? He's composed songs for Michael Jackson, David Bowie, and Madonna -among other superstars. He also composed music for the Opening Ceremonies for the 1992 Olympics.

Ever heard of Keisuke Kuwata? His song "Itoshi no Eri" was covered by Ray Charles.

DCT, Hikaru Utada, Puffy have had an international presence and followers for years.

You think the song "Sukiyaki" is an American song? No its a Japanese song by Kyu Sakamoto that was covered by many popular artists.

So before you make a superfluous statement, you should check your facts.

but what about Kyari Pamyu Pamyu .....it has a world-wide following of fans and followrs

i don't know what articles you are reading but the pre-kindergarten age group doesn't count.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

@TheDevilsAssistant

As if JT was the be all tell all of music and entertainment. Whatever floats your boat ....

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

LoL! Poor loser?

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Kinki kids?

/runs

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Then again, read the posts. I never said it "floats my boat"

You asked what articles I've been reading...so I delivered. And, on top of that, on a site your on. You need more? Google works wonders.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

My money is that Yoshiki will be asked to created some sort of theme song to be used in the opening ceremony and not necessarily be a singer/performed.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Nujabes tribute, RIP

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Perfume is my choice. Anyway please nothing by Akimoto. He has his paws on things too much anyways.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

And how about Les Romanesques?

1 ( +1 / -0 )

I don't even know why they even bothered with the list. It's pretty much a done deal that Yuzu and Ikimono Gakari will get top dibs on writing the 2020 theme song and will headline any Opening Ceremony performance.

And as far as the AKB, Johnny's, and Exile tribe groups are concerned, I wouldn't mind some sort of massive 20 minute performance with the various groups performing together. I'm thinking of something like one of the joint special Kohaku performances. They did a Johnny's and AKB performance this last year right?

Talentless or not, those types of groups dominate the music industry in Japan (and Asia in general) and are a hugely popular cultural export.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

This survey outcome smells like they:

(a) fed people a predefined list of options they were allowed to vote for (multiple choice)

(b) excluded some of the results from the survey because they didn't like them

(c) invented all of the numbers without doing a survey at all

(d) all of the above

0 ( +0 / -0 )

OMG this is going to be embarrassing, please don't do any clown like performance..be standards and formal

0 ( +0 / -0 )

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